Advanced Lactation 201 – A Step Towards IBCLC Certification

advanced lactation 201

Whether your goal is to become an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) or simply deepen your expertise in lactation support, Advanced Lactation 201 is designed to help you take the next step in your professional journey.

Building on the foundation established in our Certified Breastfeeding Counselor (CBC) program, this comprehensive course provides 50 hours of advanced lactation education accepted toward the IBCLC education requirements.

Taught by Cierra Murphy-Higgs, IBCLC, the program combines current research with practical application, helping you develop the advanced knowledge, counseling skills, and clinical confidence needed to support breastfeeding families.

Throughout the course, you’ll gain in-depth training in:

Global trends and current evidence in lactation
Advanced communication and counseling techniques
Motivational interviewing and behavior change
Teaching strategies for prenatal and postpartum education
Professional practice and the business of lactation
Evidence-based lactation resources and clinical decision-making
Advanced case studies and complex breastfeeding scenarios
Comprehensive counseling and care planning through a final case study

Designed for breastfeeding counselors, doulas, nurses, childbirth educators, and other maternal-child health professionals, this course emphasizes real-world application through interactive assignments, counseling exercises, role-playing, and advanced case studies that prepare you to confidently support families facing a wide variety of breastfeeding challenges.

Advanced Lactation 201 is approved for 50 LCERPs by IBLCE®, making it an excellent choice for professionals working toward IBCLC certification or seeking high-quality continuing education in lactation care.

Like all International Breastfeeding Institute programs, this course is 100% online and self-paced, allowing you to complete your coursework whenever it fits your schedule while maintaining access for up to one year.

Who Is This Program For?

Advanced Lactation 201 is ideal for:

Certified Breastfeeding Counselors (CBCs)
Future IBCLC candidates
Doulas
Nurses
Midwives
Childbirth Educators
WIC professionals
Peer breastfeeding counselors
Other maternal-child health professionals seeking advanced lactation education

Tracy tells us,
“This course was informative and educational. I enjoyed learning how to become a doula.”

Patricia shared,
“This course was great. I loved how easy it is to use, as someone who is not very technologically inclined. The coursework was challenging and I learned so much. My instructor was always very easy to reach and very responsive to any issues I had. I loved being able to work at my own pace and skip around a bit. Videos are hard for me as I am very self-conscious so it was nice to be able to postpone them for a bit until I could really practice and feel my best. ”

Judith shared,
“The instructors and course materials/videos were all so wonderful and informative. I truly feel very well equipped with all the knowledge and tools I now have to start as a full spectrum doula with multiple certifications under my belt. Thank you, IDI, from the bottom of my heart. My true passion is blossoming before my very eyes!”

Miranda tells us,
“I started my training at IDI almost a year ago. The courses have given me exactly what I needed to become a confident doula! After looking at several different doula training programs I decided on IDI because I have two young children and could work at my own pace online. I also really liked that the curriculum was contributed to by different backgrounds and trainings, not only from one perspective. This program has offered more to me than I ever could have thought! Not only have I learned how to support Moms and families through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum but I’ve been given tools in growing my reach and communication… just to name a few. There’s also huge support from other doulas in the program. I recommend this program to future doulas!”

Mary says,
“Started my journey (with admitted fear) only a month ago and felt immediately at ease! This program is very fluid. Work at your own pace. Easy to reach help and support the whole way through. Everything you need to know to hit the ground running with confidence once certified.”

Brenda tells us,
“My name is Brenda and I have been studying with IDI for a while now, looking forward to the Postpartum course also. I have found the studies, books, and information to feel well rounded in information and comprehensive. I love all the books they have chosen for my studies. Also, the opportunity to be hands-on with the additional class, interviews, videos, and Moms-to-be. This is a part of the program that brings all the reading, studying…everything to light! The teachers are kind, understanding and obviously VERY experienced and can guide and support me throughout this wonderful journey of certification to be a “Doula” I’m so happy I chose IDI to be my training! Thank you!!!! I look forward to the future!♡”

Joyce says,
“I love being a student with IDI!”

Laura tells us,
” Easy to do at my own pace, good supplemental readings. ”

Hannah tells us,
” Hey this is Hannah! I’m SOO excited to have finished my courses & have become a CERTIFIED DOULA! I almost can’t believe I have that title, with my name!!! This has been a lifelong dream. I’m very grateful to have been able to do it online, as I am a stay-at-home mom to 7 amazing children. It was very convenient for me to work on, as I had quiet time, during my little’s naps. Having been through labor, birth & breastfeeding stages of my life, helped tremendously. However, it was a very practical course & easy to understand the instructions. I highly recommend IDI to anyone who is interested in becoming a doula!! Thank you, IDI!!! ”

Tatyana says,
“I enjoyed everything about this course. Very informative and detailed.”