Online Breastfeeding Education

For all health professionals working with mothers and infants

32 CPDs (including 3 ethics points)
10 sessions × 3 hours
LIVE interactive sessions

Course Overview

This interactive program aims to equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to deliver evidence-based care for breastfeeding mothers and their infants.

Evidence-Based Learning

Updated perspectives challenging outdated beliefs, aligned with global guidelines such as the Mother Baby-Friendly Initiative (MBFI).

Interactive Sessions

Live, interactive program with verbal, visual, chat, and task-based learning. Active participation with camera on required.

Professional Development

32 hours of CPD (including 3 ethics points) accredited lactation education providing a valuable foundation for healthcare professionals.

How Our Course Works

Watch this brief overview to understand our interactive learning approach and what to expect from your breastfeeding education journey.

Mother breastfeeding her baby in hospital setting

Pre-Course Prep

3-minute intro video + reading materials

Live Sessions

Interactive learning with camera on

Certification

32 CPD hours upon completion

Course Details

Technical Requirements

Equipment Needed:

  • Computer or laptop (phones/tablets not suitable)
  • Stable internet connection
  • Working camera and microphone
  • Backup plan for load shedding

Preparation Required:

3-minute introductory video + required reading and video viewing between sessions (30-60 min)

Schedule & Format

Next Course Beginning:

13 March 2026

Session Times:

Fridays from 07:45 to 11:00

Please log in by 7:30 AM for setup

Duration:

30 hours online + 10+ hours pre-reading

Investment:

R3000

All sessions take place on Fridays from 07:45 to 11:00

Session 113 March
Session 227 March
Session 310 April
Session 417 April
Session 524 April
Session 68 May
Session 715 May
Session 822 May
Session 95 June
Session 1012 June

Learning Objectives

Upon completion, participants will be able to:

  • 1
    Describe clinical care consistent with initiation and maintenance of lactation
  • 2
    Identify key principles for effective breastfeeding
  • 3
    Assess comfort and efficacy of breastfeeding
  • 4
    Summarise normal growth parameters of breastfed infants
  • 5
    Discuss ways to instil confidence and empower new mothers
  • 6
    Describe the anatomy and physiology of the breast
  • 7
    Summarise the immunobiology of human milk
  • 8
    Support policies that promote and protect breastfeeding
  • 9
    Describe the principles of the Mother baby-friendly Initiative
  • 10
    Outline the principles of the Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes
  • 11
    Collaborate with and provide appropriate referral to other professionals
  • 12
    Identify resources available for health professionals

Topics Covered

Comprehensive curriculum covering essential breastfeeding knowledge supported by case studies

Anatomy of Breastfeeding
Assessment and documentation
Breast and nipple anomalies
Breast and nipple pain
Complementary Foods and Weaning
Communicating with empathy and compassion
Consequences related to poor latch
Early term and Late Preterm and Small for Gestational Age babies
Establishing & maintaining milk production
Evidence-based practice
Expressing and pumping
Fathers
Growth and growth charts
HIV
How breastfeeding protects babies
Hypoglycaemia
Jaundice
Maternal Diet
Medications and breastfeeding
Mother-Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative
The newborn's adaptations, physiological needs, expectations
Pacifiers, bottles, nipple shields
Physiology of breastfeeding
Positioning and latch
Premature infants
Relactation and Induced lactation
Reflux
Returning to work
Routines and schedules
Sleep and sleep training
The World Health Organisation Code of Marketing of Commercial Milk Formulas

Meet Your Experienced Presenters

Dr. Rahmat Bagus

Dr. Rahmat Bagus

MBChB IBCLC

I am a mother to 4 children (ages 9, 13, 17, 21). I am a medical doctor with an interest in paediatric primary care and lactation. I run a private practice in Parow, Cape Town. I am also an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and I volunteer my time with La Leche League South Africa. In that capacity I run free breastfeeding support meetings and whats app groups for mothers. I also serve as the Professional Liaison Leader for LLLSA and am part of a group on the Medical Advisory team for LLL International. As a doctor I was dismayed to find out how little I knew about breastfeeding until I joined LLLSA. It's sadly a neglected area of medical training.

Dilshaad Sungay

Dilshaad Sungay

B.Com LLLL (retired)

I am mother of 5 children (ages 31 to 17 years) and has 1 grandbaby who is 3 years old. I have a degree in B.Comm, but found my passion after having my first baby. I desperately wanted to learn the 'truth' about breastfeeding. I did a Peer Counselling course and went on to become a La Leche League Leader in 1998, offering breastfeeding help and support. I coordinated a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor project for 16 years, and currently continue to support mothers.

Jean Ridler

Jean Ridler

RN RM IBCLC

I am the mother of 2 children, grandmother of 4. I have been an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant for over 30 years. I am also a WHO/UNICEF Trainer of Trainers and BFHI Assessor, although I have not worked in this area for a while. I have worked in the private, public and volunteer sectors and learned so much from my colleagues, both locally and globally, but especially from the amazing mothers I have been privileged to work with.

What Our Students Say

Real feedback from healthcare professionals who have completed our course

• Tap to pause • Tap again to resume

"I admire the dedication more than anything, slides preparation... Always responding to everyone's questions and adding on the comments. It was 👌🏼. Don't even have the words for all that... I appreciate this course. Roses 🌹🌹🌹 for you all for being fantastic lecturers and students (I learned a lot from all the participation and experience)"

Maketele Claudia Maepane

Speech Therapist, Gauteng, SA

"Thank you so much for the course it was a lot but so valuable! Can't wait to start reviewing and implementing! Thank you also for your patience and support as lecturers, the practical focus along with the knowledge is invaluable!"

Rebekah Hobbs

Physiotherapist, Johannesburg, SA

"I thoroughly enjoyed this course. It has given me a great amount of information about breastfeeding I never knew about. It empowers me to give back to our work environment and help empower our colleagues as well. I would definitely recommend this course to fellow doctors, it highlighted such a massive knowledge gap, Thank you for all the effort!"

Anonymous

"Thank you, ladies, for the session today. You made it make sense, linking anatomy and physiology to practical experiences on mom and baby. I enjoyed it immensely, looking forward to the rest of the course."

Dr Mercy Chinuka

Doctor, Zimbabwe

"Thank you for the incredible course! It was so empowering, enlightening, uplifting, filled with up-to-date new information and studies, with witty stories, tips for practical application of theory, warm atmosphere, unending wisdom and so much more."

Nadiya Dragan

IBCLC, Lebanon

"It was a very insightful experience. Really appreciate the work that you do. Will be definitely using the knowledge I've gained throughout the course."

Simangele Nzimande

Midwife

"Just wanna thank you ladies I admired so much the passion, love and patience you ladies endured with us ... yes, we have a long task at hand now that we know differently but I will definitely persevere. Thank you again for keeping up the excellent work you're doing."

Aziza Ebrahim

Paediatric ENA, Cape Town, SA

Frequently Asked Questions

Attendance Requirements

Consistent attendance is crucial. Due to HPCSA regulations, certificates cannot be issued to participants who miss any sessions or parts of sessions, including those who arrive late.

We are no longer able to provide make-up sessions. Full commitment to attending all sessions punctually is required.

Technical Issues

Prepare for load shedding: Have a backup plan like a mobile hotspot.

Alternative locations: Explore workplace training rooms, boardrooms, or friends' houses in different suburbs.

Will I become a Lactation Consultant?

No, this course alone will not make you a Lactation Consultant. It provides a valuable foundation, but becoming an IBCLC requires hundreds of additional educational hours, clinical experience, and passing the international exam.

Are sessions recorded?

NO. This policy protects participant privacy, upholds copyright, and ensures accurate attendance verification for CPD accreditation.

Ready to Transform Your Practice?

Join healthcare professionals committed to evidence-based breastfeeding support

For inquiries, email: