EP02: Foundational Governing Principles

Legal and ethical principles underpin practice when it is related to public safety, such as the work of IBCLCs. Additionally, best practice is underpinned by robust research.

Gain 10 hours of IBCLC-focused learning on legal, ethical, and research foundations in lactation practice. Build confidence in your professional responsibilities, ethical decision-making, and evidence-based breastfeeding care.

Course Learning Outcomes

Examine the legal responsibilities of lactation consultants when working with women, ensuring safe, accountable and rights‑based breastfeeding care.
Explore core ethical principles guiding IBCLC practice to support safe, accountable, woman‑centred and evidence‑based breastfeeding care.
Apply the IBLCE Code of Professional Conduct to navigate ethical dilemmas in lactation practice with integrity and accountability.
Analyze ethical frameworks including autonomy, beneficence, and informed consent to guide evidence-based lactation care decisions.
Analyse key research principles to support critical appraisal skills and strengthen evidence‑based practice in lactation care.

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