Special Purpose Award in Lactation Studies

Special Purpose Award in Lactation Studies: Quality Care for Breastfeeding

The aim of this Level 8 course (10 ECTS) is to provide the student with knowledge and skills to implement and evaluate quality care related to breastfeeding in hospitals and the community.

The course is aimed at those working in health promotion, community support and health care settings. It can be used towards fulfilling the educational requirements of the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners.

On successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

• Access and assess evidenced-based information and use academic writing skills as elements of ethical/professional/quality practice.
• Critically examine how the criteria of national and international quality programmes are reflected, or not reflected, in health care services in Ireland.
• Communicate effectively including listening, seeing and speaking.
• Describe the process of change and acting as an agent for change and prepare an action plan to improve quality of care related to breastfeeding.
• Demonstrate basic skills to promote breastfeeding (in a simulated setting).
• Demonstrate basic skills to support breastfeeding (in a simulated setting).

The module is assessed by in-class activities, demonstration of effective skills in a simulated setting and development of an action plan to improve quality of practice including a 1,000-word paper. 

Students on the course have access to AIT's library and other student facilities on campus.

Minimum Entry Requirements

A health worker or social care related qualification of at least Level 7 or a qualification recognised for work in this area. Applicants must otherwise demonstrate interest and academic ability to undertake the course.

Download application form:  SPA in Lactation Studies application form

Modules

Syllabus content

Professional / quality practice  

Evidence-based care: accessing information, computer skills, critically reading evidenced based articles, academic writing skills. Principles of ethical practice, advocacy and protection.

Initiatives for Quality Care

WHO/UNICEF Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative, HIQA, Clinical Governance and Accreditation, Health Promoting Hospitals, Patient Safety, NICE and other Guidelines, Measurement and Evaluation for Quality.

Effective Communication

What is it? Listening and learning, building confidence. Using effective communication skills to promote, support and assist breastfeeding.

Planning for improving care

Stages of change in self, co-workers and mothers & families, communication towards behaviour change. Action planning, why and how.

Skills to promote breastfeeding

Discuss during pregnancy, labour and birth practices that promote early breastfeeding; promoting breastfeeding/milk expression in the neonatal/paediatric setting; practices that assist breastfeeding in the wider community.

Skills to support breastfeeding

How milk gets from breast to baby, normal feeding and growth patterns, assessing milk transfer, referral – when and where.

Progression

Professional Recognition

Career Opportunities

Additional Information

Closing Date for Applications

1 September 2011, 5pm

Applications received after this time will only be considered if places are still available on the course.

Fee for course

€550

Delivery Dates

The module requires attendance for 6 full days (9am to 5pm) with directed self-study between days. Thursdays: 13, 20 and 27 October and 10, 17 and 24 November 2011.

One day orientation in the library, use of Moodle for online learning, and return to study, will take place before the first day of the course.

Programme Team

Dr Genevieve Becker, PhD, MSc, MEd, IBCLC

Ms Sinead Bracken, Reg. Psychol. (PSI)

Ms Olivia Corcoran, RGN, MSc

Download

SPA in Lactation Studies flyer 2011