Infectious Diseases in the Lactating Individual

Infectious disease during lactation is traditionally one of the toughest IBCLC exam topics–and for good reason. With so many diseases, diagnostics, and treatments to consider, how can the lactation care professional know and recall every one? The answer: You can’t.

But this course offers something better: A systematic, step-by-step approach to follow any time you encounter a client who may have an infectious illness.

Sally Wineholt is a Family Physician and IBCLC. Treating lactating parents when they have an infection is a regular part of her job, and in this course, she teaches you her tried-and-true approach. Each step of Wineholt’s algorithm addresses the key foundational questions:

• Is it safe for the parent to continue direct feeding with this infection?
• Is it safe to continue providing milk
• Is the treatment or medication safe for lactation?
• What is the effect on milk supply and how can milk supply be protected?

You’ll join Wineholt as she demonstrates her algorithm via respiratory illnesses, viral gastrointestinal illnesses, and bacterial infections. She also addresses key infections that have particular implications for lactation (Hepatitis C, Hepatitis B, HIV, and COVID-19).

Through Wineholt’s clear, conversational lecture style, this course’s opportunities for hands-on learning (looking up medications, familiarizing yourself with key resources, puzzles, true-false challenges, and case studies) make this potentially tough topic interesting, memorable, and fun.