What new or deeper knowledge will you gain from this course?

1. Understanding why breast changes during pregnancy are pertinent not only for reassurance but in the greater context of a future milk supply.
2. A deeper understanding of the physiological functions which need to occur in order to achieve a successful breastfeed.
3. Knowledge of how to properly and completely assess a breastfeed: considering the milk volumes, the physiological functioning of the breast, the baby’s suck and the factors which can affect the mother.
4. Understanding the changes human breast milk encounters and how to discuss this accurately with our clients to ensure all parts of the milk are valued
5. A deeper understanding of the components of human milk and why it is important for us to all be aware of this and how to discuss this with our clients.
6. How human breast milk is alive.
7. How to use milk which has been expressed in the best way so as not to affect it’s composition.
8. The extra benefits that human breast milk has for babies born preterm.
9. The normal physiological processes which must occur for the breasts to make a good enough supply.
10. How to support the physiological process in all areas of clinical practice.
11. The impact of medicalised labour and birth on breastfeeding and lactation.
12. How to identify antenatal, intrapartum, postpartum and general health factors which can lead to a 60% higher (odds) chance of stopping breastfeeding before 4 weeks.
13. Why so many women end up with low milk supply.
14. What to do when there is low milk supply and how to avoid this in the first place.
15. The 3 critical windows of time to build a good milk supply – and what to do if we miss them.
16. Bringing it all together with scenario case work.
17. Live Q&A with Katie
18. 7 hours of continuing professional development (CPD) hours

Module one

1. An introduction to our own breastfeeding experiences
2. A short history of the lactating breast
3. The mammary gland

1. How is milk produced and stored? - The physiology
2. How does the baby get the milk? - The physiology

1. The milk
2. The unique and fascinating components of human milk

1. The early days
2. Women who may need additional lactation support
3. How to support lactation physiology getting off to the right start
4. The maintenance of a milk supply

1. Scenario case working
2. Bringing together all the fundamentals to enable a deeper understanding in practice and in those challenging and often sticky situations
3. Understanding the real 'what to do next'