40 breastfeeding courses and breastfeeding classes online

Since the pandemic, there have been more and more breastfeeding courses and classes popping up online. This was partly because of various lockdown restrictions, as well as people looking to change their business to accommodate more people online.

As with all things, some of these breastfeeding courses and classes are comprehensive and user friendly, but there can be huge variations from course to course. We’d like to take a look at what’s out there.

Breastfeeding courses online

The internet? Surely breastfeeding classes and courses would be better in person?

Having taught both online and offline, I can assure you that there’s no difference in teaching quality. In many ways, online works better.

  • You can take breastfeeding classes at a time to suit you.
  • You can revisit breastfeeding courses as often as you want.
  • You can stay at home and do it in your PJs!
  • You can often still get to ask your questions.

    Providing quality breastfeeding education is something we’re incredibly passionate about. Still, we’re not the only people who provide breastfeeding info – and many do it very differently from ourselves – it’s really about finding the courses or classes that suit your situation best.

    Differences between breastfeeding classes and breastfeeding courses?

    In truth, not much.

    Most people will generally provide the same information using different formats. Still, hopefully, at the end of it, you’ll have been taught everything you need to know.

    Do note that a class being live doesn’t necessarily make it any better – in fact, there’s more chance of missing something when you nip to the loo!

    The breakdown

    We’ve created an overview of each breastfeeding course/class, letting you know what to expect. For instance, some courses are more oriented towards health professionals, while others are clearly aimed at mums.

     If it’s a course, you can usually take it any time of the day, while classes tend to run at a set time of the day/week/month (but not always!).

     It’s also important to check the credentials of the person(s) who have produced the courses – e.g do they have a recognised lactation qualification which is accredited? It’s important that all information provided is up to date and research-based, and not just an opinion!

    Caveat Emptor (buyer beware!)

    Many businesses use their free course as a way of drawing you in, giving you only part of what you need to know, in the hope you will upgrade to their full package. If you’re happy with that, that’s fine, as long as you understand that’s how they operate.

    Other organisations provide their breastfeeding course for free, in the hope that you will sign up for one of their other classes, which seems to us a fairer way of doing business.

    Finally, others only have paid classes, but you might get a more personal experience, as it’s very likely that there will be less people attending each session. Also, it’s nice to be able to support smaller businesses.

    Ultimately, it’s down to your preferences. Try one… or several, and why not let us know what you think – we’d love to have your feedback.

    Breastfeeding Classes for Parents… and Professionals

    We’ve split these breastfeeding courses up into those for breastfeeding mothers, and the 2nd section for professionals (health visitors, midwives, peer supporters, etc.) who want to support breastfeeding mothers.

    Breastfeeding Classes & Courses for Parents
    Breastfeeding Classes & Courses for Professionals

    Breastfeeding Courses / Classes for Parents

    Breastfeeding course

     The Breastfeeding Companion

    For Professionals or Parents: Parents
    Class/Course/Other: Class
    Format: Video
    Registration Required: No
    Course Length: 1 Hr
    Access time: Anytime
    Paid / Free: Free
    IBCLC Created: Yes
    Other Courses Available: Yes

    Website: The Breastfeeding Companion

     Summary

    It would be remiss of us if we didn’t let you know about our new and free video on Preparation for Breastfeeding.

    With over 14 years experience as a qualified IBCLC, Jackie has collated all that information, and boiled it down to just over an hour of insight and practical solutions. Understanding not just breastfeeding, but the hurdles that you can face is a major win when it comes to preparing for your breastfeeding goals.

    The video also references other videos across the site (also free!) so you can gain a comprehensive understanding into each mini-topic.

    There’s no data capture or email sign-up, just click the link and watch the video. What have you got to lose?

    Breastfeeding course

     Dorset Healthcare NHS

    For Professionals or Parents: Parents
    Class/Course/Other: Course
    Format: Interactive Video/Text
    Registration Required: No
    Course Length: < 1 Hr
    Access time: Anytime
    Paid / Free: Free
    IBCLC Created: Yes
    Other Courses Available: No

    Website: Dorset Healthcare NHS

    Summary

    There’s much to commend this breastfeeding course from Dorset NHS. It’s interactive, so you’re always paying attention. Surprisingly, neither the NHS or Public Health England have put out a national course. It’s testimony to Dorset NHS, who have done this, and also share it widely. One thing worth mentioning, even though this is a course and not live, there are options for you to ask questions via email.

    For as much as we love it, it has a couple of minor niggles.

    The course has a couple of videos within that don’t seem to work anymore, and there’s part of the course that gets you stuck in a loop and you can’t move onto the next section. Whether we’re missing anything by skipping ahead, we’ll never know!

    Despite these minor glitches, they’ve done a great job providing the information needed to mums in a timely, attention-keeping, positive fashion.

    Breastfeeding class

    Blossom

    For Professionals or Parents: Parents
    Class/Course/Other: Class
    Format: Live online
    Registration Required: No
    Course Length: 90 mins
    Access time: Fixed times
    Paid / Free: Free
    IBCLC Created: Yes
    Other Courses Available: Yes, varied

    Website: Blossom

    Summary

    A big congratulations to Blossom for their online breastfeeding class. They have several other paid classes, but their antenatal breastfeeding class is fully comprehensive, lasts 90 minutes, and is entirely free. In their words, “We offer this session for FREE as our vision is that all women are able to access free antenatal breastfeeding education.”

    Due to the popularity of this course, and the fact that it’s used by English speaking people around the world, it does get booked up rather quickly, so give yourself plenty of time if you’re planning on signing up.

    Highly recommended.

    Breastfeeding Classes

    My Baby Academy

    For Professionals or Parents: Parents
    Class/Course/Other: Class
    Format: Live online
    Registration Required: No
    Course Length: 90 mins
    Access time: Fixed times
    Paid / Free: Free/£69
    IBCLC Created: Yes
    Other Courses Available: Yes, varied

    Website: My Baby Academy

    ‘Summary

    This is another live breastfeeding class, running at fixed times of the month. We love the site’s design and the fact that it’s IBCLC run, but (there’s always a but!) the free 90 minute ‘prepare to breastfeed’ workshop only gives you a fraction of what you need to know. To learn the other 3/4 of the information, you’ll need to sign up for their ‘Ultimate Breastfeeding Class,’ which is £69. It’s worth mentioning that on many forums that mention ‘The Baby Academy’, most mums who have paid and attended have been very happy about their investment.

    The Baby Academy makes their classes very accessible, with the option to ask questions along the way. Still, we believe a 90 minutes class should teach you everything you need to know… not just a fraction. Added to that, the paid class is a whopping 3.5 hours.

    La Leche League

    For Professionals or Parents: Parents
    Class/Course/Other: Class
    Format: Live Classes
    Registration Required: Email in your interest
    Course Length: 2 x 2hr or 1 x 4hr Session
    Access time: Fixed times
    Paid / Free: Free
    IBCLC Created: Trained Breastfeeding Counsellors
    Other Courses Available: No

    Website: La Leche League

    Summary

    Most people have heard of La Leche League. They are world-renowned leaders in their support of women in their breastfeeding journey. This course (from LLL-UK) is another, comprehensive and free course. Do note, that while LLL leaders may not be IBCLC’s, they are highly trained breastfeeding counsellors, all of whom have breastfed their own babies, as well as working as volunteers within the organisation. We love the work that LLL do, and I’m sure their breastfeeding classes will be top notch!

    The course is described as “practical and interactive”, and is designed to “help you learn about first days and weeks of breastfeeding your baby and how to continue with confidence.” Registration is only via email, and you’ll be given available dates in your area. Well worth looking into.

    Milkology

    For Professionals or Parents: Parents
    Class/Course/Other: Other
    Format: Free – Email, Paid – Videos
    Registration Required: Yes
    Course Length: 5 Days
    Access time: Anytime
    Paid / Free: Free – $32.40
    IBCLC Created: Certified Lactation Educator (C.L.E.)
    Other Courses Available: Yes, varied

    Website: Milkology

    Summary

    “A free breastfeeding class delivered right to your inbox!” The 5 emails you’ll receive by signing up are wonderfully written and empowering. Of course, as a free 5 day course, you’re not going to get everything you need to know, but there’s plenty of bite sized information, printables and help sheets to carry you along.

    There is also The Ultimate Breastfeeding Class which is $32.40, a step by step program in 13 videos to watch at your own leisure and takes around 90 minutes to watch them all. 

    Breastfeeding Housecalls

    For Professionals or Parents: Parents
    Class/Course/Other: Class
    Format: Text and Video
    Registration Required: No
    Course Length: unknown
    Access time: Anytime
    Paid / Free: Free
    IBCLC Created: Yes
    Other Courses Available: No

    Website: Breastfeeding Housecalls

     Summary

    Provided by a private practice IBCLC out of San Antonio, this free prenatal breastfeeding and pumping class provides the basics, but the website is confusing. Furthermore, when we clicked one of the links to watch a hand expression video, it took us to a random site – we suspect the link to be hijacked. Another video was unavailable when clicked. 

    It’s fantastic when IBCLCs give of themselves to provide to the community, but unfortunately, difficult to rate it particularly highly – simply due to the niggles and technical problems encountered.

    New Mom Collective

    For Professionals or Parents: Parents
    Class/Course/Other: Course
    Format: Videos
    Registration Required: Yes
    Course Length: Unknown
    Access time: Anytime
    Paid / Free: Paid – $48
    IBCLC Created: Yes
    Other Courses Available: Yes

    Website: New Mom Collective

    Summary

    Cindy and Jana are well known IBCLCs, and the creators of this course. Once you enroll you gain the course for life – with 14 videos available to watch. There will be lots of good advice to help you in your journey of breastfeeding in this course so could well be worth a look.

    Stanford Medicine

    For Professionals or Parents: Parents
    Class/Course/Other: Other
    Format: Text and Video
    Registration Required: No
    Course Length: Unknown
    Access time: Anytime
    Paid / Free: Free
    IBCLC Created: No – Doctor
    Other Courses Available: Yes, varied

    Website: Stanford Medicine

    Summary

    What’s this? Two breastfeeding courses from Stanford? Well, almost. This isn’t exactly a course, but a series of helpful videos/text that will give much of what you need to know – just not in a structured way. Regardless, we commend the University for promoting and endorsing breastfeeding and playing their part in helping women.

    Australian Breastfeeding Association

    For Professionals or Parents: Parents
    Class/Course/Other: Webinar
    Format: Online
    Registration Required: Yes
    Course Length: 1.5hrs
    Access time: Weekend (daytime) & some weeknights
    Paid / Free: Paid – $50-125
    IBCLC Created: No
    Other Courses Available: Yes

    Website: Australian Breastfeeding Association

    Summary

    With this webinar you will join other mothers and learn the basics of breastfeeding. They do also offer face-to-face classes for those living in Australia, and of course, with it being live, you’ll be able to ask questions and have a good level of engagement.

    Lactation Link

    For Professionals or Parents: Parents
    Class/Course/Other: Course/Class
    Format:  Videos/Free course – 6 daily emails
    Registration Required: Yes
    Course Length: 45 – 70 mins
    Access time: Anytime
    Paid / Free: $97 – $197
    IBCLC Created: Yes
    Other Courses Available: Breastfeeding and Pumping

    Website: Lactation Link

    Summary

    Lactation link offer 3 classes, which cost $97 each or $197 for all 3. Their breastfeeding training offers advice on latching, avoiding common myths and how to overcome common issues such as nipple pain.

    Milky Mama

    For Professionals or Parents: Parents
    Class/Course/Other: Course
    Format: Unknown
    Registration Required: Yes
    Course Length: Unknown
    Access time: Anytime
    Paid / Free: Paid – $27
    IBCLC Created: Yes
    Other Courses Available: No

    Website: Milky Mama

    Summary

    Enrolling in this course gives you lifetime access to all the course content which has been created by Krystal, an IBCLC.
    Although it explains what is covered in the course, there is no information on how long it will take or what format.

    The Breastfeeding Doctor

    For Professionals or Parents: Parents
    Class/Course/Other: Class
    Format: One-to-one or group
    Registration Required: Unknown
    Course Length: Unknown
    Access time: Unknown
    Paid / Free: Unknown
    IBCLC Created: Yes
    Other Courses Available: No

    Website: The Breastfeeding Doctor

    Summary

    Dr Sharon Silberstein is The Breastfeeding Doctor and is a certified IBCLC. The classes are available either as a one-to-one or in a group. It would seem there are 2 locations (to the London area) for local classes and the option to do have a virtual consultation, all with differing prices.

    Milk and Love

    For Professionals or Parents: Parents
    Class/Course/Other: Other
    Format:  6 Videos
    Registration Required: No
    Course Length: Up to 18 mins per video
    Access time: Anytime
    Paid / Free: Free
    IBCLC Created: Yes
    Other Courses Available: No

    Website: Milk and Love

    Summary

    The Milk and Love website is mainly a shop to buy clothes and toys for mum and baby, and is based in Australia. Finding the breastfeeding video series from the homepage is quite difficult and the videos will give you a simple overview of breastfeeding but if you are looking for a more in depth course then it’s probably best to look else where.

    First Latch

    For Professionals or Parents: Parents
    Class/Course/Other: Other
    Format:  Videos and PDFs
    Registration Required: No
    Course Length: 2 Hours
    Access time: Anytime
    Paid / Free: Free
    IBCLC Created: Yes
    Other Courses Available: Yes – for professionals

    Website: First Latch

    Summary

    Ran by Vergie Hughes, IBCLC, this is a set of three videos covering the basics of what you’ll need to know. You can be sure that the information provided is research based, and grounded in practical help. Worth a look.

    Medela University

    For Professionals or Parents: Parents
    Class/Course/Other: Course
    Format:  Videos
    Registration Required: Yes
    Course Length: 90 Mins
    Access time: Anytime
    Paid / Free: Paid
    IBCLC Created: Yes
    Other Courses Available: No

    Website: Medela University

    Summary

    Medela are known worldwide for their breast pumps. This course is made up of 10 short breastfeeding classes to help new and expectant parents in their breastfeeding journey.

    It’s worth noting that the course is also available in Spanish and there’s an option to get the course for free if you register your Medela pump on their website.

    Minnesota Momma

    For Professionals or Parents: Parents
    Class/Course/Other: Mini Course
    Format:  6 Daily Emails
    Registration Required: Yes
    Course Length: 
    Access time: Anytime
    Paid / Free: Free
    IBCLC Created: No
    Other Courses Available: No

    Website: Minnesota Momma

     Summary

    This is labelled as a “Free Breastfeeding Basics Mini Course sent right to your email”. While it covers the basics of breastfeeding, along with some tips and resources, there will be better options available for those wanting comprehensive understanding of both the benefits of breastfeeding, as well as the hurdles you might face… as well as how to overcome them.

    Breastfeeding Confidential

    For Professionals or Parents: Parents
    Class/Course/Other: Course
    Format: Videos
    Registration Required: Yes
    Course Length: 2hrs
    Access time: Anytime
    Paid / Free: Free/$27 – $47
    IBCLC Created: Yes
    Other Courses Available: Yes

    Website: Breastfeeding Confidential

    Summary

    Andrea Tran is an IBCLC and creator of the ‘Free Breastfeeding Myths Course’. While this is not a comprehensive course (3 Day Mini Course of 3 videos), it will help women with what is a huge hurdle in their breastfeeding journey – overcoming the many myths that surround us within our society.

    There is also a Breastfeeding Preparation Course available for $47.

    As an IBCLC, these breastfeeding courses will provide accurate information, whether it is the free course or the paid preparation course.

    Torbay and South Devon NHS

    For Professionals or Parents: Parents
    Class/Course/Other: Class
    Format:
    Registration Required: Yes
    Course Length: 
    Access time: Monthly
    Paid / Free: Free
    IBCLC Created: Unknown
    Other Courses Available: No

    Website: Torbay and South Devon NHS

    Summary

    This monthly class is run by midwives and is free. It is promoted as a breastfeeding master class, and the info you will receive will be very helpful. The session looks like it lasts around an hour, and is in person so you get to meet other soon to be mums.

    Association of Breastfeeding Mothers

    For Professionals or Parents: Parents
    Class/Course/Other: Course
    Format: Articles and videos
    Registration Required: Yes
    Course Length: N/A
    Access time: Anytime
    Paid / Free: Free
    IBCLC Created: Unknown
    Other Courses Available: Yes – for professionals

    Website: ABM

    Summary

    The course titled ‘Team Baby: getting ready to breastfeed‘ from the ABM is free to join and to use whenever you want. It is aimed at both the mum and partner, so you are learning together.

    There are 5 sections and in each you will find the lesson content, study time and a partner challenge. ABM is well established in the field of breastfeeding education and support, and their material can be used with confidence.

    The paid courses are aimed at mothers and professionals who wish to train to become mother-to-mother supporters and counsellors, and range from £45 all the way up to £725.

    The Breastfeeding Mama

    For Professionals or Parents: Parents
    Class/Course/Other: Class
    Format: Modules
    Registration Required: Yes
    Course Length: 5 Modules
    Access time: Anytime
    Paid / Free: $17-$57
    IBCLC Created: No
    Other Courses Available: Yes

    Website: The Breastfeeding Mama

    Summary

    Kate is an IBCLC in training, and has created The Breastfeeding Mama website, and this online breastfeeding class. She encourages you to learn alongside your partner, and you gain a few extras when you buy the course. It’s a beautifully designed website, but there’s a lot of information, which may be overwhelming for some.

    .

    The Baby Manual

    For Professionals or Parents: Parents
    Class/Course/Other: Course
    Format: Videos – Online or DVD
    Registration Required: Yes
    Course Length: 4hrs
    Access time: Anytime (Online version for 6 months) 
    Paid / Free: Paid – $59 – $109
    IBCLC Created: Have IBCLC on staff
    Other Courses Available: Yes

    Website: The Baby Manual

    Summary

    With this course you can either do it online or receive it via DVD (it does come from the USA so postage may apply). It is a series of 14 videos to watch that has won the Mom’s Choice Awards. If you choose to do it online you get 6 months of access. You can pay slightly more to get the online and DVD versions. It’s nicely filmed, and an interesting way of doing the course.

    New Little Life

    For Professionals or Parents: Parents
    Class/Course/Other: Course
    Format: Videos
    Registration Required: Yes
    Course Length: 
    Access time: Anytime 
    Paid / Free: Paid – $?
    IBCLC Created: Yes
    Other Courses Available: No

    Website: New Little Life

    Summary

    The New Little Life course is run by Allison Tolman who is an IBCLC so  the content provided is research based and full of useful information.
    A nice touch is that once you have paid, you’ll have full access to the course for as long as you like. You can also do the course with your partner so they can learn ways to help.

    Fearless Birthing

    For Professionals or Parents: Parents
    Class/Course/Other: Other
    Format: Unknown
    Registration Required: Yes
    Course Length: Unknown
    Access time: Subscription based
    Paid / Free: Monthly fee – £19 or £39
    IBCLC Created: No
    Other Courses Available: No

    Website: Fearless Birthing

    Summary

    Mama Ship is a subscription-based community where you can join other mums and get support from each other, and covering a number of topics. There are interviews and articles from experts to look at and read, and there is a monthly community call. The community side of it sounds nice, but the monthly fee may put some people off when there are other alternatives out there.

    Milk Sprout

    For Professionals or Parents: Parents
    Class/Course/Other: Course
    Format: Videos and articles
    Registration Required: Yes
    Course Length: 
    Access time: Anytime 
    Paid / Free: Paid – $55.20
    IBCLC Created: Yes
    Other Courses Available: Yes

    Website: Milk Sprout

    Summary

    Here’s another IBCLC created course. The website is a little tricky to navigate, and finding the course isn’t straight forward, but once you get there and are signed up, you get lifetime access and a monthly live question and answer session, which is a great addition and worthy of mention.

    Mammalia

    For Professionals or Parents: Parents
    Class/Course/Other: Course
    Format: Videos and articles
    Registration Required: Yes
    Course Length: 
    Access time: Anytime 
    Paid / Free: Paid – £80
    IBCLC Created: Yes
    Other Courses Available: Yes

    Website: Mammalia

    Summary

    Another IBCLC led course, by a specialist in the field for 8 years.

    The Swiss Method

    For Professionals or Parents: Parents
    Class/Course/Other: Course
    Format: 7 Sessions
    Registration Required: Yes
    Course Length: 2 hours
    Access time: Unknown
    Paid / Free:Unknown
    IBCLC Created: No
    Other Courses Available: Yes

    Website: The Swiss Method

    Summary

    This course is delivered over 7 sessions with one of the sessions delivered by a qualified breastfeeding counselor. There is a maximum number of 6 women allowed in a group so it will feel quite intimate and it is for ladies only. If you do want your partner there then there are private sessions available.

    However, despite the course being apparently available, we couldn’t find where to sign up.

     

    Doula Mama Baba

    For Professionals or Parents: Parents
    Class/Course/Other: Class
    Format: Group Preparation
    Registration Required: Yes
    Course Length: 
    Access time: 
    Paid / Free: Paid – £35
    IBCLC Created: No
    Other Courses Available: Yes

    Website: Doula Mama Baba

    Summary

    This class is led by Caroline, an experienced doula, and works out of Cambridge, UK. The information on the web page gives you the information you need but we couldn’t find out how or where to sign up! 

    Tinyhood

    For Professionals or Parents: Parents
    Class/Course/Other: Courses and Classes
    Format: Videos and articles
    Registration Required: Yes
    Course Length: Various
    Access time: Anytime for up to 2yrs
    Paid / Free: Both
    IBCLC Created: Yes
    Other Courses Available: Yes

    Website: Tinyhood

    Summary

    There is a large selection of classes and courses here all taught by professionally certified experts. Their Baby 101 course has a collection of 9 classes valued at $160 but currently priced at $49.

    Breastfeeding Courses / Classes for Professionals

    Breastfeeding Courses

    The Breastfeeding Companion

    For Professionals or Parents: Professionals
    Class/Course/Other: Course
    Format: Videos and Quizzes 
    Registration Required: Yes
    Course Length: varied
    Access time: Fixed times
    Paid / Free: Paid – £49
    IBCLC Created: Yes
    Other Courses Available: Yes, varied

    Website: The Breastfeeding Companion Courses

    Summary

    These are our courses, with a similar framework, but different depths, depending on how much you need to know. Furthermore, at the end of each course, there’s a certificate of completion provided. The courses are aimed at professionals at different levels, and if you don’t fit a particular category (i.e. if you’re a Doula), don’t worry, they still work for you.

    The courses are based around the main videos from our site. Each course varies in length and depth. For instance, the Health Visitor course, has multiple questions to answer, whereas the Early Help Worker course is shorter and easier to pass.

    Created by Jackie Hall, IBCLC, these courses are an excellent way to cement your newly found knowledge, and provide proof, via the certificate, of your overall understanding.

    Breastfeeding Courses

    Class Central

    For Professionals or Parents: Both
    Class/Course/Other: Course
    Format: Videos and Quizzes 
    Registration Required: Yes
    Course Length: 5 Hrs
    Access time: Fixed times
    Paid / Free: Free – £21
    IBCLC Created: No – Doctor
    Other Courses Available: Yes, varied

    Website: Class Central

    Summary

    It’s great to see a high ranking University put out a breastfeeding course, and this course aims to support both mothers, and those who support them. The course is free, but there’s an additional cost if you want a certificate at the end (more for health professionals.) It has only got 4 reviews (4.8 stars), but has been bookmarked by several hundred people, showing it’s popularity. It’s a hybrid course, in that there is a set signup date. However, prior to that date, you can access the videos and quizzes – you just miss out on any discussion groups.

    Coming from an M.D. background, there’s a focus on the advantages of breastfeeding, as well as explaining the health and cost benefits to both mother and baby.

    Coursera

    For Professionals or Parents: Both
    Class/Course/Other: Course
    Format: Videos, Reading and Quizzes
    Registration Required: Yes
    Course Length: 5hrs
    Access time: Anytime
    Paid / Free: Both
    IBCLC Created: No – Doctor
    Other Courses Available: Yes

    Website: Coursera

    Summary

    This is the 3rd course from Stanford University. This time on the Coursera platform. It’s had over 25K people already enrol and you can do so for free. This short course which allows you to learn when you want and has flexible deadlines. It is a beginner level course so it will be pretty basic, so if your looking for something more in depth then you will want to look somewhere else.
    The course is free but there’s an optional certificate at the end which will cost $29.

    NCT

    For Professionals or Parents: Both
    Class/Course/Other: Course
    Format: Live or Online sessions
    Registration Required: Yes
    Course Length: 17hrs
    Access time: Fixed Times
    Paid / Free: Paid – different membership options
    IBCLC Created:
    Other Courses Available: Yes

    Website: NCT

    Summary

    NCT are the UKs leading charity for parents. With the NCT you have to become a member (a 12 month membership is £48) which gives you certain rewards and benefits. The Antenatal course offered here is £175 and you get a number of sessions (depending on the time you pick – and one session covers breastfeeding). There are other courses available to look at also. With free or cheaper courses out there which are focussed purely on breastfeeding, and many with more detail and depth, this may be something for you to weigh up.

    The Breastfeeding Network

    For Professionals or Parents: Professionals
    Class/Course/Other: Course
    Format: 12 x 2hr sessions
    Registration Required: Yes
    Course Length: 24hrs
    Access time: Fixed Times
    Paid / Free: Both
    IBCLC Created: Unknown
    Other Courses Available: Yes

    Website: The Breastfeeding Network

    Summary

    The Breastfeeding Network is a charity that aims to help mums and families make informed decisions about breastfeeding. They offer 2 courses, but you must complete the first course initially which is a training course to become a BfN Registered Helper. This is nationally recognised and is worth 2 units at level 2 (equivalent level to GCSEs).

    The course is open to women who have had personal experience of breastfeeding, so not one for new mothers who want to learn about breastfeeding, but if you want to help new mums, then this could be the course for you.

    Future Learn

    For Professionals or Parents: Medical Students
    Class/Course/Other: Course
    Format:
    Registration Required: Yes
    Course Length: 3hrs
    Access time: Anytime
    Paid / Free: Both
    IBCLC Created: No
    Other Courses Available: Yes

    Website: Future Learn

    Summary

    A very specific course here for those who are medical students so there will be a lot of scientific information in this course. The course is free but you only get access to it for 3 weeks and you can upgrade for £59 which gives you unlimited access and a certificate.

    Unicef

    For Professionals or Parents: Professionals
    Class/Course/Other: Course
    Format:
    Registration Required: Yes
    Course Length: 
    Access time: 
    Paid / Free: Paid – £260-£520
    IBCLC Created: Unknown
    Other Courses Available: Yes

    Website: Unicef

    Summary

    This Unicef course is aimed at health professionals, such as midwives, health visitors and dieticians. If you fall in one of these categories then this course will definitely be one to check out.

    RCGP Learning

    For Professionals or Parents: Professionals
    Class/Course/Other: Course
    Format: Unknown
    Registration Required: Yes
    Course Length: 30 mins
    Access time: Anytime
    Paid / Free: Free
    IBCLC Created: Unknown
    Other Courses Available: Yes

    Website: RCGP Learning

    Summary

    The course here is very much aimed at GPs and is aimed at helping to educate them about breastfeeding in their practice so that they can advise mothers and help resolve any issues they may have. We’re really pleased to see such a course available.

    Real Baby Milk

    For Professionals or Parents: Peer Supporters
    Class/Course/Other: Course
    Format: Unknown
    Registration Required: Yes
    Course Length: 20hrs
    Access time: Unknown
    Paid / Free: Unknown
    IBCLC Created: Unknown
    Other Courses Available: Yes

    Website: Real Baby Milk

    Summary

    The training course here helps you to work towards becoming an accredited peer supporter. There are 3 levels, but you need to complete the first one and have experience, before moving on to the next.

    It is a little hard to find out how to register for the course, other than emailing them. There is no link on the page, and even though there is a login page, you can’t register an account.

    ENN

    For Professionals or Parents: Professionals
    Class/Course/Other: Course
    Format:
    Registration Required: Yes
    Course Length: 5 days
    Access time: Unknown
    Paid / Free: Unknown
    IBCLC Created: Unknown
    Other Courses Available: Unknown

    Website: ENN

    Summary

    This course is designed to equip health workers with the skills to support mothers and their children to breastfeed optimally. It includes guides to teach the course. It would seem they provide the training materials needed, but don’t teach the course directly.

    Mum & Baby Academy

    For Professionals or Parents: Professionals
    Class/Course/Other: Module
    Format: Unknown
    Registration Required: Yes
    Course Length: 30-60mins
    Access time: Unknown
    Paid / Free: Unknown
    IBCLC Created:Unknown
    Other Courses Available: Yes

    Website: Mum & Baby Academy

    Summary

    The aim of this module for the Mum & Baby Academy is to help health professionals prepare women for their fourth trimester. You have to register with the Academy to get access to it and if you aren’t a health professional then this won’t be for you.

    How did we do?

    Did we miss a course/class out that you have been on and loved? Do you run a breastfeeding course/class and want us to add it to our list? Drop us a line, we’d love to hear from you.