Breastfeeding Support Course

Lesson 1 • Hormonal Control of Lactation

Explains roles of prolactin, oxytocin, and feedback inhibitor of lactation. Links hormonal mechanisms to clinical observations of milk supply.

Lesson 2 • Stages of Milk Production

Distinguishes colostrum, transitional milk, and mature milk by composition and timing. Prepares students to counsel families on normal milk changes.

Lesson 3 • Breast Anatomy and Structure

Covers glandular tissue, ducts, nipple-areolar complex, and vascular supply. Establishes anatomical vocabulary used throughout the course.

Lesson 1 • Positioning Techniques for Mother and Infant

Teaches cradle, cross-cradle, football, and laid-back holds with biomechanical rationale. Correct positioning reduces nipple trauma and improves milk transfer.

Lesson 2 • Monitoring Infant Intake and Growth

Uses weight trends, diaper output, and feeding behaviour to assess adequate milk transfer. Integrates growth monitoring into routine breastfeeding support visits.

Lesson 3 • Feeding Frequency and Infant Hunger Cues

Identifies early, mid, and late hunger cues and evidence-based feeding frequency guidelines. Families who recognise cues feed more responsively and maintain supply.

Lesson 4 • Skin-to-Skin Contact and Early Initiation

Examines evidence for immediate skin-to-skin contact and its effect on breastfeeding outcomes. Sets the clinical rationale for early initiation protocols.

Lesson 1 • Oversupply and Forceful Letdown

Describes hyperlactation syndrome, its impact on infant feeding, and management strategies. Balances reducing supply without triggering mastitis or abrupt weaning.

Lesson 2 • Low Milk Supply: Assessment and Support

Distinguishes perceived from actual low supply and identifies primary and secondary causes. Targeted interventions address root causes rather than symptoms alone.

Lesson 3 • Mastitis and Breast Abscess

Covers clinical presentation, differential diagnosis, and management of mastitis and abscess. Students recognise when antibiotic therapy or surgical referral is warranted.

Lesson 4 • Engorgement and Blocked Ducts

Explains pathophysiology of engorgement and ductal blockage and evidence-based relief strategies. Prompt management prevents progression to mastitis.

Lesson 1 • Multiple Births and Tandem Nursing

Provides strategies for establishing and maintaining supply for twins, triplets, and tandem nursing. Simultaneous feeding techniques improve efficiency and reduce maternal fatigue.

Lesson 2 • Maternal Medical Conditions

Reviews breastfeeding management for diabetes, thyroid disorders, and breast surgery history. Medical conditions require individualised supply monitoring and care planning.

Lesson 3 • Breastfeeding After Breast Surgery

Examines how augmentation, reduction, and biopsy procedures affect milk production and transfer. Preoperative counselling and postoperative monitoring improve breastfeeding success.

Lesson 4 • Infants with Oral Anatomical Variations

Covers ankyloglossia, cleft lip and palate, and high-arched palate and their effects on latch. Students coordinate with specialists to optimise feeding outcomes.

Lesson 1 • Herbal Supplements and Galactagogues

Critically evaluates evidence for common herbal galactagogues and their safety profiles. Many supplements lack rigorous trials; students apply a risk-benefit framework.

Lesson 2 • Environmental Contaminants in Breast Milk

Addresses persistent organic pollutants, heavy metals, and dietary contaminants in human milk. Benefits of breastfeeding generally outweigh contaminant risks in most settings.

Lesson 3 • Alcohol, Caffeine, and Recreational Substances

Quantifies infant exposure from alcohol, caffeine, cannabis, and tobacco through breast milk. Harm-reduction counselling supports continued breastfeeding where possible.

Lesson 4 • Pharmacokinetics of Drugs in Breast Milk

Explains how drug properties determine transfer into milk and infant exposure. Understanding pharmacokinetics enables rational risk-benefit analysis for any medication.

Lesson 1 • Hand Expression Techniques

Teaches the Marmet technique and other hand expression methods for colostrum and mature milk. Hand expression is a foundational skill requiring no equipment and available universally.

Lesson 2 • Maximising Pumping Output

Applies hands-on pumping, relaxation strategies, and pumping schedules to optimise yield. Psychological and physiological factors both influence pumping effectiveness.

Lesson 3 • Breast Pump Selection and Use

Compares single and double electric, manual, and hospital-grade pumps by clinical indication. Correct flange fit and pump settings directly affect output and nipple comfort.

Lesson 4 • Alternative Feeding Methods

Covers cup, spoon, syringe, finger, and supplemental nursing system feeding as alternatives to bottles. Method selection depends on infant age, clinical need, and breastfeeding goals.

Lesson 1 • Documentation and Interprofessional Collaboration

Covers SOAP note writing, electronic health record use, and communication with the healthcare team. Clear documentation ensures continuity and supports medico-legal accountability.

Lesson 2 • Communication and Counseling Skills

Builds motivational interviewing, active listening, and non-directive counselling skills for lactation support. Communication style directly affects family confidence and adherence.

Lesson 3 • Clinical Decision-Making and Care Planning

Applies problem-solving frameworks to develop prioritised, measurable breastfeeding care plans. Plans integrate clinical findings, family goals, and available resources.

Lesson 4 • Ethics, Scope of Practice, and Referral

Defines ethical principles, professional boundaries, and criteria for interdisciplinary referral. Practising within scope protects clients and maintains professional integrity.

Lesson 1 • Return to Work and Pumping at Work

Prepares families for workplace pumping logistics, legal protections, and supply maintenance strategies. Planning before return to work significantly reduces early weaning.

Lesson 2 • Outpatient and Community Follow-Up

Structures follow-up visits at 3–5 days, 2 weeks, and 1 month to catch emerging problems early. Continuity of care is the strongest predictor of breastfeeding duration.

Lesson 3 • Hospital and Immediate Postpartum Support

Outlines evidence-based hospital practices that protect breastfeeding in the first 48 hours. Rooming-in, avoidance of unnecessary supplementation, and skilled support are critical.

Lesson 4 • Prenatal Breastfeeding Education

Identifies key prenatal education topics and optimal timing for antenatal breastfeeding classes. Early education increases initiation rates and maternal confidence.