WIC Lactation Continuing Education

Related topic: Staff Breastfeeding Resources

On this page: USDA Breastfeeding Curriculum Trainings | Training & Meetings | On Demand Education | Advanced Education | IBCLC Certification

USDA Breastfeeding Curriculum Trainings

Local agencies can register for this year’s WIC Breastfeeding Curriculum Trainings:

• Level 1 and Level 2 Breastfeeding Curriculum is available now on MDH On Demand Learning.
• Level 3 (May) and Level 4 (September) - Live Virtual Training with Cathy Carothers Registration:  WIC Breastfeeding Curriculum Trainings 2023.

For more information refer to: WIC Lactation Continuing Education

Breastfeeding Curriculum Q and A - provides general guidance and information about the USDA WIC Breastfeeding Curriculum.

WIC Breastfeeding Curriculum - Topic of the Month (PDF)

WIC Breastfeeding Curriculum Trainings in 2023

The trainings will be held virtually.

Level 3

Level 4

Training Information: The Breastfeeding Curriculum is a skill-based, WIC-focused training designed to build competencies among WIC staff. The training consists of 4 levels, which include all staff in the WIC clinic from administrative support staff to Designated Breastfeeding Experts (DBE). Each level builds on the next to higher levels of learning.

The training clarifies staff roles and how staff at all levels work together to support breastfeeding in WIC. The Breastfeeding Curriculum replaces training such as Grow and Glow and Loving Support through Peer Counseling for new staff.

Training Level Information

CPAs - Level 3 (8 hours - 2 days total)

• CPA Breastfeeding Role: Assisting mothers with breastfeeding concerns, clinic practices that support breastfeeding. Must complete Levels 1 and 2 before starting Level 3.

DBEs - Level 4 (12 hours - 3 days total)

• DBE Breastfeeding Role: Assisting WIC mothers experiencing complex breastfeeding challenges that are beyond the scope of peer counselors and CPA staff. Must complete Levels 1, 2 and 3 before starting Level 4.

Trainer: All the 2023 training sessions will be hosted by the creator of the curriculum, Cathy Carothers of Every Mother, Inc.

Training Location: Live virtual training.

Self-Study for Level 1 and Level 2

To take Level 3 of the WIC Breastfeeding Curriculum, staff must first complete Level 1 and 2. Level 1 and Level 2 are available for self-study on the MDH Learning Center. These trainings are open to WIC staff.

Support staff, peer counselors, CPAs, and DBEs - Level 1 (4 hours)

• Support Staff Breastfeeding Role: Basic communication approaches, and how to support WIC mothers with breastfeeding.

Peer counselors, CPAs, and DBEs - Level 2 (12 hours)

• Peer Breastfeeding Role: Supporting normal breastfeeding, early practices to get breastfeeding off to a good start.

Continuing Education Credits

• Credits for RDs/DTRs are available now.
• For IBCLCs/LCs, credit will be available for those completing the course after January 9, 2023, for Level 1, and February 13, 2023, for Level 2.
• Nurses can claim the credits at any time using the information provided with the course.

Questions? Contact Rosie.Pierce-Martin@state.mn.us

Trainings & Meetings

Only training in MN and adjacent states is listed here. When possible, WIC makes their trainings available to others, but sometimes there are limits on attendance.

2023

Human Milk and Cannabis Series: Support Not Stigma: Supporting Families who have Relationship to Cannabis. Free. Continuing education credits provided. August 15, 2023 (Webinar). More information: MIBFN Michigan Breastfeeding Network Webinars.

Unique Perspectives in Lactation Management. Free. Continuing education credits provided. September 8, 2023. (In-person, Staples, MN). More information: https://www.powr.io/form-builder/i/36325304#page .

Breastfeeding and Cannabis Series Part 2: Traditional Practices in BIPOC communities. Free. Continuing education credits provided. September 19, 2023 (Webinar). More information: MIBFN Michigan Breastfeeding Network Webinars.

The Problematics of Formula Supplementation in the Hospital Setting. Free. Continuing education credits provided. October 17, 2023 (Webinar). More information: MIBFN Michigan Breastfeeding Network Webinars.

Formula Preparation in Light of the Ongoing Formula Crisis. Free. Continuing education credits provided. November 21, 2023 (Webinar). More information: MIBFN Michigan Breastfeeding Network Webinars.

Breastfeeding and Cannabis Series Part 3: Pharmacology. Free. Continuing education credits provided. December 19, 2023 (Webinar). More information: MIBFN Michigan Breastfeeding Network Webinars.

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On Demand Education

MIBFN Michigan Breastfeeding Network Webinars. Free. Continuing education credits provided. Webinars available for 12 months after the air date. For more information: Available Webinars.

BreastfeedLA Free and Lactation education programs and Webinars. Continuing education available.

Breastfeeding Human Medicine: Inter-professional Continuing Education online Module. University of Mississippi Medical Center Professional Education. Free course, $55.00 for 3.5 CEU. Available until March 21, 2023.

Springfield Urban League past satellite and webcast links and resources. Free lactation courses. Continuing education credits available for 2 years after viewing date.

San Diego County Breastfeeding Coalition Recorded Webinars Library. $25.00. CERPs available.

University of Albany School of Public Health. Supporting and Promoting Breastfeeding, Chest feeding and Lactation in Health Care Settings. Free. Four part webinar series available for on-demand viewing and offers continuing education credits for viewers until March 31, 2023.

University of Albany School of Public Health. Breastfeeding Grand Rounds. Free. On demand Breastfeeding Grand Rounds webcasts.

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Advanced Education

List of Breastfeeding Conferences by State

Evergreen Perinatal Education

Gold Lactation Offers online lactation conference and continuing education opportunities.

Lactation Education Resources

Lactation Education Consultants Certified lactation Specialist and Two-Day Cram Review Courses

M Health Fairview Professional Education in Breastfeeding and Lactation Click on Professional Education in Breastfeeding and Lactation to learn more.

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IBCLC Certification

International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners How to Become an IBCLC. Click on IBCLC certification tab to learn more.

Marie Biancuzzo IBCLE Exam & Exam Prep Resources

If you know of other lactation-related training opportunities in Minnesota or Border States, please send an e-mail to Rosie.Pierce-Martin@state.mn.us and include as much information as you can about date, location, topics, who to contact for more information, and a URL if available.

This information is provided to encourage WIC staff and others to develop their knowledge of lactation-related issues, for your convenience, and is not meant as an endorsement of any particular course or organization.

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