Full course description
What you'll learn:
The Fundamentals of Human Lactation course is the first of three courses available through the ASU Academy of Lactation Programs. The course fulfills 45 hours of the 95 hours requirement of lactation-specific education eligibility criteria for Pathways 1 and 3 required to sit the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) examination. The curriculum aligns with 2018 Lactation Education Accreditation and Approval Review Committee (LEAARC) competencies and is approved as a lactation management course providing 45 hours towards the 95 hours of required didactic instruction.
Students gain a fundamental understanding of the maternal and infant anatomy and physiology as it relates to breastfeeding. The curriculum is designed using evidence-based best practices. Learning is supported with detailed images, case study videos, video lectures, and interactive learning activities to retain the students' interest, increase retention, and maximize preparation for the IBLCE exam.
Completion all 3 courses (Fundamentals of Human Lactation, Advanced Human Lactation, and Communication and Counseling for Lactation Consultants), available through the ASU Academy of Lactation Programs is equivalent to the 95 hours Lactation Education Program.
Fundamentals of Human Lactation is presented at a college level ability. Curriculum includes written and illustrated modules, video presentations, video scenarios, interactive learning opportunities, and textbook reading assignments. The course offers quizzes throughout which are modeled after the format of the IBLCE certification examination. Completion of program quizzes do not provide IBLCE certification. See the official IBLCE website for details related to requirements for certification.
The curriculum meets the Clinical Competencies for the Practice of International Board Certification Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs).
- Module 1: Breastfeeding as a public health initiative
- Module 2: Making milk - the science of milk production
- Module 3: Infant feeding development
- Module 4: Breastfeeding basics
- Module 5: Common situations - part 1
- Module 6: Common situations - part 2
What you will do:
The curriculum is presented via written and illustrated modules, video presentations, video scenarios, and textbook reading assignments. The program offers interactive learning opportunities and quizzes to help prepare learners for the IBLCE certification examination.
Who is this course designed for:
Those aspiring to become International Board Certified Lactation Consultants and those eager to add breastfeeding support to their professional practice.
What you will receive:
Once you have completed the course, you will receive a certificate of completion and 45 nursing education contact hours.
Required textbook -
- Lauwers, J. & Swisher, A. (2021). Counseling the nursing mother: A lactation consultant's guide (7th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Optional textbooks -
- Hale, T.W. (2019). Hale's medication & mother's milk. Springer Publishing Company.
- Wilson-Clay, B. & Hoover, K. (2017). The breastfeeding atlas (6th ed.). Lactnews Press
Meet the Director
Angela Lober, PhD, RNC-MNN, IBCLC
Dr. Angela Lober is an experienced educator and clinician. She has been an IBCLC since 2005, providing evidence-based care within an academic medical center and her community. Angela is the director of the Academy of Lactation Programs at Arizona State University and the Lactation Program Manager at Banner University Medical Center – Phoenix. She is currently the president of the Arizona Breastfeeding Coalition, serves on the editorial board of the journal Clinical Lactation, and serves on the Lactation Education Accreditation and Approval Review Committee (LEAARC) board of directors. Angela completed her PhD at ASU College of Nursing and Healthcare Innovation focusing on the breastfeeding complexities of late preterm infants. She is dedicated to assisting families achieve their breastfeeding goals. Angela is also committed to education and mentorship as a means of upholding and uplifting the lactation profession.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How do I learn more about becoming an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)?
For more information about scope of practice, clinical competencies, eligibility requirements and pathways to become an IBCLC go to https://iblce.org
If I complete this program successfully am I a certified lactation consultant?
No. Completion of this 45 hours of lactation-specific education meets only part of the requirements needed to become an IBCLC. See https://iblce.org
How is this course presented?
The course is completely online and self-paced. No in-person option is available. Students can advance through the content and return to previously read content for review. Students have access to online content for 12 months following registration and payment. Quizzes are completed through the online program modules and can be retaken to achieve a passing grade.
Are there expenses in addition to the registration fee?
Students are expected to purchase the textbook to complete the required readings. The text used for this course is an excellent resource for those working as a lactation professional.
Are scholarships being offered?
No scholarships are available at this time.
Are there group discounts?
Group discounts may be arranged through an organizational contract. Please contact the Program Director, Dr. Angela Lober to discuss options at firstname.lastname@example.org.
Is a payment plan available?
Will ASU Academy of Lactation Programs provide clinical training?
YES! Beginning March 2021, a clinical training program will be available.
Do you provide job placement assistance?