The overall goal of this elective is to help students develop the skills and confidence to assist and advise breastfeeding infants and their mothers. This course details the relevant anatomy, physiology, and common problems related to lactation and infant breastfeeding. Students learn how to assess infant weight gain, milk transfer, and appropriate latch, and manage medical problems that can arise in the context of lactation.
The course is designed to be completed primarily through self-study. This design was created in order to facilitate completion of the course by new medical student or resident parents. However, the course can be completed by any student or resident as a two-week or four-week clinical elective.