Basics of Lactation Management for Doulas

Designed specifically for doulas and birth workers, these lessons prepare you to provide lactation-related doula care before, during, and after birth. We start from the ground up and build a solid foundation, so this course is perfect even if you have little experience or training as a breastfeeding counselor.

Taught by expert instructors with more than 25 years of teaching and clinical experience, this course meets the requirements for lactation support training required by DONA and many other doula certification organizations.

You’ll learn through our instructors’ clear, engaging teaching styles, videos illustrating key concepts and clinical details, and thought questions and case studies where you can practice your new knowledge. Our instructors base their teaching on the latest scientific research and on their wealth of lived experience supporting diverse lactating families — perhaps your greatest learning resource.

Included in the course:

Assuring Breastfeeding Success. This course explains the 12 most critical actions that can be taken to promote lactation success, starting in labor and delivery and extending past discharge. Covers how to accomplish early, frequent feeds; establish abundant milk supply; work with instead of against infants’ instincts; promote safe skin-to-skin; pre-empt the most common medical reasons for formula supplementation; assist with baby-led latching; and much more. Taught by Angela Love-Zaranka BA, IBCLC, RLC, FILCA.
Continuity of Care. Research shows that what happens at discharge can make or break breastfeeding or chestfeeding duration. Learn how to partner with your community to provide each family with an individualized, actionable plan for successfully navigating the transition from birthplace to home. Taught by Sekeita Lewis Johnson, DNP, FNP-BC, IBCLC.
Supporting Families with Breastfeeding. This multi-section course is a comprehensive guide to providing lactation support. The course begins with a deep dive into position and latch, providing the skills and knowledge you need to confidently assess both and provide help. It continues with thorough treatment of the most common problems encountered during lactation, including separation of parent and infant, delayed lactogenesis, hypoglycemia, special concerns of late preterm infants, nipple pain, jaundice, weight loss, and engorgement. Taught by Angela Love-Zaranka BA, IBCLC, RLC, FILCA, and Dalaney Young BS-MCH, IBCLC.
When Medical Supplementation is Necessary. Supplementation carries very real risks for health and breastfeeding outcomes. This course covers essential information on how to avoid unnecessary supplementation and determine when supplementation is medically necessary, as well as how to supplement safely and in a way that supports the parents’ breastfeeding success. Taught by Angela Love-Zaranka BA, IBCLC, RLC, FILCA.