EP01: Breastfeeding: An Essential Health Issue

Breastfeeding as an essential health issue has been challenged since the explosion into the marketplace of formula industries

Explore the health, economic, and environmental benefits of breastfeeding and the risks of not breastfeeding. Learn how global and national public health initiatives support improved breastfeeding rates and long-term outcomes.

*In line with IBLCE requirements for initial certification, this course provides 2 hours of lactation-specific education on the WHO Code.

Course Learning Outcomes

Analyse and evaluate the intrinsic value of breastfeeding for women and infants, and critically appraise its broader societal, global health, and economic significance.
Critically examine the ongoing impact of formula companies’ unethical marketing practices on breastfeeding culture, drawing on contemporary evidence and theoretical perspectives.
Critically analyse global breastfeeding strategies’ aims, mechanisms, and impacts on breastfeeding practices worldwide.
Critically examine public health initiatives that promote, protect, and support breastfeeding, demonstrating advanced knowledge of their aims, strategies, and impacts on breastfeeding practices.
Apply advanced conceptual knowledge to critically examine global initiatives that promote, protect, and support breastfeeding, including the International Code, the Sustainable Development Goals, and the Infant and Young Child Feeding framework.

IBLCE® Detailed Content Outline

Every module maps directly to the IBLCE® Detailed Content Outline, building your knowledge progressively from foundational science through to clinical application.

This course covers the following IBLCE® DCO items. The applicable Lactation (L), Ethics (E) and Related (R) hours are shown against each heading.

A. Equipment and Technology

B. Education and Communication

C. Ethical and Legal Issues

D. Research

E. Public Health and Advocacy

A. Equipment and Technology

1. Feeding devices (e.g., tubes at breast, cups, syringes, teats, paladai)

2. Handling and storage of human milk

3. Nipple devices (e.g., shields, everters)

4. Dummies (pacifiers)

5. Pumps

6. Scales (e.g., accuracy, precision, operation)

7. Communication technology (e.g., virtual visits, translation or interpretation services, websites)

B. Education and Communication

1. Active listening

2. Anticipatory guidance

3. Care plan development and sharing

4. Educating mothers and families

5. Educating professionals, peers, and students

6. Emotional support

7. Empowerment

8. Group support

C. Ethical and Legal Issues

1. Breastfeeding in public

2. Clinical competencies

3. Code of Professional Conduct (CPC)

4. Principles of confidentiality

5. WHO code - advocacy and policy

D. Research

1. Apply evidence-based practice

2. Interpret research results

3. Use research to help develop policies and protocols

4. Design research (including gaining ethical permission)

5. Participate in surveys and data collection

E. Public Health and Advocacy

1. Advocate for Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI)

2. Advocate for compliance with World Health Organization International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes (WHO Code)

3. Advocate for mother / infant in healthcare system

4. Develop breastfeeding-related policies

5. Advocate to government / health ministries

6. Breastfeeding in emergency situations (e.g., natural disasters, personal emergencies)

Course Content

Welcome