Course Description
This on-line course is designed for graduate students and also for undergraduate students who have clinical experience working with breastfeeding mothers and infants. This course is accredited by the International Education Accreditation Council on behalf of the International Lactation Consultant Association. About 250 students worldwide have taken this course.
The course provides an in-depth focus on the anatomical and physiological basis of lactation and breastfeeding. Factors that impact maintenance of health during lactation and clinical decisions for disease prevention are explored using evidence-based criterion. Course addresses preparation for lactation consultant certification. Students work on case studies, participate in on-line discussions and take a final examination via the Internet. N720 meets the IBLCE requirements for ethics content.
Classes are held every semester and start in late August (Fall semester) and late January (Spring semester). This course uses Blackboard as the program software and content is updated every semester. Students have access to online articles in full text from Birth, JOGNN, and other well known journals through the University library. Please contact Dr. Nancy Powers for further information nancy.powers@wichita.edu.
Course Objectives
- Review fundamental anatomic, biologic, and physiologic concepts of lactation and breastfeeding.
- Describe epidemiologic trends, historical events and promotion programs related to breastfeeding and lactation.
- Promote and maintain healthy lifestyles for the breastfeeding dyad within a family system.
- Apply clinical decisions and teaching for selected health problems in the lactating woman and breastfed infant based upon knowledge of physiologic processes.
- Analyze evolving roles and ethical dilemmas for health care providers in advanced practice as a lactation consultant.
- Prepare for the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiner Examination.