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Breastfeeding Curriculum

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The overall goal of this program is to help students develop the skills and confidence to assist and advise breastfeeding infants and their mothers. This course will detail the relevant anatomy, physiology, and common problems related to lactation and infant breastfeeding. Students will learn how to assess infant weight gain, milk transfer, and appropriate latch, and manage medical problems that can arise in the context of lactation.

The curriculum is designed to be completed primarily through self-study with experiential components. Learners are expected to engage in active learning practices throughout the course. Students should read all content for understanding, take notes, review, and self-assess their knowledge as they go. The program is organized into the tracks outlined below, depending on the level of expertise you wish to gain.

Requirements:

  1. Complete the pre-test.
  2. Complete 20 hours of the core curriculum (www.BFconsortium.org)
  3. Complete 10 hours of clinical experience with breastfeeding mothers.
  4. Must score at least 70% on the post-test after completion of the core curriculum.

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The CHKD Breastfeeding Medicine Curriculum can be used to meet the requirements to become an IBCLC (International Boarded Certified Lactation Consultant).

Requirements:

  1. Must successfully complete all components of Track 1.
  2. Complete 90 cumulative hours of academic education in human lactation and breastfeeding.
  3. Complete 1000 cumulative hours of clinical experience.

NOTE: As Track 2 requires more time, this can be completed during your 3-year residency program.  If you are interested in sitting for the IBCLC exam, please contact me (Natasha.Sriraman@CHKD.org) so we can discuss logistics to meet the pre-requisites before graduation.

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REMEMBER: Even though pediatricians may not traditionally see themselves as having a physician-patient relationship with adult women, they can serve as advocates to ensure adequate support systems for breastfeeding mothers, especially since we may be the only health care provider to see the mother in those first few weeks after delivery. Remember that communicating with mothers and families that breastfeeding is a medical priority that is enthusiastically recommended by their pediatrician will build support and encourage our moms.

"If breastfeeding did not already exist, someone who invented it today would deserve a dual Nobel Prize in medicine and economics. For while “breast is best” for lifelong health, it is also excellent economics. Breastfeeding is a child's first inoculation against death, disease, and poverty, but also their most enduring investment in physical, cognitive, and social capacity." ~Lancet, 2016

To register or for more information, please contact:

Patricia Chapman - Program Manager (Patricia.Chapman@CHKD.ORG)
Haree Pallera - Program Coordinator (HareeKhrisna.Pallera@CHKD.ORG)

Department of Pediatrics
Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters
601 Children's Lane
Norfolk, VA 23507-9982
(757) 668-7272

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