International Doula Institute’s Breastfeeding Counselor Program
International Breastfeeding Institute is the lactation school of the International Doula Institute.
Our Core Course offers 40 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.
CBC Course Description:
The International Doula Institute is proud to offer the Certified Breastfeeding Counselor Course. Do you want to help lactating families through enlightening education and empowering support? Are you a doula? A nurse? Are you looking to provide Lactation Support? If you are passionate about moms and babies, this program is for you. With feeding being such a gigantic part of birth and postpartum support, getting your CBC will enable you to better support prenatal and postpartum families.
Certified Breastfeeding Counselors are trained individuals who 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 serves 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 CE courses designed for adjacent services. However, this is if you can provide a statement explaining how the course relates to nursing. You may need to provide a CERP certificate with our IBLCE approval number as IBLCE is a recognized credentialing entity. You can also check with your state board of nursing to confirm as well.
Cierra Murphy-Higgs MS, EdS, IBCLC – an Internationally Board-Certified Lactation Consultant instructs this course. This course will focus on completing all the Clinical Competencies required for a Certified Breastfeeding Counselor. Also, almost all the Clinical Competencies for becoming an IBCLC. Our coursework will include the basics of breastfeeding, communication and counseling skills. Also, the tools you will need in the areas of prenatal and postpartum support. There are multiple learning modules with required reading, assignments, exams, essays and role-plays. This course is standalone or can be used towards the coursework needed to go onward and become an IBCLC.
NEED 90 Hours of Lactation Coursework?
Our Core Course offers 40 L CERPS (Continuing Education Recognition Points) and we now offer Advanced Lactation 201 worth 50 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. This is in addition to 40 CERPS, which will help on the road to becoming an IBCLC if you choose. This coursework applies to initial certification or re-certification.
Advanced Lactation 201 for 50 CERPS 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.
Cierra Murphy-Higgs
Director of Lactation Education
Cierra Murphy-Higgs, MS, EdS, IBCLC, is a perinatal mental health advocate, lactation consultant, educator, and Director of Lactation dedicated to advancing culturally responsive, evidence-based care for families and the professionals who support them. With extensive experience in clinical practice, professional education, and program leadership, she develops innovative training and mentorship opportunities that equip birth workers and healthcare providers with practical, compassionate approaches to lactation and perinatal support.
Cierra has trained pediatric, obstetric, and perinatal professionals nationwide on best practices in lactation and infant feeding, with a strong emphasis on integrating perinatal mental health into clinical and community-based care. A sought-after national speaker, she educates interdisciplinary audiences on the complex intersection of mental health, infant feeding, identity, and systemic barriers. Through her leadership and advocacy, Cierra works to bridge gaps in care and strengthen collaborative models that improve outcomes for families across diverse communities.