Program Description

Specialize your skills in breastfeeding support!

Designed for hospital and community health care professionals or those who will support breastfeeding mothers, this series of courses will help you gain up-to-date knowledge and skills in breastfeeding support and awareness of current issues in lactation. This program is for individuals seeking certification as a Lactation Consultant with the IBCLC, not for general information on breastfeeding.

With an emphasis on physiology, critical appraisal, evidence based practice, research and management of breastfeeding dyad and family, you will learn how to overcome common challenges and utilize best practices in breastfeeding.

Lactation Education, Accreditation and Approval Review Committee, LEAARC, logoApproved by the international Lactation Education, Accreditation and Approval Review Committee (LEAARC), this series of courses meets International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) curriculum standards required for eligibility to write the IBLC examination. An Acknowledgement of Completion outlining courses, course hours, and LEAARC approval is available to students who successfully complete all theory courses in the program.

Continuing Education students usually complete this program within two years.

Courses in this program cost approximately $305 each.

Additional Details

Admission and Registration

You do not need to apply to begin this program. Simply ensure you meet the requirements listed on the Admission Requirements webpage prior to registering.

Learning Outcomes

Program learning outcomes outline what graduates need to know, and be able to do, after they complete a program.

  • Use specialized knowledge and skills to provide safe, competent care to breastfeeding dyad and families.
  • Discuss the psychosocial, cultural, ethical, and political influences on breastfeeding as a choice.
  • Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate care in both normal and complex breastfeeding situations.
  • Update and expand scientific knowledge using a variety of resources and learning opportunities.
  • Utilize critical thinking skills in examining breastfeeding practice issues.
  • Implement and promote evidence-based nursing practice through research utilization.
  • Promote family-centered care for breastfeeding dyad and families.
  • Utilize principles of health education, adult learning, and the teaching-learning process to meet the learning needs of breastfeeding dyad and families.

Opportunities

Career Opportunities

Prepare to write the International Board of Lactation Consultants Examination (opens in new window) to become a certified lactation consultant. This specialization increases your potential to find employment working in some capacity with the breastfeeding dyad and families.

For more details on related occupations, job market information and career opportunities, visit the Government of Canada Job Bank (opens in new window).

Next Steps

Additional Information

Frequently Asked Questions

College Resources

Program Contact

Continuing Education
Health, Nursing and Community Studies
Email Us
1-844-767-6871

Completion Requirement

3 Course(s)

young mother with a baby resting beside her

 

This program of studies applies to students starting the program in the current academic year. Students who began in other academic years may require different courses to be eligible to graduate. If you have questions regarding a strategy for completion email the Program Contact listed at the bottom of this page.

Click on the course names to view current availability.

A selection of courses will be offered each term. Visit our course schedule page for a tentative list of future offerings.

Courses in this program must be taken one at a time, in order. All theory courses must be completed prior to registering for the optional Clinical Experience.

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