PCC Lactation Management in the 21st Century

This is the first term (45 hrs) of a two-term (90 hrs) course that is designed for health care professionals who want to improve their lactation skills, or for students who want to become lactation consultants. Taking the entire 90 hr course over two terms meets the lactation training requirement needed for the IBLCE Lactation Consultant exam in 2012 or later.

This 90 hr course includes eight in-person all day classes (60 hrs) held at the PCC CLIMB Center in Portland, 12 hrs of online distance learning classes, plus 18 or more hours of activities and homework assignments that must be completed outside of class. Online distance learning classes will be recorded sessions that can be attended at the student’s convenience as long as the related assignments are completed by the specified due dates. In addition, live online Question and Answer sessions with the course instructors will be available but not required.

The topics covered in this 90 hr course include:

History of breastfeeding and Public Health Issues
Maternal and Infant Anatomy, Physiology, Endocrinology, and Pathology
Nutrition and Biochemistry
Immunology and Infectious Disease
Pharmacology and Toxicology
Psychology, Sociology, and Anthropology
Infant and Child Growth and Development
Interpretation of Research
Ethical and Legal Issues
Breastfeeding Equipment and Technology
Communication and Counseling Skills
History Taking, Assessment, and Problem-solving Skills
Management of Maternal and Infant Breastfeeding Challenges
Resources for lactation professionals and for breastfeeding families

Required Text: Lauwers and Swisher, Counseling the Nursing Mother: A Lactation Consultant’s Guide, 5th edition, available at the PCC Sylvania Campus bookstore: 971-722-8119.

For more information go to:
http://www.pcc.edu/climb/health/lactation/