Online Lactation Counselor Training Course

Healthy Children Project is now offering the Lactation Counselor Training Course completely online for the first time ever.

While we still strongly believe that the experience of being together for the LCTC course has provided wonderful opportunities for meeting new friends and colleagues and networking, the changing times have propelled us to revisit the course delivery options.

Course Content and Format
The online course offers the same up-to-date, comprehensive, evidence-based content and strong focus on clinical counseling and assessment skills that are the hallmark of the in-person LCTC, but delivered in the safety and comfort of the home. The online LCTC is a self-paced online course presented in an engaging and energetic format through videos, self-check questions, and competency verification. The course should take 52 hours to complete (just like the in-person version), but participants have up to 6 months to complete it. Participants can stop and start throughout the course.

Office Hours
During the first few months, faculty are holding a twice-weekly virtual office hours to answer additional questions for online participants. Participants can email questions in advance or ask questions during the office hours in the chat feature of the program. In the absence of in-person learning, this feature replicates the value of hearing others’ questions. Each office hour section is logged and labeled by topic so that students can revisit and review the questions at their convenience.

Online CLC© Exam
A remotely-proctored CLC© exam is now available from the Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice. The exam lasts up to three hours and will require internet access and a computer with a functioning video camera/webcam and audio. Time slots are currently available Monday-Friday between 9am-5pm EST. To learn how to schedule your CLC exam after completing the eligibility requirements, please email info@alpp.org. For more information about the CLC Exam, please see www.alpp.org.

Technical Requirements
You will need a recent laptop or desktop computer running Windows 10, Linux or Mac OS. This course requires the use of a web browser. Only the current versions of Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge/Edge Chromium are supported. This course requires 5Mbps or more of internet download speed for videos and course resources to operate properly. You will also need the free Adobe Acrobat Reader DC to open PDF files. For more information about the technology requirements for the CLC Exam, please click here.

Download our Online Lactation Counselor Training Course Flyer for more information.

Register for the ONLINE LCTC

“I cannot say enough about this program. Faculty were incredibly informative, and each instructed with individual style and warmth. There was a great balance of science and counseling and I appreciate how these were divided up so thoughtfully. I loved how the instructors told stories about their own practices/experiences as this really helped eliminate the cold nature of online learning. At times, I felt I was right there with them!... taking in their wisdom in real time. I particularly enjoyed the 1B /2A segments, and have learned so much (I wish I knew when breastfeeding my baby 8ya). The office hours may have been the very best part, and I am so grateful these were done. THANK YOU!!!!! I couldn't be more pleased with having chosen this route.”

Maternal Infant Assessment for Breastfeeding and Human Lactation Course

The Maternal and Infant Assessment for Breastfeeding and Human Lactation Course (MINA) is now being offered online for your convenience!

The course utilizes a case study format to develop proficiency in the process of assessment and analysis of the breastfeeding dyad, and to differentiate optimal conditions from those that are sub-optimal, as well as summarize and document the assessment. Major topics covered in the course are optimal and sub-optimal breastfeeding-related anatomy of mother and infant, normal and abnormal development of the anatomy and physiology of the breastfeeding mother and baby, breastfeeding assessment tools, breastfeeding assessment and the lexicon of breastfeeding and human lactation.

The Maternal Infant Assessment course fills a prerequisite for the Advanced Issues in Lactation Practice course, which prepares professionals for the Advanced Lactation Consultant or Advanced Nurse Lactation Consultant certification, accredited by ALPP.

RNs: 31.25; RDs: 31.25; IBCLCs: 31.25L CERPs; College Credit Recommendations: 2 credits. Can be used towards CLC recertification.

For more information about course accreditation information, click here.

Format
The online MINA is a self-paced online course presented in the same engaging and energetic format as the online LCTC through videos and self-check questions. The course should take approximately 31.25 hours to complete (just like the in-person version), and participants have up to 3 months to complete it. Participants can stop and start throughout the course.

Technical Requirements
You will need a recent laptop or desktop computer running Windows 10, Linux or Mac OS. This course requires the use of a web browser. Only the current versions of Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge/Edge Chromium are supported. This course requires 5Mbps or more of internet download speed for videos and course resources to operate properly. You will also need the free Adobe Acrobat Reader DC to open PDF files.

Click here for required textbooks.

Register for the ONLINE Maternal & Infant Assessment Course

Continuing Education Modules

Through our sister company,  Health Education Associates, Healthy Children Project offers superb online continuing education options for registered nurses, lactation consultants, lactation counselors, and dietitians so you can learn at your own pace in the comfort of your own home.

The modules examine subjects within the framework of breastfeeding research and clinical practice, including the link between breastfeeding and reduction of diabetes, breastfeeding and IQ, donor milk and concerns about infant formula. Available selections include topics such as Ethics, International Policies and the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative, Best Practices in Hospital Settings, and many more. For more information about module accreditation information, click here.

The following self-study modules are available as a collection or separately:

  • The Association Between Breastfeeding, Higher IQ, and Better Visual Functioning
  • The Role of Donor Milk in the Reduction of Infant Mortality and Morbidity: A Child Survival Issue
  • Breastmilk and Diabetes: Understanding the Connection
  • Concerns About Infant Formula
  • The Economic Benefits of Breastfeeding

19 Contact Hours for RNs, 19 contact hours for CLCs and 19.0L CERPs for IBCLCs.  

Additional modules include:

  • International Policies and the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI)
  • Continuity of Care in Breastfeeding
  • Curriculum in Support of the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding
  • The Politics of Breastfeeding

Healthy Children Project also offers a line of educational DVDs for continuing education credit, including:

  • Latch 1,2,3: Troubleshooting Breastfeeding in the Early Weeks
  • Breastfeeding: Baby’s Choice
  • Skin-to-Skin in the First Hour After Birth: Practical Advice for Staff after
    Vaginal and Cesarean Birth
  • How to Milk by Hand How to Feed from a Cup

More Information

“I was extremely happy with this course, as it was taught in a way that was inclusive, free of bias, and with much knowledge. In addition, the evidence that was provided was exceptional. Though I was not able to do this course in person, the instructors created a course that was not only highly educational, but also enjoyable. Thank you again to all that made this course happen.”