Contact Info
WIC Lactation Continuing Education
Related topic: Staff Breastfeeding Resources
On this page: USDA Breastfeeding Curriculum Trainings | Training & Meetings | On Demand Education | Advanced Education | IBCLC Certification
USDA Breastfeeding Curriculum Trainings
Local agencies can register for the WIC Breastfeeding Curriculum Trainings:
Self-Study options:
All levels of the WIC Breastfeeding Curriculum are available for self-study on the MDH Learning Center. These trainings are open to WIC staff.
- Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, and Level 4 Breastfeeding Curriculum is available now on MDH On Demand Learning.
- Live virtual trainings available in 2024
- Sessions are half-day from 8am-12pm
- Registration closed
- Free for WIC staff and open to community partners
- New for 2024- Level 4 In-Person Skills Day
- Date: August 15th, 2024
- Time: 8am-5pm
- Location: MDH St. Cloud Office
- 4140 Thielman Lane, Suite 101
- St. Cloud, MN 56301
- Must complete a half day of online training before the skills day.
- Registration closed
- MN WIC Level 4 Skills Day Agenda (PDF)
Training Information: The Breastfeeding Curriculum is a skill-based, WIC-focused training designed to build competencies among WIC staff. The training consists of 4 levels, which include all staff in the WIC clinic from administrative support staff to Designated Breastfeeding Experts (DBE). Each level builds on the next to higher levels of learning.
The training clarifies staff roles and how staff at all levels work together to support breastfeeding in WIC. The Breastfeeding Curriculum replaces training such as Grow and Glow and Loving Support through Peer Counseling for new staff.
Training Level Information
Support staff, peer counselors, CPAs, and DBEs - Level 1 (4 hours)
- Support Staff Breastfeeding Role: Basic communication approaches, and how to support WIC mothers with breastfeeding.
Peer counselors, CPAs, and DBEs - Level 2 (12 hours)
- Peer Breastfeeding Role: Supporting normal breastfeeding, early practices to get breastfeeding off to a good start. Must complete level 2 before starting Level 2.
CPAs, and DBEs - Level 3 (8 hours)
- CPA Breastfeeding Role: Assisting mothers with breastfeeding concerns, clinic practices that support breastfeeding. Must complete Levels 1 and 2 before starting Level 3.
DBEs - Level 4 (12 hours)
- DBE Breastfeeding Role: Assisting WIC mothers experiencing complex breastfeeding challenges that are beyond the scope of peer counselors and CPA staff. Must complete Levels 1, 2 and 3 before starting Level 4.
Continuing Education Credits
- Credits for RDs/DTRs.
- For IBCLCs/LCs.
- Nurses can claim the credits at any time using the information provided with the course.
Breastfeeding Curriculum Q and A - provides general guidance and information about the USDA WIC Breastfeeding Curriculum.
WIC Breastfeeding Curriculum - Topic of the Month (PDF)
Questions? Contact Rosie.Pierce-Martin@state.mn.us
Trainings & Meetings
Also refer to the MN WIC Calendar for Local Agencies
Only training in MN and adjacent states is listed here. When possible, WIC makes their trainings available to others, but sometimes there are limits on attendance.
2024
Safety in Supplementation - Does it Exist? Informed and Fully Supported is Best. Free. Continuing education credits provided. February 27, 2024 (Webinar). More information: MIBFN Michigan Breastfeeding Network Webinars.
Pump it Up and Avoid Supplementation: Supporting Exclusively Breastfeeding Families in the Home Birth and Hospital Setting. Free. Continuing education credits provided. April 8, 2024. (Webinar). More information: MIBFN Michigan Breastfeeding Network Webinars.
Safe Sleep: Educating Lactating Families. Free. Continuing education credits provided. April 16, 2024. (Webinar). More information: MIBFN Michigan Breastfeeding Network Webinars.
The Michigan Prison Doula Initiative’s Approach to Lactation Support. Free. Continuing education credits provided. May 14, 2024. (Webinar). More information: MIBFN Michigan Breastfeeding Network Webinars.
Human Milk and Cannabis Series: Interpreting Hale’s Guidance on Lactation and Marijuana, CBD Oils, and Other Non-Inhaled Marijuana Sources. Free. Continuing education credits provided. June 18, 2024. (Webinar). More information: MIBFN Michigan Breastfeeding Network Webinars.
Fatherhood Empowerment: Beneficial for Everyone. Free. Continuing education credits provided. July 16, 2024. (Webinar). More information: MIBFN Michigan Breastfeeding Network Webinars.
Human Milk and Cannabis Series: Support Not Stigma: Supporting Families who have Relationship to Cannabis Free. Continuing education credits provided. August 13, 2024. (Webinar). More information: MIBFN Michigan Breastfeeding Network Webinars.
Improving the Circle of Care in Lactation: Who's Really to Blame? Free. Continuing education credits provided. September 17, 2024. (Webinar). More information: MIBFN Michigan Breastfeeding Network Webinars.
Community, Equity, and Breastfeeding: The Parental View on Lactation and Community Support. Free. Continuing education credits provided. October 15, 2024. (Webinar). More information: MIBFN Michigan Breastfeeding Network Webinars.
2023
The Problematics of Formula Supplementation in the Hospital Setting. Free. Continuing education credits provided. October 17, 2023 (Webinar). More information: MIBFN Michigan Breastfeeding Network Webinars.
Formula Preparation in Light of the Ongoing Formula Crisis. Free. Continuing education credits provided. November 21, 2023 (Webinar). More information: MIBFN Michigan Breastfeeding Network Webinars.
Special Panel Discussion: Restorative Justice in the Birth and Breastfeeding Spaces with panelists Tameka Jackson-Dyer, BASc, IBCLC, CHW, CLE/S/C; Raeanne Madison, MPH; Shannon McKenney Shubert, MPH, CLC; and Tameka White, CLS. Free. Continuing education credits provided. November, 2023 (Webinar). More information: MIBFN Michigan Breastfeeding Network Webinars.
Breastfeeding and Cannabis Series Part 3: Pharmacology. Free. Continuing education credits provided. December 19, 2023 (Webinar). More information: MIBFN Michigan Breastfeeding Network Webinars.
On Demand Education
MIBFN Michigan Breastfeeding Network Webinars. Free. Continuing education credits provided. Webinars available for 12 months after the air date. For more information: Available Webinars.
BreastfeedLA Free and paid lactation education programs and Webinars. Continuing education available.
Breastfeeding Human Medicine: Inter-professional Continuing Education online Module. University of Mississippi Medical Center Professional Education. Free course, $55.00 for 3.5 CEU. Available until March 21, 2023.
Springfield Urban League past satellite and webcast links and resources. Free lactation courses. Continuing education credits available for 2 years after viewing date.
San Diego County Breastfeeding Coalition Recorded Webinars Library. $25.00. CERPs available.
University of Albany School of Public Health. Supporting and Promoting Breastfeeding, Chest feeding and Lactation in Health Care Settings. Free. Four part webinar series available for on-demand viewing and offers continuing education credits for viewers until March 31, 2023.
Advanced Education
List of Breastfeeding Conferences by State
Gold Lactation Offers online lactation conference and continuing education opportunities.
Lactation Education Consultants Certified lactation Specialist and Two-Day Cram Review Courses
M Health Fairview Professional Education in Breastfeeding and Lactation Click on Professional Education in Breastfeeding and Lactation to learn more.
IBCLC Certification
International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners How to Become an IBCLC. Click on IBCLC certification tab to learn more.
Marie Biancuzzo IBCLE Exam & Exam Prep Resources
If you know of other lactation-related training opportunities in Minnesota or Border States, please send an e-mail to Rosie.Pierce-Martin@state.mn.us and include as much information as you can about date, location, topics, who to contact for more information, and a URL if available.
This information is provided to encourage WIC staff and others to develop their knowledge of lactation-related issues, for your convenience, and is not meant as an endorsement of any particular course or organization.