Australasian Lactation Courses

The courses are done entirely online and are self-paced, allowing for flexibility and providing adaptability to the needs and commitments of the individual. There are no assignment deadlines, and you have access for one year to complete the Full and Recertification courses, or one month to complete the individual Modules.

It can be accessed from your desktop computer, smartphone or tablet, anywhere you are able to access the internet. 

We see our aim to be that of supporting you in your learning, not in providing all the information for you but to encourage you to think critically about what you are reading and hearing from others.

The Full course consists of a series of 10 modules (120 hours in total) covering all key areas of breastfeeding and lactation knowledge and management as described in the IBCLE Detailed Content Outline.

1. Anatomy, Physiology & Endocrinology of Lactation: A Guide to Breastfeeding Fundamentals
2. Advanced Lactation Counselling for the Health Professional
3. Pregnancy and Birth: Building the Foundation for Successful Breastfeeding
4. Sociology and Psychology of Breastfeeding: Navigating Sociocultural Dynamics 
5. Breastfeeding and Infant Development in the First 12 months
6. Nutrition, Lifestyle & Immunology in Breastfeeding: Nurturing Health and Well-being
7. Maternal & Newborn Challenges in Breastfeeding: Exploring Pathology and Optimal Care
8. Pharmacology & Toxicology in Breastfeeding: Understanding Medications and Environmental Factors
9. Prematurity, Multiple Births & Technology: Managing Unique Breastfeeding Challenges
10. Research, Public Health, Ethics, and Legal Aspects of Lactation Consultation

We have provided reading lists for each Module that include chapter numbers from three currently available textbooks, plus links to required and suggested articles available online. 

You are required to have access to at least one current lactation-specific textbook - we recommend either:

Breastfeeding & Human Lactation, 6th edn, 2021, Wambach, K, & Spencer, B. (hardcover available here, or e-book available here)

OR

Core Curriculum for Interdisciplinary Lactation Care, 2nd edn, 2022, LEAARC & Spencer et al. (hardcover & e-book available here)

OR

Counselling the Nursing Mother 7th ed, by Lauwers & Swisher (hardcover available with a 35% discount here with our code LACTATION2023, or e-book available here)

Each Module is self-paced and comprises:

a reading list with links to augment your textbook;

a student Forum where you can discuss the Module content, interact with other students, and direct questions to the Module Facilitator

a Study Guide which you can download & work with offline;

an ungraded multiple choice Case Study quiz to help you identify your knowledge gaps;

and a graded, timed Practice Exam (80% pass mark, 3 attempts allowed, randomised questions)

You will receive a Certificate of Completion of each Module immediately upon successful completion of all of these assignments.

Registrations for the courses are accepted at any time during the year. Students have 12 months from registration to complete the Full and Recertification courses, and 1 month to complete individual Modules.