Complete the Foundations of Lactation Education(FLE) Course and Begin Teaching Classes Immediately. Certify and begin earning clinical hours towards becoming an IBCLC.

​Our live, interactive course prepares individuals to support every family's feeding decision. Students learn all of the foundational lactation concepts thoroughly and build counseling and leadership skills. Tuition includes a 57-page manual and teaching supply kit valued at over $150. Students who certify may also apply to become LUVS leaders and offer community support groups while earning clinical hours towards becoming an IBCLC.

What is the FLE

​The FLE is a thorough lactation education program. Attendees earn 24 CEUs from IBLCE and gain the skills, tools and knowledge to confidently teach in person or virtual classes and communicate effectively with clients.

What is the Training Format

Each training includes 8 hours of self-study prior to the live sessions. The recorded portion covers communication and the WHO Code. The 2 days of live instruction are available virtually from anywhere in the world. We also offer in-person classes. 

When is the Next Course

​Next Training Dates:
  • Virtual, September 17-18
  • Virtual, October 28-29
  • Virtual, December 10-11
2027 Dates Coming Soon!
Only registered and paid students will be added to the official roster. Students will receive an automated response and a second email containing the zoom link and pre-work assignments one-two weeks prior to the course. Check your spam folder for any missing correspondence.
​Enroll in our high-quality, engaging course and take your breastfeeding knowledge to the next level. The Foundations of Lactation Education (FLE) combines all the fundamental lactation information with policies, skills and practice. This important training prepares nurses, WIC staff, perinatal professionals and doulas to update their breastfeeding knowledge and successfully support families with their feeding decisions.
There are no prerequisites required for enrollment
Attendees are qualified to teach after completing the 24 hour training.
Investment:
$650 Early Bird Rate
$675 Regular Rate
$600 Group Rate (minimum 10 staff from one institution)
$595 Alumni Rate for LU Students
$100 Certification Fee (optional)
Inquire about BIPOC & Active Military discount ($620)
Need a payment plan? Pay the deposit ($355) and hold your spot. Balance of $320 due one week prior to first day of training.

Why professionals are enrolling in the highly desirable FLE Course

Breastfeeding rates are increasing, and clients are searching for trained professionals for support. Families hire doulas and NCS with current lactation knowledge and practical skills. Don't let employment opportunities pass you by. The FLE course can function as a stand alone training for professional development, personal growth, doula requirements, BFHI preparation and peer counselor training. Many FLEs use their knowledge in their private practice.
  • Earn Continuing Education Units​
  • Enhance a resume
  • Learn a new marketable skill
  • Diversify revenue streams
  • Build confidence
  • Network with other professionals
  • ​Receive on-going mentoring
  • Access a private Facebook Group for students
  • Get more clients
  • Gain professional and practical skills
  • Learn evidence-based information
  • Stay contemporary and connected

Meet Your Instructor

Christy Jo Hendricks, IBCLC, RLC, CLP, CLE, CCCE, Doula has a BA in Education and graduated with a focus on communication. She has been awarded the "Who's Who Among US Teachers," and Faculty of the Year Award from CAPPA several consecutive years. She has also received accolades from The Department of Public Health and DONA. She is an international speaker and mentor for the next generation of lactation professionals. Her engaging classes have been attended by over 2,000 individuals. She founded Lactation University to help people achieve their professional goals.

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​I loved how the presenter kept it real, she shared how she handled different, less than ideal situations, with the ultimate goal of supporting breastfeeding and encouraging mothers--Great Job!

Earn CERPs for IBCLC Initial or Recertification 

  • 14 L-CERPs, 7 R-CERPs and 3 E-CERPs approved by IBLCE
  • 24 BRNs are available for an additional $15. Nurses will complete a form and submit it, along with the course evaluation to receive the CEUs.
  • Registered Dietitians: should maintain a copy of the agenda and certificate of attendance for CPEs for your Professional Development Portfolio.
​The Lactation University Foundations of Lactation Education is ideal for hospital staff, medical professionals, midwives, labor and postpartum doulas, WIC staff, public health employees, and anyone specializing in maternity care or looking to offer lactation education. The 24 hour training satisfies the following:
The Core Competencies in Breastfeeding Care and Services for All Health Professionals as outlined by the United States Breastfeeding Committee (no endorsement by the USBC is implied), The 20 Hour World Health Organization Curriculum to support the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative and WIC or Home Visiting Peer Counselor training (confirm with your agency to verify education requirements)

Full Agenda

8 hours recorded (5 hours of communication and 3 of the WHO Code) — 16 hours live
Our interactive training utilizes videos, discussions, question and answer sessions, breakout rooms and activities. Each student body is unique, so each class is too.
Part I: RECORDED SESSION
  • Communication (5 L-CERPs from IBLCE): Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing
  • The WHO Code (3 CERPs from IBLCE)
Part II: LIVE SESSIONS
  • Sec I — The FLE Training: Certification; The Mission, Vision and Philosophy
  • Sec II — Educators Work Well with Others: Clinicians, Educators and Peer Support – the Role of Lactation Professionals; SOP and When to Refer
  • Sec III — Educators Share Evidence-Based Information: Types of Studies, Research and Statistics; Resources; Breastfeeding Goals
  • Sec IV — Educators Know Breastfeeding is a Public Health Issue: WHO Code; Global Health Organizations; Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative; Healthy People 2030; Local Agencies and Coalitions
  • Sec V — Educators Respect Cultural Differences: Traditions, Beliefs and Bias
  • Sec VI — Educators Use Adult Learning Principles: Group Dynamics; Learning Styles
  • Sec VII — Educators Teach Composition of Milk: Properties and Importance of Breastmilk
  • Sec VIII — Educators Teach Breast Anatomy and Physiology: The Function of the Mammary Gland​
  • Sec IX — Educators Share Information Prenatally: Prenatal Education Leads to Successful Breastfeeding
  • Sec X — Educators Teach Position and Latch: Successful Starts in Lactation
  • Sec XI — Educators Teach Alternate Feeding Methods and Supplementation: Protecting Supply and Returning to Direct Feeding
  • Sec XII — Educators Teach Best Starts: Breastfeeding Suck-sess
  • Sec XIII — Educators Teach Maternal Challenges: Common Issues Breastfeeding Parents Face
  • Sec XIV — Educators Teach Infant Challenges: Common Issues of the Infant
  • Sec XV — Educators Teach Expressing: Hand Expression; Pumping
  • Sec XVI — Educators Teach about Medications and Milk: Resources; Galactagogues; Pharmaceuticals (Prescriptions, OTC and Street Drugs)
  • Sec XVII — Educators are Master Teachers: Ready, Set, Teach

Complete the Certification Process ($100) to Become a LUVS Leader and Earn Clinical Hours

Students enrolled in the FLE Course have an option of certifying. The benefits of certification include
  • Opportunity to become a LUVS Community Leader
  • Access to the LUVS Curriculum as a Certified Leader
  • Earn clinical hours towards the IBLCE Exam requirements
  • Discounted Annual Conference (with CEUs)
  • Access to private Facebook group
  • Monthly newsletters
  • On-going mentoring via private social media platforms
  • FREE Educational Webinars
Students have 6 months from the last day of training to certify by completing the certification steps and passing the open book FLE Exam.
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Enroll Now

Are you ready to begin your career in lactation or gain more evidence-based information and skills? Sign up now for the next virtual or in-person FLE Training. You must pay at the next screen to be considered registered. Only registered and paid students will be added to the official roster. Students will receive an automated response and a second email containing the zoom link and pre-work assignments one-two weeks prior to the course. Check your spam folder for any missing correspondence.
Have questions before you register, or want to be notified of other dates? Please contact us here.