Implementing Breastfeeding Education in the Academic Setting

It is well known in the lactation community that many of our generalist health care providers are inadequately prepared to manage breastfeeding dyads. In response to the need for skilled health care providers, a breastfeeding course was developed and implemented. The course was offered within a school of nursing, but open to all interested participants. Course content included the physiology of the mammary glands and related anatomy, breastfeeding support, medical complications, research, legislation, and technologies. In addition to obtaining critical-thinking skills to manage breastfeeding mothers and infants, students also developed a supportive network of colleagues with whom they can collaborate and to whom they can refer families. In the future we are considering expanding the curriculum to include more practical and community experiences.