Are you interested in becoming a lactation support provider? Do you want to help families in your community meet their breastfeeding goals? Would you like to learn more about the different options in the spectrum of lactation support?
​
There are many ways to gain the knowledge and experience you need to offer high-quality breastfeeding support to families. This directory includes national organizations offering lactation support training online and in-person nationwide. Check out the Lactation Support Provider Pathways webpage to learn about other options, including training tailored to community needs and various ways to qualify for different credential exams.

Training Directory

This directory is organized alphabetically and offers descriptions, links, and contact information as provided by the organizations. The inclusion of an organization or training course in this directory does not imply an endorsement from the U.S. Breastfeeding Committee. If you are a member of a national organization and would like to submit information about training opportunities, please reach out to [email protected].

Alimentación Segura Infantil (ASÍ)

​ASÍ is a member organization which provides direct service, training, and organizational support in Spanish, with a specific focus on preparedness, response and recovery from disasters, and directed services to traditionally marginalized communities in Puerto Rico and the diaspora. Our CASICAs (Community Safe Infant Feeding Counselors) are selected from the most needed communities to assist families with breastfeeding, chestfeeding, human milk feeding, and risk reduction with formula and complementary feeding. We provide two online training programs, in Spanish, using intersectional language and with the intention of providing community-based services with equity as a focal point, and with a justice-based fee structure. 
All online certifications follow the IBLCE blueprint of studies for IBCLC candidates and are stand-alone certifications. We are also a provider of mentorship under Pathways 1 and 3 for individuals interested in becoming IBCLCs. ​
available certifications in english
IYCFS: Infant and Young Child Feeding Specialist (50 hours including 5 hours in lactation communication). IYCFS possess basic skills to provide lactation and safe infant feeding counseling and intervention in health and community-based settings.

CLAAS: Certified Specialist in Advanced Lactation and Safe Infant Feeding (95 hours including the 50-hour IYCFS course). CLAAS possess skills in advanced lactation and safe infant feeding counseling and basic clinical management.
certificaciones disponibles en español
ASÍ es una organización miembro que provee servicios, capacitación y apoyo organizacional en español, con un enfoque específico en la preparación, respuesta y recuperación de desastres, con servicios dirigidos a las comunidades tradicionalmente marginadas en Puerto Rico y la diáspora. Nuestras CASICAs (Consejeras en Alimentación Segura Infantil Comunitarias) son seleccionadas de las comunidades más necesitadas para apoyar a las familias con el amamantamiento, alimentación con leche humana, y la reducción de riesgos con la alimentación con fórmula y la alimentación complementaria. Ofrecemos dos certificaciones en línea en español, usando lenguaje interseccional y con la intención de proveer servicios de base comunitaria con la equidad como punto de enfoque y con tarifas escalonadas a base de justicia. Nuestras certificaciones siguen el mapa detallado de la IBLCE para candidatos al IBCLC y son certificaciones por mérito propio. También somos un proveedor reconocido de mentoría bajo las Vías 1 y 3 para individuos interesados en formarse como IBCLC.

IYCFS: Especialista en Alimentación Infantil Segura (50 incluyendo 5 horas en comunicaciones en lactancia). Las IYCFS poseen las destrezas básicas para poder proveer consejería básica en lactancia y alimentación infantil segura en ámbitos de facilidades de salud y en la comunidad.

CLAAS: Certificado Especializado en Lactancia Avanzada y Alimentación Infantil Segura (95 horas incluyendo el curso IYCFS de 50 horas). Las CLAAS poseen destrezas avanzadas en la consejería en lactancia y alimentación infantil y su manejo clínico básico.
Contact ASÍ at ​[email protected]

​​Baby Café USA

Baby Cafés are a national network of free, drop-in, licensed breastfeeding support groups staffed by IBCLCs and approved breastfeeding counselors. Baby Café USA (BCUSA) is open to any pregnant or breastfeeding parent, they are funded by healthcare and community funds. Most Baby Cafés are open for 2 hours at least once a week, with some communities hosting multiple sites and days, and are ideal sites to experience breastfeeding parents from pregnancy to weaning at an informal community level. The Baby Café model is recognized by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office on Women’s Health (OWH) as being effective at increasing breastfeeding rates and addressing racial/ethnic disparities among breastfeeding mothers. 
Pathway 1 Baby Café mentoring program
Baby Café USA offers a student directed BCBC (Baby Café Breastfeeding Counselor) mentoring program that qualifies for the IBLCE required Pathway 1 clinical hours BCBC Mentoring Program. The program includes a comprehensive clinical skills checklist following The Core Competencies in Breastfeeding Care and Services for All Health Professionals Breastfeeding Core Competencies.
This curriculum is appropriate for community members seeking breastfeeding counseling education, RNs, WIC Staff, and health professionals pursuing IBCLC certification.
​
Requirements include:
  • Regular attendance at a licensed Baby Café
  • Online documentation via the BCUSA website BCBC portal (password accessed)
  • Self-directed reading, education, and skill development
  • Pre-application acceptance of the mentor role by the Baby Café IBCLC and staff
BCBC Graduate opportunities
A BCBC graduate has the necessary skills to be approved by BCUSA to facilitate an existing Baby Café or establish a new Baby Café in a different community.
​
For more information,  visit the BCBC webpage
Contact Baby Café USA at [email protected]

​​Breastfeeding USA

Breastfeeding USA, Inc. provides evidence-based information and support, and promotes breastfeeding as the biological and cultural norm. We accomplish this through a network of accredited breastfeeding counselors and comprehensive resources for the benefit of mothers and babies, families, and communities.
breastfeeding counselors
Volunteer Breastfeeding Counselors are experienced breastfeeding individuals who have been accredited by Breastfeeding USA following completion of a comprehensive breastfeeding education program. They provide information and support to those who are pregnant and breastfeeding, in both one-on-one and group situations. Lactation experts with specialized resources are available to assist Breastfeeding Counselors and parents with unusual breastfeeding situations.
Contact Breastfeeding USA at ​[email protected]

​Carolina Global Breastfeeding Institute (CGBI)

Carolina Global Breastfeeding Institute (CGBI) was established in 2006 in the Department of Maternal and Child Health of the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and serves as the first such public health breastfeeding center of its kind. Situated in an academic home, we offer a comprehensive program of research, service to the greater community, and education. Visit our Resources page for access to free PDFs for use in maternity care and child care settings. Stay up-to-date with our news by joining our quarterly newsletter and following us on Facebook or Twitter.
pathway 2 lactation consultant training program
Pathway 2 Lactation Consultant Training Program – CGBI began the Mary Rose Tully Training Initiative (MRT-TI) in 2009 with the cooperation of the UNC Women’s and Children’s Hospital staff. MRT-TI is a CAAHEP accredited Pathway 2 Training Program housed within the Maternal and Child Health department at UNC Chapel Hill’s Gillings School of Global Public Health. The comprehensive residential training including 90 hours of didactic instruction and 300 hours of clinical instruction over the course of two semesters.
rise: lactation training model
RISE: Lactation Training Model  - RISE: Lactation Training Model is a grant funded project providing higher education institutes with training tools to build a self-sustainable Pathway 2 program model serving communities of color. This project will improve the medical lactation workforce to reduce health disparities in these communities. To express interest in receiving training, please complete the survey under the Contact Tab on the RISE page linked above.
online training modules for providers
Online Training Modules for Providers – Evidence-based, up-to-date education in an interactive and user-friendly format. Developed by an interdisciplinary team of physicians, nurses, lactation consultants, public health professionals, educators and La Leche League leaders, these trainings will help learners to establish a working knowledge of the importance of breastfeeding and how to support mothers and families to meet their breastfeeding goals.
in-person technical assistance and training
In-person Technical Assistance and Training – CGBI provides a variety of training for healthcare professionals. Our training approach is tailored to each unique situational need and is geared toward achieving immediate results toward your organization’s goals.
Contact CGBI at [email protected] or by calling (919) 966-3774

​Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association (CAPPA)

CAPPA is an international certification organization for Doulas, Childbirth Educators and Lactation Educators. Since our foundation in 1998, we have certified thousands of perinatal professionals.
As one of the first and most comprehensive perinatal organizations in the world, CAPPA is respected for its longevity and its commitment to excellence in both education and unsurpassed student and member support. Choosing an organization for your education is an important decision. CAPPA offers stability that you can be confident in as you invest in your education and career. Find an upcoming training here!
certified lactation educator (CLE)
CAPPA Lactation Educators fill an important role in educating, counseling, and supporting families and the community by providing evidence based information about lactation and breastfeeding. This course is designed to improve the skill base, knowledge and perspectives on breastfeeding for perinatal professionals. Additionally, this course supports both the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative and Mother Friendly practices and provides training for those seeking certification as certified lactation educators with CAPPA.
​
This course satisfies the following:
  • The Core Competencies in Breastfeeding Care and Services for All Health Professionals as outlined by the USBC. Ideal for labor and postpartum doulas, WIC staff, public health employees, and anyone looking to offer lactation education.
  • The 20 Hour World Health Organization Curriculum to support the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative. Ideal for hospital staff, pediatricians, obstetricians, midwives, and PAs specializing in maternity care. The CAPPA Lactation Educator CLE® or CAPPA Community EducatorTM, LE(C) certification steps for workshop attendance. Ideal for anyone wanting to become a Certified Lactation Educator, CLE®.​​

​​​The training covers the followings topics:
  • ​Goals/Roles of the Lactation EducatorTM
  • Historical Look at Breastfeeding
  • Anatomy of Breast and Lactation Physiology
  • Importance of Breastfeeding/ Hazards of Formula Feeding
  • Counseling the Postpartum Family
  • Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding (Baby-Friendly)​
  • Working with the Hospital
  • Maternal/Infant Challenges
  • Pumping/Expressing Breastmilk
  • Medications and Mother's Milk
  • Teaching to Adult Learners
  • And much more!

For more information about the CLE, visit our website.

​Healthy Children Project, Inc - Center for Breastfeeding

Healthy Children Project is a non-profit research and educational institution dedicated to improving child health outcomes in partnership with public, private and non-profit agencies. 
​Through its Center for Breastfeeding, Healthy Children Project is the largest national provider of lactation management education for health care providers. Its online course format has enabled more than 5,000 health providers, advocates and facilitators to be educated annually. 
Professional development contact hours are available to Registered Nurses, Certified Lactation Counselors and Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultants through long-term provider agreements. Other professional development credits are also available.
​Healthy Children Project, Inc, Center for Breastfeeding is compliant with the WHO Code of Marketing Breastmilk Substitutes and subsequent resolutions and does not accept any funding, donations or in-kind contributions from formula companies or WHO Code violators.
Lactation Counselor Training Course
The Center for Breastfeeding’s Lactation Counselor Training Course is a college-level course designed to provide up-to-date, research-based information and clinical competency validation for the provision of professional lactation care. This 95-hour course is offered online in a self-paced format with videos, self-check questions, weekly office hours and competency verification. After the completion of the course, participants are eligible to take the CLC® examination, administered online by the Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice (ALPP). There are more than 23,000 CLCs in the United States and abroad.
​
Successful completion of the course signifies that the learner has met the required competencies and has a firm grounding in information and counseling skills required to provide clinical support to nursing dyads.
Maternal Infant Assessment for Breastfeeding and Human Lactation Course
The Maternal Infant Assessment course utilizes a case study format to develop proficiency in the process of assessment and analysis of the breastfeeding dyad, and to differentiate optimal conditions from those that are sub-optimal, as well as summarize and document the assessment. Major topics covered in the course are optimal and sub-optimal breastfeeding-related anatomy, normal and abnormal development of  anatomy and physiology of the nursing dyad, breastfeeding assessment tools, breastfeeding assessment and the lexicon of breastfeeding and human lactation.
​
The Maternal Infant Assessment course fills a prerequisite for the Advanced Issues in Lactation Practice course, which prepares professionals for the Advanced Lactation Consultant or Advanced Nurse Lactation Consultant certification, accredited by ALPP.
Advanced Issues in lactation practice course
​This interactive online course provides IBCLCs and CLCs with the opportunity to earn advanced certification in lactation management while verifying the insight, knowledge and skills essential to the development and implementation of management strategies for complex problems related to breastfeeding and human lactation within the context of the nursing dyad’s life. Participants will examine real cases, and develop management strategies using knowledge of psychology, sociology, infant development, gender studies, professional interrelations and ethics. Competency evaluation of cases will occur with interactive evaluations, and through the online ALPP exam. The Advanced Issues in Lactation Practice Course and Certification is designed with the experienced Lactation Care Provider in mind.

The Advanced Consultant designation gives the experienced Lactation Care Provider a way to set themselves apart from crowd. If you have been practicing for years and have a wealth of experience, this credential will take you to the next level and give you the recognition you deserve!
​
The Advanced Issues in Lactation Practice course prepares participants to sit for the exam for the Advanced Lactation Consultant (ALC) and Advanced Nurse Lactation Consultant (ANLC) certifications with the Academy of Lactation Policy & Practice.
Contact Healthy Children Project, Inc at [email protected] or call at (508) 888-8044

Lactation Education Consultants

Lactation Education Consultants (LEC) was formed in 2000 in order to provide on-site programming through its Certified Lactation Specialist and Certification Cram/Review courses, specific programs developed for WIC, and many other workshops.
certified lactation specialist
The Certified Lactation Specialist course (CLS) is designed for the aspiring lactation consultant or others desirous of improving their knowledge base and skills in working with the breastfeeding dyad. All areas included on the IBLCE exam are addressed. The 5 day course provides half the needed number of continuing education hours in lactation to qualify to sit for the IBLCE exam. The other half can be obtained through LEC's home study courses, or attending other conferences.
​
Certification as a lactation specialist is achieved through attendance at the entire course, completion of assigned homework and readings during the course, and passing the of the end of course exam on the last day. There are no pre-requisites to taking the CLS course, and anyone can attend. Successfully completing the CLS course will give you the knowledge base you need to start working with breastfeeding moms and babies in order to obtain the clinical hours you need in order to qualify for the IBLCE exam.
Contact Lactation Education Consultants at [email protected], by calling (630) 260-4847, or by faxing (630) 260-8879

​Lactation Education Resources

At Lactation Education Resources, we remove barriers to high quality lactation education, empowering aspiring lactation care professionals from every background to enter the field and thrive. We are committed to increasing diversity in lactation education and in the field, and we’re working toward a world where culturally-matched, skilled lactation support is accessible for every family.
LER provides full-spectrum training for IBCLCs and Certified Breastfeeding Specialists (CBSs), with lactation training, clinical hours, low-cost health science courses, exam prep, recertification resources, and continuing education all in one place. We also provide online and in-person BFHI training for facilities seeking BFHI accreditation and continuing education for healthcare providers in several fields. Contact us today for help planning your unique lactation training journey. 
Become an ibclc
Regardless of your professional background, LER has everything you need to become an IBCLC: lactation training, affordable health sciences courses, clinical hours, and exam prep.​
become a certified breastfeeding specialist (cbs)
LER’s exclusive entry-level credential, the CBS, prepares you to support families through pregnancy, breastfeeding initiation, and the normal course of lactation. Hours can be used toward the IBCLC, and earning your CBS makes you eligible for LER HOURS, where you can earn your clinical hours for the IBCLC exam. 
ibclc recertification
LER makes it easy to renew your IBCLC by CERPs. Our 75-Hour Recertification Bundle has all the CERPs you need, regardless of your CE Self-Evaluation. Our other courses and bundles are easy to tailor to your unique CERPs needs. 
bfhi training
LER provides up-to-date in-person and online Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative training for facilities, including nurses, physicians, and support staff. ​
continuing education for healthcare professionals
LER offers credit-bearing continuing education in lactation for physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses, doulas, and more. ​

La Leche League USA

La Leche League USA helps parents, families, and communities to breastfeed, chestfeed, and human milk feed their babies through parent-to- parent support. LLL USA encourages, informs, educates, supports, and promotes the use of human milk and the intimate relationship and development that comes from nursing a child for as long as mutually desired.

Breastfeeding is natural, but it does not always come naturally. La Leche League offers breastfeeding support to all who want to breastfeed. Whether working or home with their baby, La Leche League can help families reach their breastfeeding goals.

Find a La Leche League Leader here!
how la leche league supports breastfeeding families
La Leche League supports breastfeeding families by:
  • Providing free meetings led by volunteer Leaders who have breastfed their own babies beyond a year and are trained and accredited by La Leche League International.
  • Offering individualized support between meetings for breastfeeding challenges, such as positioning and latch, being sure baby is getting enough milk, soreness, pumping, milk storage, and returning to work or school.
  • Helping parents learn about the ages and stages of breastfeeding.
  • Creating a community of support by bringing breastfeeding families together.
Becoming a la leche league leader
La Leche League Leaders have at least 12 months of personal breastfeeding experience, are trained and accredited by La Leche League International, and provide peer support for all aspects of the normal course of breastfeeding.

Are you interested in becoming a La Leche League Leader? The training involves learning more about the anatomy and physiology of breastfeeding. It includes refining communication skills to provide peer support from pregnancy through weaning. Applicants also develop business skills involved in running and maintaining a La Leche League group---skills which can be used in many roles throughout life. Experience as a La Leche League Leader can be applied to the clinical practice hours required to become an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).
​
The training and accreditation work is self-paced because LLL recognizes that applicants are also parents with families of their own. The work can usually be completed in 6 – 12 months. An applicant generally works with a local LLL Leader as a mentor in addition to a representative from the Leader Accreditation Department. Special arrangements can be made if there is no local Leader. While most applicants find a computer helpful, access to one is not required.

Learn more about becoming a La Leche League Leader here!
Contact La Leche League USA by emailing [email protected]

Global Military Lactation Community

Global Military Lactation Community is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing lactation support, education, and advocacy for military families stationed around the world. The diversity of military families necessitates an equity-based approach to lactation support in order to fulfill a mission of serving all military families, as outlined in our Diversity Position Statement. 

Global Military Lactation Community Chapters provide inclusive, welcoming, culturally sensitive lactation support (both virtually and in person) to U.S military communities around the world. The Military Lactation Counselor program is open to the public. Visit the website now to learn more!
More about the global military lactation community
Global Military Lactation Community addresses the unique challenges faced by military families, serving as the most comprehensive resource for up-to-date information, support, and peer-to-peer lactation advice for military service members, their supervisors, and military healthcare professionals.

Global Military Lactation Community provides trusted web-based lactation support through private Facebook groups and public social media accounts, connecting breast/chestfeeding military families with those who support them.

Global Military Lactation Community advocates to increase the visibility and awareness of lactation concerns of military families through partnerships with both national advocacy resources and Department of Defense channels.
MILITARY LACTATION COUNSELOR

Military Lactation Counselor

The Military Lactation Counselor program is a 66.5-hour lactation training leading to certification. The program is grounded in applying equitable, culturally appropriate lactation support to the unique needs of military families. The course is designed for maximum flexibility, with a hybrid online format that combines pre-recorded modules with practical, community-based assignments and virtual synchronous counseling training. Enrollees have 12 months to complete the course.

The Military Lactation Counselor training prepares lactation supporters to work with military families and to understand TRICARE billing requirements for lactation counseling services in a variety of settings, including Global Military Lactation Community Chapter settings, virtual and in-person support, inpatient/outpatient, WIC, and community-based settings. Ideal for both newcomers to the field and experienced lactation and healthcare professionals, the Military Lactation Counselor program is open to anyone with a desire to support military families. We offer equity pricing to improve access to the lactation field for members of the military community.

For questions about the MLC training, equity pricing, or scholarship availability, please contact [email protected]
Contact the Global Military Lactation Community by emailing [email protected] or [email protected]

OHSU-PSU School of Public Health

Two of Oregon’s leading universities, Oregon Health Sciences University (OHSU) and Portland State University (PSU) have joined forces to train the next generation of public health leaders. We focus on community-engaged learning and scholarship that puts the student and researcher out in the world, in real communities. 
With our students, we work to find enduring and sustainable solutions to today’s public health problems, and are committed to educating students of all backgrounds who want to enter the public health field and improve lives in their communities.
certificate in human lactation

Certificate in Human Lactation

The OHSU-PSU School of Public Health at Portland State University created the Certificate in Human Lactation to provide lactation training for:
  • Students who want to improve their lactation skills,
  • Non-health professionals who want to become certified as International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC),
  • Health professionals who want to become certified as International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC),
  • Students wishing to seek a bachelor’s degree in Public Health Studies,
  • Students interested in politics, policy and research from the perspective of improving maternal and infant health outcomes.
lactation education and the pathway 2 lactation practicum

Lactation Education and the Pathway 2 Lactation Practicum

This is an academic lactation training program that offers 100 hrs of Lactation Education for all three IBLCE Pathways and also provides 300 hrs of clinical lactation experience through our Pathway 2 Lactation Practicum. Distance learning courses are available. Students have the opportunity to obtain a degree while completing the IBLCE certification requirements.
Contact OHSU-PSU School of Public Health by emailing [email protected] or by calling (503) 494-8257.

Reaching Our Sisters Everywhere (ROSE)

Reaching Our Sisters Everywhere (ROSE), Inc. is a member network that was founded to address breastfeeding disparities to improve health equity among people of color nationwide through culturally competent training, education, advocacy, and support. With a focus on increasing breastfeeding initiation and duration rates, ROSE seeks to normalize breastfeeding by providing resources and networking opportunities for individuals and communities. ​​Learn more about ROSE here and apply to become a Community Transformer now!
Strategic direction
​ROSE will pursue a strategic direction that:​
  • Empowers a growing cadre of advocacy-oriented “community transformers;”
  • Pursues and maintains a seat at the table of leaders who are developing policies for health care services that support breastfeeding activities through private and public funding;
  • Establishes and implements national and regional initiatives that will enhance and strengthen family and community breastfeeding programs, such as:
    • Faith-based Breastfeeding Outreach initiative
    • Reaching Our Brothers Everywhere
    • Breastfeeding Clubs
    • Cultural Breastfeeding Coalitions
  • Accepts its leadership role and serves as a resource for a network of maternal child health providers, paternal child health providers, health care agencies, and community health activists; and
  • Expands its financial and human resources, and institutes an effective management and governance structure able to sustain a national organization, such as through membership and affiliates​
community transformers

Community Transformers

The ROSE Community Transformer Training is a two-day workshop utilizing evidence based curriculum on providing peer breastfeeding support. During the training, individuals learn the essential skills for providing peer counseling in the area of lactation management and methods for making referrals to resources for interventions outside of their scope of practice. They are also taught how to lead ROSE breastfeeding clubs. Individuals must apply to become a ROSE Community Transformer, once the application is reviewed it is followed by a phone interview and then an invitation to the training.
Those that participate in this training, will then be connected to all of the ROSE Community Transformers that have undergone our training. Through this network, they will have access to resources and methods for tracking their reach.
Contact ROSE by emailing Mary Nicholson-Jackson at [email protected].
Copyright U.S. Breastfeeding Committee.  All Rights Reserved.
1629 K Street NW, Suite 300 | Washington, DC 20006
Phone: (773) 359-1549 | [email protected] | sitemap
QuestionPro's survey software plays a major role in helping us keep in touch with our alumni, volunteers, donors, employees, and other affiliates. Surveying them has helped strengthen our relationship.