Contact Info
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 the WIC Breastfeeding Curriculum Trainings:
Self-Study options:
All levels of the WIC Breastfeeding Curriculum are available for self-study on the MDH Learning Center. These trainings are open to Minnesota WIC staff exclusively.
- Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, and Level 4 Breastfeeding Curriculum is available on the MDH On Demand Learning.
- Live virtual trainings available
- Sessions are half-day from 8am-12pm
- Registration closed
- Free for WIC staff and open to community partners
2025 Level 4 In-Person Skills Days
Must complete a half day of online training before the skills day.
- Option 1:
July 10, virtual session 12pm- 4pm
July 21, in-person DBE skills day in Marshall, MN- Time: 9am-5pm CST
- Location: Marshall, MN
- Option 2:
July 11, virtual session 8:30am-12:30pm
July 23, in-person DBE skills day in Duluth, MN- Time: 9am-5pm CST
- Location: Duluth, MN
- Option 1:
- Registration coming soon
- MN WIC Level 4 Skills Day Agenda (PDF)
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
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. Must complete level 2 before starting Level 2.
CPAs, and DBEs - Level 3 (8 hours)
- 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)
- 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.
Continuing Education Credits
- Credits for RDs/DTRs.
- For IBCLCs/LCs.
- Nurses can claim the credits at any time using the information provided with the course.
Breastfeeding Curriculum Q and A - provides general guidance and information about the USDA WIC Breastfeeding Curriculum.
WIC Breastfeeding Curriculum - Topic of the Month (PDF)
Questions? Contact Rosie.Pierce-Martin@state.mn.us
Trainings & Meetings
Also refer to the MN WIC Calendar for Local Agencies
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.
State Sponsored Lactation Trainings
Minnesota WIC offers lactation trainings for WIC staff. For more information about trainings and registration tips: 2025 State Sponsored Lactation Courses (PDF).
Registration information is available from the State WIC Breastfeeding Coordinator Rosie.Pierce-Martin@state.mn.us
2025
Climate Change and Reproductive Justice: Impacts on Pregnancy and Pathways to Resilient Maternity Care. Free. Continuing education credits provided until January 20, 2026. (Webinar). More information: MIBFN Michigan Breastfeeding Network Webinars.
How to Support Breastfeeding for Community Health Workers: Reframing Breastfeeding as a Public Health Imperative. Free. Continuing education credits provided until February 17, 2026. (Webinar). More information: MIBFN Michigan Breastfeeding Network Webinars.
2024
Pump it Up and Avoid Supplementation: Supporting Exclusively Breastfeeding Families in the Home Birth and Hospital Setting. Free. Continuing education credits provided until February 19, 2025. (Webinar). More information: MIBFN Michigan Breastfeeding Network Webinars.
Documentation for the Lactation Consultation. Free. Continuing education credits provided until April 19, 2025. (Webinar). More information: MIBFN Michigan Breastfeeding Network Webinars.
Optimizing the Breastfeeding Experience and Preventing Common Challenges for the Infant (through physical manual therapy) with Chiropractic Care. Free. Continuing education credits provided until May 21, 2025. (Webinar). More information: MIBFN Michigan Breastfeeding Network Webinars.
A Community-Driven Solution: Mama’s Mobile Milk, Breaking Down Barriers to Human Milk Consumption. Free. Continuing education credits provided until May 30, 2025. (Webinar). More information: MIBFN Michigan Breastfeeding Network Webinars.
Supporting Families with Low Milk Supply. Free. Continuing education credits provided until May 28, 2025. (Webinar). More information: MIBFN Michigan Breastfeeding Network Webinars.
Mind, Mood, and Milk Feeding: Addressing the Challenges of Feeding When Maternal Mental Health Needs Are Present. Free. Continuing education credits provided until October 28, 2025. (Webinar). More information: MIBFN Michigan Breastfeeding Network Webinars.
Beyond the Red Tape: Assessment in Private Practice. Free. Continuing education credits provided until November 18, 2025. (Webinar). More information: MIBFN Michigan Breastfeeding Network Webinars.
Father Empowerment: Beneficial for Everyone. Free. Continuing education credits provided until November 28, 2025. (Webinar). More information: MIBFN Michigan Breastfeeding Network Webinars.
Skin to Skin is Not Universal: Teaching Equity. Free. Continuing education credits provided until December 24, 2025. (Webinar). More information: MIBFN Michigan Breastfeeding Network Webinars.
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 paid 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.
Advanced Education
List of Breastfeeding Conferences by State
Gold Lactation Offers online lactation conference and continuing education opportunities.
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.
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.