Course Description

BreastfeedLA’s Lactation Education Specialist course prepares community health workers, nurses, doulas, pediatricians, midwives, and others interested in working to promote health and wellness for families to become lactation educators. 

This 45-hour LEAARC approved course covers basic breastfeeding management such as the basic anatomy/physiology of lactation, positioning and latch, common breast/chestfeeding challenges, counseling skills, early postpartum management, alternative feeding methods, creating a prenatal breastfeeding class, local and global public health considerations and more. 

Upon completion of the course, graduates may use the title “Certificated Lactation Educator Specialist” (CLES). This designation is valid for 5 years from the date the certificate is issued.

Objectives

  • Examine breast/chestfeeding within the broader context of systemic and structural factors contributing to infant feeding disparities.
  • Identify common barriers to establishing lactation and apply evidence-based strategies to overcome them.
  • Demonstrate foundational lactation management skills.
  • Analyze the causes of common lactation challenges and implement effective solutions.
  • Explain newborn behavior and development in relation to infant feeding.
  • Develop the skills to educate pregnant and lactating individuals about breast/chestfeeding in both group and one-on-one settings, including leading prenatal breastfeeding classes.
  • Strengthen counseling skills to provide culturally responsive, sensitive, and inclusive lactation support for parents and families.


Course Schedule

May 28 - July 16

This is a 8-week online class incorporating weekly live lecture (via Zoom) and self-paced, self-study modules full of engaging, evidence-based, culturally informed content. Live lectures are held weekly on Wednesdays from 5:30pm - 7:30pm PST.


What Makes Our Course Different

It is the position of BreastfeedLA that breast/chestfeeding must be addressed as not solely an individual choice, but an expression of culture. Therefore, our Lactation Education Specialist and Lactation Consultant Education courses, like all our programming, are committed to recognizing and celebrating diversity, inclusion, and equity; and grounded by the guiding principle of cultural awareness and relevancy. BreastfeedLA’s Lactation Education program is proudly taught by women of color Lactation Consultants within a framework of reproductive justice. Our curriculum is culturally responsive, intentionally inclusive, and tailored to the specific needs of our diverse communities.

Did you know?

  • Breast/chestfeeding Saves Lives

    The World Health Organization estimates that increasing our breast/chestfeeding rates to near universal levels could save nearly 800,000 infants annually. As a Lactation Educator YOU are on the front lines of reducing infant mortality in your community.

  • You Are Needed

    Breast/chestfeeding rates are lowest in marginalized communities. According to USLCA, under 10% of lactation providers in the United States are Black, Indigenous, or people of color (BIPOC). Even fewer self-identify as non-binary. What does that mean? We need lactation providers from diverse backgrounds with a commitment to social justice and providing exemplary care to better serve our communities. Whether you belong to a traditionally marginalized community or share in a commitment to breaking down structural barriers for marginalized people, we need you.

  • In High Demand

    Whether you are already working with new families or looking to change careers, having a certificate as a Lactation Educator shows you have specialized knowledge in supporting breast/chestfeeding making you more marketable, able to charge more, or possibly even eligible for a salary increase.

You are a change maker.

Don't you feel it's time to match your skill with your passion?

Get started now

Prerequisites

Lactation Education Specialist Course prerequisites include:

  • High school diploma or GED

  • A passion for elevating breast/chestfeeding as a public health strategy to improve disparities in health outcomes

  • The commitment to yourself and your community that you can do this!

Instructor

Instructor, PsyD, MPH, IBCLC, PMH-C, CHES Tamika Simpson

Tamika has a doctorate in clinical psychology and has a Master’s degree in public health. She is also a board certified lactation consultant, certified health education specialist as well as a perinatal mental health specialist. She currently works in the tech field supporting the reproductive journey for families and also teaches public health and psychology courses for a local college. She is a mother of 3 boys ages 15, 10, and 6, all of which were breastfed.

FAQ

  • How is BreastfeedLA’s course different from other programs?

    BreastfeedingLA’s Lactation Education program is committed to recognizing and celebrating diversity, inclusion, and equity; and grounded by the guiding principle of cultural awareness and relevancy. BreastfeedLA’s Lactation Education program is proudly taught by women of color Lactation Consultants within a framework of reproductive justice. Our curriculum is culturally responsive, intentionally inclusive, and tailored to the specific needs of our diverse communities. If that doesn’t make us different, good! We hope this becomes the standard for lactation education across the United States.

  • Do you offer scholarships?

    Our scholarships are made possible through the generosity of our donors and community partners and are dependent on available funding. To learn more about current scholarship opportunities, we encourage you to sign up for our newsletter. Any available scholarships will always be announced in our regular mailings.

  • What is your refund policy?

    We have a no-refund policy, which includes courses and webinars purchased without applying the discount code.

  • If I get off the waitlist for Santiago Canyon College, can I get a refund?

    No, refunds are not available if you choose to register through Santiago Canyon College after purchasing this course from us.

  • What happens if I can’t make it to one of the scheduled class times?

    BreastfeedLA strives to meet the needs of all our students. If you have a conflict with a scheduled class time, please work with your instructor directly to find a solution. We take pride in offering quality education and expect all course requirements are met prior to issuing your certificate, however we also know life happens. Some of our students need more time than others; that is why you have up to one calendar year from the start of your Thinkific class to finish all your course requirements. It is our goal to help you reach your goals. Please note that courses provided through Santiago Canyon College have stricter attendance and participation requirements and must be completed within the 8 week course. Please see our Policies & Disclosures for more detailed information on missed classes and course payment.

  • What credentials can I use after I receive my certificate?

    After you successfully complete your Lactation Education Specialist course, you can use the credentials CLES (Certificated Lactation Education Specialist). This lactation educator designation is equivalent to other 45hr lactation educator credentials such as CLC/CLEC/CLE. After you complete your Lactation Consultant Education course and before you successfully pass the IBCLC exam, you should still use the credential CLES.

  • Does my certificate expire?

    Yes. Lactation Education Specialist (CLES) certificates expire five (5) years from the date of issue. To renew your certificate, you must complete an 8-hour refresher course and submit documentation of an additional 37 hours of lactation-specific education completed within the five-year period. BreastfeedLA is developing a refresher course that will be available later this year. Renewal requests can be sent to [email protected].

  • What jobs can I get after receiving my certificate as a Lactation Educator?

    Lactation educators are an integral part of the healthcare team working alongside doctors, midwives, and dieticians in many settings in our community including hospitals, community clinics, home visiting agencies, and more. While lactation educators do not provide hands-on breastfeeding support without supervision, the scope of practice for a lactation educator does position the individual to provide prenatal breastfeeding education to groups and individuals, facilitate breastfeeding support groups, and to advocate for breastfeeding in the community and the public realm. BreastfeedLA does not provide job placement assistance however graduates of the LES program have successfully found employment in positions as home visitors, parent coaches, peer counselors, nutrition assistants, and lactation educators in hospitals and other community settings in their community.

Continuing Education

BreastfeedLA is an approved provider by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider #CEP 16435. This course offers 54 contact hours in continuing education. Licensees must retain their certificate for a period of four years.