About Lactation Literacy…
The primary objective of Lactation Literacy is to create a cascade of skilled and knowledgeable leaders in medical, nursing, and nutrition education that will make the needed changes in the services provided to mothers and babies as well promote successful breastfeeding. The majority of deaths occurring in low income nations can easily be prevented. In addition, breastfeeding is now well accepted as a very effective evidence based primary health care strategy in developed nations for improving both the immediate health and well-being of mothers, infants and children. Breastfeeding, as well as, results in lowering the risk of a significant number of chronic diseases of older children and adults.
Format:
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Online
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In-Person Workshops available at multiple locations throughout Nigeria
Lactation Literacy helps both established and entry-level lactation professionals expand their career knowledge. Graduates of the program are qualified to professionally counsel expectant mothers and mothers of young infants about best practices for the care and feeding of the young infant and may also be qualified to provide instruction for and/or make presentations to health care professionals and workers in community, governmental, and non-profit agencies.
Upon satisfactory completion of the program and additional requirements, students have the option to complete additional work in order to be eligible to sit for the International Board Certification for Lactation Consultants (IBCLC) examination offered by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) under pathway two.
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 support to breastfeeding mothers and their children. The learner will obtain a certificate of course completion.
Objectives…
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To create a cascade of skilled and knowledgeable leaders in medical, nursing, and nutrition education that could make needed changes in the services provided to mothers and babies that would promote successful breastfeeding.
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To offer non-biased focused information, support, encouragement, and guidance when mothers are separated from their infant which includes information on hand expression and the usage of breast pumps.
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To offer continual support for leaders in medical, nursing, and nutrition education, and families during the lactation journey and beyond.
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To educate, support, and offer referrals to mothers who need to supplement or find that breastfeeding must be halted due to medical and/or personal reasons.
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Identify hospital policies that support breastfeeding for maternity care facilities.
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To identify barriers to successful breastfeeding and suggest strategies to overcome them.
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To identify cultural and psychosocial factors that impact breastfeeding rates.
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To identify community resources to assist breastfeeding mothers, including mother-to-mother support as well as breastfeeding-friendly practitioners.
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To advocate for improved legislative policies to support and protect breastfeeding.
