International Breastfeeding Institute is the lactation school of the International Doula Institute.

Our Core Course offers 45 CERPS and includes the new 5 Hour Communication Skills requirement for IBLCE.org and our Advanced Lactation Course offers 50 CERPS for the IBCLC candidate or already certified IBCLC wanting a more complex, deeper dive. A discount is available for purchasing both courses together. 

CBC Course Description: International Doula Institute is proud to offer the Certified Breastfeeding Counselor Course.  Do you want to help lactating women through enlightening education and empowering support? Are you a doula? Are you a nurse? Are you looking to become a Lactation Care Provider? If you are passionate about moms and babies, this program is for you. With feeding being such a gigantic part of birth and postpartum work, getting your CBC will enable you to better support your prenatal and postpartum families.

Certified Breastfeeding Counselors are providers that deal with the normal process of lactation. Our Certified Breastfeeding Counselor course gives you a standalone credential (CBC) to support a breastfeeding family. Our course mission is to support a labor doula, a postpartum doula or dedicated individual who works or volunteers in any setting where lactating moms need help.

Once certified as a CBC through International Breastfeeding Institute, the lactation school of International Doula Institute, your CBC certification is valid for 3 years and is renewable every 3 years through our website.

For Nurses: Non-Nursing CE Activities Counting Toward RN Requirements – Most boards of nursing will allow nurses to complete courses designed for other health care professionals if you can provide a statement explaining how the course relates to your nursing practice. You may need to provide a CERP certificate with our IBLCE approval number as IBLCE is a recognized credentialing entity. Check with your state board of nursing to confirm as well.

About the Certified Breastfeeding Counselor Course: This immersive course is designed to equip you with the essential skills and knowledge to become a Certified Breastfeeding Counselor. Our curriculum focuses on:

• Core Competencies: Covering all required clinical competencies for certification, and providing a solid foundation towards the IBCLC pathway.
• Comprehensive Learning Modules: From the basics of breastfeeding to advanced communication and counseling skills, our modules include required reading, assignments, exams, essays, and role-plays.
• Prenatal and Postpartum Support: Tools and strategies for effective support before and after birth.
• Flexible Learning Path: Whether you’re aiming to complete your certification or advance towards becoming an IBCLC, this course offers a standalone or integrated learning experience.

Join us to embark on a rewarding journey to support breastfeeding families with expertise and compassion.

NEED 95 Hours of Lactation Coursework? Our Core Course offers 45 L CERPS (Continuing Education Recognition Points) and we now offer Advanced Lactation 201 worth 50 L CERPS. Comprehensive education in human lactation and breastfeeding is a vital part of preparing to become an IBCLC. IBCLC stands for International Board Certified Lactation Consultant which is the highest credential in lactation. An IBCLC designation is received through health science and lactation-specific coursework, clinical hours plus an exam to become an IBCLC. Becoming a CBC, Certified Breastfeeding Counselor, through this coursework offers you the title of CBC in addition to 45 CERPS, which will help on the road to becoming an IBCLC if you choose. This coursework can be applied to initial certification or re-certification. We now offer a second course, Advanced Lactation 201 for 50 CERPS which is a more complex, deeper dive into a Day in the Life of an IBCLC. More information about the pathways to becoming an IBCLC are found at www.iblce.org.

Meet the Director of Lactation Education, Dr. Natashia Conner, PhD:

Dr. Natashia Conner is our esteemed Director of Lactation Education at the International Breastfeeding Institute. She plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of lactation education.

Holding a Ph.D. in Health Education and Promotion with a specialization in Behavioral Health from Walden University, Dr. Conner’s educational background is impressive and wide-ranging. She also earned a Master of Science in Health Education and Promotion, with a focus on Public Health, from the University of Cincinnati College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services. Her foundational education in maternal and child health was established with a Bachelor of Science from Union Institute and University, complemented by an Associate of Applied Business in Medical Administrative Technologies from Cincinnati State Technical & Community College.

When asked what Dr. Conner loves about her work at IDI, she tells us,

“I love being about to be a part of the change in our communities by diversifying the field of human lactation thereby increasing the representation of BIPOC individuals who provide care and support for lactating families across the world. ”

With over a decade of experience in the field, Dr. Conner has developed a broad expertise that spans local and state government, community-based organizations, local boards of health, faith-based organizations, and both public and private health agencies. As an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), she has become a recognized authority in health program planning, health equity, and community health initiatives, with a particular focus on addressing health disparities within diverse populations.

A dedicated advocate for racial and health equity, Dr. Conner has devoted much of her career to promoting these values through education and policy advocacy across the United States. Her personal life mirrors her professional dedication, with a bustling household of five children and three pets, and her background as a US Navy Veteran infuses her leadership style with discipline and a profound sense of duty. Dr. Conner’s multifaceted career is a testament to her commitment to improving maternal and child health through education, advocacy, and leadership.