Breastfeeding Course

Lesson 1 • Evidence Base for Breastfeeding

Reviews global health outcomes linked to breastfeeding for infants and mothers. Grounds clinical recommendations in peer-reviewed evidence.

Lesson 2 • Stages of Milk Production

Distinguishes colostrum, transitional milk, and mature milk by composition and timing. Connects each stage to infant nutritional needs.

Lesson 3 • Immunological Properties of Breast Milk

Identifies secretory IgA, lactoferrin, and bioactive factors that protect infants. Demonstrates why these properties cannot be replicated by formula.

Lesson 4 • Hormonal Control of Lactation

Explains prolactin, oxytocin, and feedback inhibitor roles in milk synthesis and ejection. Links hormonal cycles to clinical observations of supply changes.

Lesson 1 • Normal Newborn Feeding Patterns

Establishes expected frequency, duration, and cluster feeding norms in the first weeks. Reduces unnecessary supplementation driven by misunderstood normal behaviour.

Lesson 2 • Hunger and Satiety Cues

Teaches early, mid, and late hunger signals and satiety indicators. Empowers caregivers to feed responsively before distress escalates.

Lesson 3 • Infant Oral Anatomy and Sucking

Examines oral structures involved in nutritive sucking and their role in effective milk transfer. Connects anatomy to latch mechanics taught in the next chapter.

Lesson 1 • Assessing Milk Transfer

Introduces audible swallowing, infant weight gain, and output monitoring as transfer indicators. Accurate assessment prevents underfeeding and unnecessary supplementation.

Lesson 2 • Nipple and Breast Pain Assessment

Differentiates normal initial discomfort from pathological pain caused by poor latch or infection. Early identification prevents premature weaning.

Lesson 3 • Achieving an Effective Latch

Teaches asymmetric latch technique, nipple alignment, and wide gape elicitation. A deep latch prevents nipple trauma and maximises milk removal.

Lesson 4 • Breastfeeding Positioning Techniques

Demonstrates cradle, cross-cradle, football, and laid-back holds with biomechanical rationale. Matching position to maternal and infant anatomy improves comfort and latch.

Lesson 1 • Establishing Supply in the First Two Weeks

Outlines feeding frequency targets, hand expression, and early pumping to build a strong foundation. Actions taken in this window have lasting effects on long-term supply.

Lesson 2 • Supply-and-Demand Physiology

Explains how frequent, effective removal drives prolactin receptor upregulation and sustained output. Misunderstanding this mechanism is the leading cause of preventable supply decline.

Lesson 3 • Oversupply and Hyperlactation

Addresses causes, infant symptoms, and management of excessive milk production. Block feeding and other techniques reduce supply without causing mastitis.

Lesson 4 • Strategies to Increase Low Supply

Reviews power pumping, switch nursing, and galactagogue evidence. Practitioners select interventions based on the identified cause of low supply.

Lesson 1 • Engorgement and Milk Stasis

Explains physiological versus pathological engorgement and evidence-based relief strategies. Effective management prevents ductal damage and supply disruption.

Lesson 2 • Nipple and Breast Conditions

Covers cracked nipples, blebs, and plugged ducts with evidence-based treatment protocols. Prompt management maintains comfort and prevents progression to mastitis.

Lesson 3 • Mastitis and Breast Abscess

Distinguishes inflammatory from infectious mastitis and outlines treatment pathways including antibiotic criteria. Continued breastfeeding during mastitis is addressed with evidence.

Lesson 4 • Infant Feeding Difficulties

Addresses refusal, breast preference, and ineffective sucking from the infant's perspective. Identifying root causes guides targeted intervention rather than generic advice.

Lesson 1 • Breastfeeding the Preterm Infant

Covers kangaroo care, gavage feeding, and transitioning to breast for infants born before 37 weeks. Preterm milk composition and fortification needs are addressed.

Lesson 2 • Breastfeeding Multiples

Provides strategies for tandem nursing, simultaneous feeding, and supply management for twins and higher-order multiples. Logistical and emotional challenges are addressed alongside clinical guidance.

Lesson 3 • Medications and Substances in Breast Milk

Explains pharmacokinetic principles governing drug transfer into milk and how to use lactation drug databases. Most medications are compatible with breastfeeding when assessed correctly.

Lesson 4 • Anatomical and Surgical Considerations

Addresses breast surgery, augmentation, reduction, and nipple anomalies that affect milk production and transfer. Pre-surgical counselling and post-surgical support strategies are outlined.

Lesson 1 • Milk Storage Guidelines

Presents evidence-based time and temperature guidelines for fresh, refrigerated, and frozen milk. Proper labelling and rotation prevent waste and protect infant safety.

Lesson 2 • Donor Milk and Milk Banking

Explains pasteurised donor human milk sourcing, screening, and clinical indications. Practitioners understand when donor milk is appropriate and how to access it safely.

Lesson 3 • Hand Expression Techniques

Teaches the Marmet and other hand expression methods for colostrum and mature milk. Hand expression is a foundational skill that requires no equipment and is always available.

Lesson 4 • Breast Pump Selection and Use

Compares single versus double electric, manual, and hospital-grade pumps by indication and efficiency. Correct flange fit and pump settings are critical for comfort and output.

Lesson 1 • Returning to Work and Pumping at Work

Prepares families for the logistical and emotional transition of returning to employment while maintaining milk supply. Workplace rights and pumping schedules are addressed.

Lesson 2 • Weaning: Gradual and Abrupt

Covers mother-led and child-led weaning approaches and management of engorgement during the process. Emotional aspects of weaning for both mother and child are addressed.

Lesson 3 • Prenatal Breastfeeding Education

Outlines content and timing of antenatal breastfeeding preparation for expectant families. Early education increases initiation rates and reduces early cessation.

Lesson 4 • Introduction of Complementary Foods

Guides families through starting solid foods at six months while continuing breastfeeding. Breastfeeding frequency adjustments during food introduction are explained.