Advanced Lactation Program

BECOME THE BEST LACTATION SPECIALIST YOU CAN BE

with Paola as your mentor.

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Advanced Lactation Program: Clinical Skills 
& Private Practice Tools

An intensive online program with self-paced learning and one-on-one mentoring, where you will gain all the clinical skills and knowledge you need to provide excellent care to your patients and to level-up your lactation practice.

About your mentor.

Paola is an Internationally Educated Physician, specializing in Breastfeeding & Lactation Medicine, currently enrolled in the LILAC Fellowship (Lessons in Lactation Advanced Curriculum), a highly regarded two-year advanced fellowship in Breastfeeding & Lactation Medicine at the University of Rochester Medical Center in New York, USA.

She’s also a Certified Breastfeeding Specialist and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, the gold standard certification for health professionals working with breastfeeding families. She holds a Diploma in Pediatric Nutrition and a Diploma in Perinatal & Pediatric Clinical Nutrition. She's consistently expanding her expertise through ongoing continuing education.

She's also certified as a Sleep & Wellbeing Specialist, and a Baby-Led Weaning Educator. She has additional training in Pumping & Feeding Gear, Infant Craniosacral Therapy and Oral Habilitation. She also possesses extensive clinical experience in assessing Oral Ties and Dysfunction.

In her practice, she collaborates closely with pediatricians, pediatric dentists, speech therapists, physiotherapists, osteopaths and healthcare providers from many different areas to ensure comprehensive care for her patients.

She's been an IBCLC mentor for many years, thoughtfully guiding students toward IBCLC certification and supporting their clinical and professional growth, with more than 25 graduated and currently active mentees so far.

About the program

As a doctor with knowledge of breastfeeding, Paola always assumed she'd be well-prepared to breastfeed her baby when the time came. However, she encountered unexpected challenges that made breastfeeding more complex than she had anticipated. Despite seeking help from various health professionals, she ultimately had to independently research and address her breastfeeding difficulties. With unwavering support from her husband and access to different resources, she was able to successfully overcome her obstacles.

This experience led Paola to recognize the vital role of lactation specialists in maternal and child health care. Consequently, she undertook training to become a lactation specialist herself, identifying the need for improved education and updated practices within the field. She saw that teaching other healthcare workers about breastfeeding would have a greater impact. She then became an IBCLC mentor to help others become lactation consultants and she has been a mentor for years now.

As much as she loves one-on-one mentoring, Paola’s availability became very limited for one-on-one clinical mentoring. Despite this limitation, she still really wanted to help more people who needed her advice.

So she decided to create this amazing mentorship program, offering professionals not just advanced clinical skills, but also equipping them with the necessary tools for running a successful private practice. This program empowers lactation consultants to excel not only in their careers but also as savvy business owners.

It's one thing to find educational training but a completely different story when you actually start seeing patients on your own and you face the challenges of a private practice! Charting, insurance, creating treatment plans, time management, balancing work and family life, and spending thousands of dollars in continuing education to keep up with all the changes in the lactation world.

Her training program emphasizes essential subjects to fully equip specialists in this rewarding profession. This program will help you support patients individually, lead breastfeeding groups, and teach breastfeeding classes. Plus, you can complete the lessons online whenever you want, at your own speed!

If you are looking to…

  • Provide top-notch care that makes you the lactation consultant everyone recommends

  • Start your private practice or level up your existing business

  • Have more clarity and confidence when providing care

  • Take bigger leaps and achieve your goals in 2025

... then perhaps this is your sign to take that next step.

content outline

Module 1:
Clinical Management of Low Milk Supply & Supplementation

  • Weight gain of the breastfed baby, how to interpret growth charts

  • Early supplementation and low milk supply. Investigating low milk supply. Syndrome of decreasing milk supply

  • Supplementation. Assisted nursing. Bottle-feeding skills.

  • Optimizing Pumping: breast pumps, pump settings, flange fitting, creating pumping plans

Module 2:
Complex Infant Feeding Challenges: Tongue-ties, Oral Dysfunction and Complex Cases

  • Infant oral anatomy and diagnostic skills for tongue-ties and oral dysfunction

  • Oral habilitation and bodywork as part of the lactation care plan: when and how to incorporate it to our treatment plan

  • Optimal Timing for Frenectomies: how to create a treatment plan for tongue-tied babies & how to provide adequate lactation support pre and post frenectomy

  • Bottle refusal and non-latching babies. Working with fussy babies. Oral aversion.

  • Strategies to support families with premature babies and with twins.

Module 3:
Clinical Management of Maternal Complications

  • Clinical Management of Breast Pain: engorgement, oversupply, ductal narrowing and mastitis spectrum.

  • Clinical Management of Nipple Pain: how to investigate the causes and how to treat it. Nipple healing. How to adapt the care plan to the parent's goals and tolerance

  • Naturopathic Approaches to Mastitis

  • Therapeutic Breast Massage

  • Therapeutic Ultrasound for Clogged Ducts

Module 4:
Supporting Parents of Older Infants and Toddlers

  • Weaning: from the theory to the practice: different approaches and how to create plans

  • Starting Solids: how to educate and guide parents on balancing breastfeeding, supplementation and solid meals; meal balancing and meal planning

  • Sleep & Well-being in the breastfeeding dyad: normal infant sleep, parent expectations and how sleep consultants can support families as a whole with a holistic approach

Module 5:
Charting and Providing Extended Support

  • Creating Individualized Lactation Care Plans

  • Strategies to Provide Virtual Support

  • Home Visits: everything you need to know to provide high-quality at-home support

  • In-Clinic Consultations: office set up and logistics

  • Charting templates for initial and follow up consultations, consent forms, strategies to collect payments and using the right software 

  • Insurance 

  • Words Matter: The Power of Inclusive and Expansive Language in Supporting Lactating Parents

BONUS!

Module 6:
Level-Up Your Lactation Private Practice

what you will get

✔︎ 60+ HOURS OF LACTATION-SPECIFIC EDUCATION

This course covers more than half of the required training for the IBCLC exam, and these hours count for the exam.

This course awards 60 CERPs(Continuing Education Recognition Points) approved by IBLCE (International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners)

✔︎ ONE-ON-ONE MENTORING:

One 1:1 coaching call with your mentor to answer any questions related to the content of the program, to your practice or how to provide better care to your patients. 

✔︎ GROUP MENTORING, NETWORKING AND ACCOUNTABILITY:

Group mentoring through a private group with your mentor and fellow students to share your progress and find inspiration.

✔︎ EXTENDED LEARNING:

Access to the recorded lessons for 6 months so you can re-watch as needed and take your time learning at your own pace! Plus, you will get additional conferences with guest speakers.​

✔︎ COMMUNITY:

Our intention is to create an amazing community of healthcare professionals that connect for a lifetime and share their experiences with each other.

Paola is fluent in English and Spanish, all educational sessions and group support in this program will be provided fully in English. Additional one-on-one mentoring is available separately in both languages according to the mentee's preference.

This program is designed with 6 weekly modules to ensure a structured learning experience. With a generous 6 months of access, you have the flexibility to watch the lessons at a pace that suits you best. Most students find themselves completing the program comfortably within 2-3 months' time.

  • Business Coaching: goal mapping, accountability and building a team

  • Me.E.O. - Be the CEO of Your Life! - By Carla Catherwood

  • Finances: service fees, setting financial goals, income planning and money management

  • Marketing: ads and strategies to bring more leads

  • Selling Online Courses

  • Teaching Group Classes

  • Managing Support Groups

  • Leadership

  • Mentoring: how to become a mentor, how to build a mentorship plan, contract template and tips on how to run your programs

what our students say.

“All lessons were honestly all so helpful!!! My favourite thing about the program was putting the educational pieces together to assist with the formation of care plans - the 1:1 mentorship and just knowing I can reach out for further guidance is so comforting!

Also so helpful were the various platforms Paola trialed for her practice & what she found most useful! Her personal experience adds so much to valuable learning! I went into private practice without mentorship- my biggest regret is that I didn’t have this information & support before I started!

Paola’s knowledge & practical application to practice makes this one of the most influential courses I have ever taken!”

-Melissa Treur, RN, IBCLC

B.C., Canada

“The program was excellent - I learned so much! Paola was right that even though I had taken a previos course, her program was very helpful on top of what I previously learned. It filled in a lot of the gaps and was very practical, while the course I took previously was oriented mainly to content from the textbook (I know this is important too).”

-Mary Davis, BScN

Mississauga, Canada

  • "Find a great mentor who believes in you; your life will change forever! -Bill Walsh It’s been 8 months since I found my lactation mentor, Paola Vallarino, at Mamas Au Lait, and everything started to change! I made the decision that in 2024 I would focus on achieving this journey that sparkles in my heart and soul. Now, I am so happy I have completed one more step with a heart full of gratitude and hope. More to come! I’m so grateful to have found such an amazing mentor!”

    Luciana Lima

  • "Paola is an outstanding mentor with a wealth of information that needs to be shared with as many people as possible! I am honoured to have been able to work along side her over the past few months. It was an honour to complete my clinical hours with her. She was genuinely invested in the growth and development of my practice and learning. She truly put her heart in to making my time at Mamas Au Lait the best possible experience. Thank you for taking me under your wing Paola.”

    Deena Zacks

  • IBCLC mentor

    "Paola is my current Mentor for the IBCLC Mentorship / internship program and she is very knowledgeable, with high level updated science based experience and ensures you fully understand everything and responds to every question you have. She really cares and commits as a Mentor. I feel im great hands with my training journey thanks to her and her amazing team."

    Melisa Lopez

  • "I mentored under Paola to gain more experience with a wider range age of babies and wow is Paola ever knowledgeable!!! Prior to mentoring with her I had taken the Gold lactation academy and had worked as a postpartum nurse and NICU nurse but it wasn’t until working with Paola that I felt like I gained the confidence to be able to help with truly complex situations. She is such an amazing teacher and takes the time to make sure to answer any of your questions in depth. Highly recommend mentoring under Paola if you are working towards your IBCLC or even if you are already an IBCLC but seeking more valuable knowledge."

    Maya Ida

what patients say about our graduates

  • Mila Mendez, CBS

    (They/Them)

    BREASTFEEDING SPECIALIST. POSTPARTUM DOULA IN TRAINING. LACTATION INTERN.

    “I had an initial prenatal consultation with Mila, who was very warm, friendly and knowledgeable. Our session helped me feel more confident and grounded with restarting breastfeeding again, and I was grateful for the resources provided after our discussion.” Wei F.

    “I cannot emphasize enough how important it was for me, my partner and our newborn baby to work with Mila Natasha Mendez at Mamas au Lait. Thanks to their support, we were able to overcome various health and lactation issues and start exclusively breastfeeding by the third month. Mila is caring and supportive. Although we worked online, I didn't feel the distance of remote communication. I felt safe and warmly welcomed in our exchange.” Lela R.

  • Stephanie Aguanno, RN

    (She/Her)

    REGISTERED NURSE. LACTATION INTERN.

    “Working with Stephanie on my fourth baby was a true game changer. Previous LCs took on a very medical approach to everything related to breastfeeding and gave me very narrow options and looked out mostly for the baby gaining weight. Stephanie, however, looks out for baby AND mom and this stood out to me right away. She is supportive, professional, and provides a peace of mind that no other LC ever has. Her knowledge also goes beyond breastfeeding. She is well acquainted with pumping, bottle paced feeding and weaning. I don’t have words to express my immense gratitude for Steph and I will for sure be referring all of my mom friends to Steph!” Yolo L.

    “Stephanie helped me improve things quickly and in a non judgemental manner. She was very approachable and proactive in finding solutions, even without my asking for it. It was really a pleasure to work with Stephanie and I'd highly recommend her.“ Patricia S.

After completing the program you will:

♡ Treat patients with confidence

♡ Create life-changing lactation care plans for your patients

♡ Be a reliable resource for your patients and other lactation consultants

♡ Educate patients with a wealth of knowledge

♡ Be recognized in your field as a tongue-tie savvy practitioner

♡ Be ready to launch your private practice or to level-up your existing business so you can reach financial independence

♡ Be fully equipped to switch from one-time consultations to offering life-changing extended follow up for long-time patients that you will guide from pregnancy to weaning.

 FAQs

  • Yes. The Advanced Lactation Program is designed to provide the lactation-specific education and clinical knowledge required for IBCLC exam eligibility and currently includes 60 CERPs.

  • Yes, you can use the 60+ hours you earn for the IBCLC exam's 95-hour requirement. The coursework aligns perfectly with the educational prerequisites set forth by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE). This makes it an ideal step towards pursuing the prestigious IBCLC certification. If you’re already an IBCLC, you can use the 60 CERPS towards your recertification.

  • For both! If you’re already an IBCLC, you will get advanced clinical skills and knowledge to level up your practice and offer top-notch lactation care. It will also give you 60 CERPS towards your recertification. If you’re on your way to become an IBCLC, this program will prepare you to start seeing patients on your own and be fully equipped to do so! It will also give you more than half of the lactation education hours you need to apply for the IBCLC exam.

  • The program currently provides 60 CERPs.

  • Following the program’s outline, you’ll spend over five hours each week on self-study for six weeks. However, you can pace yourself since there are 32 weeks to complete the program.  Most students take a bit longer, typically between 12 and 24 weeks, with 1 to 2 hours of study each week. If you find yourself running out of time, you can purchase a discounted renewal access.

  • You will get both! This is what makes this program unique. When signing up for our program, you will benefit from having Paola as your mentor, while also gaining insights from your peers. You will have access to our private group with all participants and your mentor. You'll also receive two individual mentoring sessions.  Be ready for goal setting and Q&A! 

  • You can access the course for up to 32 weeks to review lessons, download PDFs, and take the final test for your certificate. Students usually complete the program in 12 to 24 weeks.

  • Yes, you will get a certificate of completion with 60 CERPS (education credits) approved by IBLCE. You can use the 60+ hours you earn for the IBCLC exam's 95-hour requirement.

  • This is an advanced lactation program. You will need 35 additional lactation education hours to meet the 95 h requirement to apply for the IBCLC exam. You should take a basic lactation course before or while taking this program. For better guidance, use your 1:1 mentoring session with Paola and she will provide you with individual recommendations for your pathway! You can also book a session with her separately before joining the program. Click here for more information.

  • Of course! Additional one-on-one mentoring sessions are available for an additional fee, based on availability.

    Please reach out to book a session or buy a package.

  • While not an absolute requirement, graduates and current students of the Advanced Lactation Program receive priority for mentorship placements. Completing the program first helps ensure you have the clinical knowledge and foundation needed to maximize your learning during the mentorship experience.

  • No. Applying to the Clinical Mentorship is recommended as soon as possible due to a waitlist and you can apply at any time, not necessarily after completing the advanced lactation program. The Advanced Lactation Program is the recommended first step and students or graduates of the program receive priority for mentorship selection. Ideally, you should have completed it—or be actively enrolled—before starting the Clinical Mentorship to ensure you have the knowledge needed to make the most of the experience. 

  • No. You do not need a healthcare degree to enroll in the Advanced Lactation Program or to become an IBCLC.

    If you do have a healthcare background—such as an international or local medical degree, nursing, physiotherapy, nutrition, midwifery, chiropractic, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, or doula training—it can certainly be an asset as you build on your existing knowledge. We've had successful students from many of these professional backgrounds, as well as students with no prior healthcare degree.

    The IBCLC credential is open to individuals from a variety of educational and professional backgrounds, provided they meet the IBLCE eligibility requirements. Our programs are designed to support students wherever they are in their journey toward becoming an IBCLC.

If this is just what you need...

why wait?

Join us now for $695 USD!

If you prefer to pay in CAD, please reach out and we’ll be happy to assist you.

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