Contact Info
WIC Lactation Continuing Education
Related topic: Staff Breastfeeding Resources
On this page: USDA breastfeeding curriculum trainings | Training & meetings | On demand education | Advanced education | IBCLC certification
USDA breastfeeding curriculum trainings
Local agencies can register for the WIC Breastfeeding Curriculum Trainings:
Self-Study options:
All levels of the WIC Breastfeeding Curriculum are available for self-study on the MDH Learning Center. These trainings are open to Minnesota WIC staff exclusively.
- Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, and Level 4 Breastfeeding Curriculum is available for WIC staff on the MDH On Demand Learning.
- Breastfeeding Curriculum for community partners (non-WIC staff) is available from USDA WIC Breastfeeding Curriculum
- 2026 Level 4 In-Person Skills Days
- Option 1:
August 12, in-person DBE skills day- Time: 9am-5pm CST
- Location: Minneapolis, MN
- Option 2:
August 13, in-person DBE skills day- Time: 9am-5pm CST
- Location: Brainerd, MN
- Option 1:
- Registration information available from the WIC Breastfeeding Coordinator
- MN WIC Level 4 Skills Day Agenda (PDF)
Training Information: The Breastfeeding Curriculum is a skill-based, WIC-focused training designed to build competencies among WIC staff. The training consists of 4 levels, which include all staff in the WIC clinic from administrative support staff to Designated Breastfeeding Experts (DBE). Each level builds on the next to higher levels of learning.
The training clarifies staff roles and how staff at all levels work together to support breastfeeding in WIC. The Breastfeeding Curriculum replaces training such as Grow and Glow and Loving Support through Peer Counseling for new staff.
Training level information
Support staff, peer counselors, CPAs, and DBEs - Level 1 (4 hours)
- Support Staff Breastfeeding Role: Basic communication approaches, and how to support WIC mothers with breastfeeding.
Peer counselors, CPAs, and DBEs - Level 2 (12 hours)
- Peer Breastfeeding Role: Supporting normal breastfeeding, early practices to get breastfeeding off to a good start. Must complete level 1 before starting Level 2.
CPAs, and DBEs - Level 3 (8 hours)
- CPA Breastfeeding Role: Assisting mothers with breastfeeding concerns, clinic practices that support breastfeeding. Must complete Levels 1 and 2 before starting Level 3.
DBEs - Level 4 (12 hours)
- DBE Breastfeeding Role: Assisting WIC mothers experiencing complex breastfeeding challenges that are beyond the scope of peer counselors and CPA staff. Must complete Levels 1, 2 and 3 before starting Level 4.
Continuing Education Credits
- Credits for RDs/DTRs.
- For IBCLCs/LCs.
- Nurses can claim the credits at any time using the information provided with the course.
Breastfeeding Curriculum Q and A - provides general guidance and information about the USDA WIC Breastfeeding Curriculum.
WIC Breastfeeding Curriculum - Topic of the Month (PDF)
Questions? Contact Rosie.Pierce-Martin@state.mn.us
Trainings & meetings
Also refer to the MN WIC Calendar for Local Agencies
Only training in MN and adjacent states is listed here. When possible, WIC makes their trainings available to others, but sometimes there are limits on attendance.
State sponsored lactation trainings
Minnesota WIC offers lactation trainings for WIC staff. For more information about trainings and registration tips: 2026 State Sponsored Lactation Courses (PDF).
Registration information is available from the State WIC Breastfeeding Coordinator Rosie.Pierce-Martin@state.mn.us
2025
Birth intervention bias and breastfeeding. Free. Continuing education credits provided until April 15, 2026. (Webinar). MIBFN Michigan Breastfeeding Network Webinars.
Perinatal emergency preparedness. Free. Continuing education credits provided until May 20, 2026. (Webinar). MIBFN Michigan Breastfeeding Network Webinars.
Breaking the cycle: addressing the roots of addition and supporting fathers in recovery and parenting. Free. Continuing education credits provided until June 17, 2026. (Webinar). MIBFN Michigan Breastfeeding Network Webinars.
Identifying bias and racism in data collection: finding a better way forward. Free. Continuing education credits provided until July 15, 2026. (Webinar). MIBFN Michigan Breastfeeding Network Webinars.
When system fail: racism, resistance, and the power of community. Free. Continuing education credits provided until July 22, 2026. (Webinar). MIBFN Michigan Breastfeeding Network Webinars.
Birth is ceremony: reclaiming birth work. Free. Continuing education credits provided until August 19, 2026. (Webinar). MIBFN Michigan Breastfeeding Network Webinars.
Pouring with wisdom: honoring our past, nourishing the future. Free. Continuing education credits provided until August 19, 2026. (Webinar). MIBFN Michigan Breastfeeding Network Webinars.
Lactation & Intimacy: Navigating Postpartum Fertility. Free. Continuing education credits provided until September 15, 2026. (Webinar). More information: MIBFN Michigan Breastfeeding Network Webinars.
Reimagining Support After Infant Loss: Nora’s Story. Free. Continuing education credits provided until October 6, 2026. (Webinar). More information: MIBFN Michigan Breastfeeding Network Webinars.
Social Drivers of Fatherhood and the Impacts on Maternal Infant Health: Let’s Talk About Stress. Free. Continuing education credits provided until October 20, 2026. (Webinar). More information: MIBFN Michigan Breastfeeding Network Webinars.
Educating Dads, Partners, and Family Members on Breastfeeding Support During the Prenatal and Postpartum Period. Free. Continuing education credits provided until November 17, 2026. (Webinar). More information: MIBFN Michigan Breastfeeding Network Webinars.
Men and Miscarriage. Free. Continuing education credits provided until December 15, 2026. (Webinar). More information: MIBFN Michigan Breastfeeding Network Webinars.
2026
Breastfeeding with Trauma: Navigating the Journey After Sexual Assault. Free. Continuing education credits provided until January 19, 2027. (Webinar). More information: MIBFN Michigan Breastfeeding Network Webinars.
Removing Barriers Collectively: Working Together to Improve Health Outcomes for Families. Free. Continuing education credits provided until February 4, 2027. (Webinar). More information: MIBFN Michigan Breastfeeding Network Webinars.
First Food, Strong Roots: The Strategic Attempt to Annihilate the Practice of Black Breastfeeding. Free. Continuing education credits provided until February 16, 2027. (Webinar). More information: MIBFN Michigan Breastfeeding Network Webinars.
The Missing Link: The Importance of Community Organizations. Free. Continuing education credits provided until February 23, 2027. (Webinar). More information: MIBFN Michigan Breastfeeding Network Webinars.
On demand education
MIBFN Michigan Breastfeeding Network Webinars. Free. Continuing education credits provided. Webinars available for 12 months after the air date. For more information: Available Webinars.
BreastfeedLA Free and paid lactation education programs and Webinars. Continuing education available.
Breastfeeding Human Medicine: Inter-professional Continuing Education online Module. University of Mississippi Medical Center Professional Education. No IBCLC credits available.
Springfield Urban League past satellite and webcast links and resources. Free lactation courses. Continuing education credits available for 2 years after viewing date.
San Diego County Breastfeeding Coalition Recorded Webinars Library. $35.00. CERPs available.
University of Albany School of Public Health. Supporting and Promoting Breastfeeding, Chest feeding and Lactation in Health Care Settings. Free. Four part webinar series available for on-demand viewing and offers continuing education credits for viewers until April 18, 2026.
University of Albany School of Public Health. Breastfeeding Grand Rounds. Free. On demand Breastfeeding Grand Rounds webcasts.
Advanced education
List of Breastfeeding Conferences by State
Gold Lactation Offers online lactation conference and continuing education opportunities.
Lactation Education Consultants Certified lactation Specialist and Two-Day Cram Review Courses
M Health Fairview Professional Education in Breastfeeding and Lactation Click on Professional Education in Breastfeeding and Lactation to learn more.
IBCLC certification
International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners How to Become an IBCLC. Click on IBCLC certification tab to learn more.
Marie Biancuzzo IBCLE Exam & Exam Prep Resources
If you know of other lactation-related training opportunities in Minnesota or Border States, please send an e-mail to Rosie.Pierce-Martin@state.mn.us and include as much information as you can about date, location, topics, who to contact for more information, and a URL if available.
This information is provided to encourage WIC staff and others to develop their knowledge of lactation-related issues, for your convenience, and is not meant as an endorsement of any particular course or organization.