Professional Education in Breastfeeding

I had the privilege of attending Barbara Robertson’s Professional Education in Breastfeeding course and wow, did I enjoy it! Living two and one-half hours away, some might think it would make more sense to complete the breastfeeding requirement locally. But after attending your Introduction to Childbirth for Doulas and DONA Birth Doula Workshop, I knew I wanted to take the breastfeeding class with Center for the Childbearing Year. I really appreciated the thoroughness of the information you taught us, the confidence and strong knowledge you had of the subject matter, and the outstanding quality of the workshops. Barbara really did a wonderful job … she presented everything in a way that was very easy to understand, something which was quite helpful to me, seeing as I have never had a baby. So, thank you to both of you for all the work you put into presenting these great educational programs. I have been very blessed by them! — Allison

With Barbara Robertson, MA, IBCLC

2013 Schedule & Fees

Part I

Saturday, 12:30–5pm

  • July 13 (ERD 6/22)
  • November 9 (ERD 10/19)

Fee $85; $75 if paid in full by the Early Registration Date (ERD) listed.

REGISTER NOW

Part II

Saturday, 1:30-6pm

  • July 20 (ERD 6/22)

Part I may be taken as a stand-alone class, but it is a pre-requisite for Part II.

Fee for both Parts I & II is $150; $130 if paid in full by the Early Registration Date (ERD) listed above.

REGISTER NOW

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Course Description

Part I

If you haven’t taken this dynamic, cutting-edge workshop, then you are really missing out! Learn the very latest in evidenced-based breastfeeding support from an expert lactation consultant and breastfeeding educator. This class will enhance the ability of doulas, L&D nurses, and other professionals to assist their breastfeeding clients in the early days postpartum. You will learn the counseling skills necessary to assess and correct breastfeeding problems.

Part I can be taken as a stand-alone class and it fulfills both the breastfeeding training pre-requisite for DONA postpartum doula training and a certification requirement for both DONA Birth and Postpartum Doulas. Topics include:

  • breast anatomy and physiology
  • importance of skin-to-skin contact
  • newborn self attachment at the breast
  • a new view of positions and latch-on
  • getting off to the best start
  • common problems and their solutions overview

Part II

Join us for a DONA Postpartum Doula Training in progress. This class is the breastfeeding training component of the postpartum doula training weekend. If you are signing up for the doula training, you do not need to sign up separately for this class. Part I must be taken before Part II as this section will build on material presented in Part I. Topics include:

  •  presentation of basic breastfeeding education topics
  • basic principles including positioning, latch, signs baby is getting enough milk or not getting enough milk
  • in-depth consideration of common problems including engorgement, sore nipples, plugged duct, mastitis, thrush, low milk supply, over-active letdown reflex, breastfeeding the sleepy baby, tongue tie, jaundice, and colic
  • when to make a referral
  • expression and storage of breast milk (demonstration, hands-on)
  • alternative feeding methods (demonstration, hands-on)
  • effective communication techniques for breastfeeding professionals
  • special needs including premature babies, babies with Down’s Syndrome, and babies with cleft lips and cleft palates
  • visit from breastfeeding mom and baby (hands-on support demonstration)

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What do our students have to say about training at the Center?

“Thank you for your enlightened approach to educating doulas on breastfeeding and feeding babies in general. Your humor, intelligence, and energy made the subject even more interesting.” — Valerie Mangual

“I feel more confident working with breastfeeding women, and will be a better observer and problem solver.” — Class Participant

“Barbara was so energetic and devoted to breastfeeding that it made me motivated to learn as much as possible. I wish every doula was trained by her and every mother received her care.” — Class Participant

“Loved, loved, loved it. Super informative.” — Cameron Shaw

“You have such a way of teaching, it makes something not so simple, very simple, Thank you.” — Sara Pratt

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