Hosted by Champlain Maternal Newborn Regional Program.

Date: April 29th, 2026 (register by April 15th)

Target audience: This workshop is intended for all practitioners involved in the care of mothers and newborns in the community.

Event description and format:

This workshop will be offered in a blended learning format and consists of 3 parts:

1. Participants must complete a FREE online learning module: Supporting Mothers and Babies: Understanding Breastfeeding and the Baby Friendly Initiative. The ‘Certificate of Achievement’ must be submitted at least 2 working days prior to attending the workshop. Estimated time 2-4 hours.
2. Online modules (using Google Classroom) to be completed independently prior to the afternoon session. Estimated time 3-4 hours.
3. Participation in an interactive Zoom videoconference session during the afternoon of the workshop. Estimated time 3-4 hours.

This workshop and all of its components provide a portion of the education required for the Baby Friendly Initiative (BFI) certification.

All online modules must be completed prior to attending the afternoon Zoom session.

Objectives:

• Review the history of breastfeeding and ways in which societal influences can impact breastfeeding.
• Describe the principles of the Baby Friendly Initiative.
• Identify factors that influence parents’ decision to breastfeed
• Describe the various benefits of breastfeeding, including the unique properties of human milk for infants.
• Describe physiology of milk production including physiological changes of the breast in relation to milk production and transfer.
• Identify the key principles for successful breastfeeding.
• Identify common breastfeeding positions.
• Recognize correct latch and effective sucking at the breast.
• Identify key components of a breastfeeding assessment.
• Summarize normal behaviour and growth parameters of breastfed infants.
• Describe prevention and management of common breastfeeding complications
• Review basic information on medications and breastfeeding
• Discuss parent education and support pre-discharge and post-discharge
• Identify resources for the breastfeeding mother and family.
• Identify resources available for health care professionals to access breastfeeding information.