This course has been created to optimise breastfeeding outcomes by equipping all levels of healthcare providers with the knowledge and practical skills needed to promote, protect and support breastfeeding.

About the course

Course Design:
Self-directed. 

Duration: 
It will take you 5 hours to complete. 

Eligibility for this course: 

  • All healthcare workers working in Western Cape 

Certification: 
Participants need 70% pass mark for each quiz.

Published: 
March 2025

If you are a Western Cape Government Health employee apply to start:

Apply to enroll

Course outline

Chapter 1: The biological basis of breastfeeding

First 1000 days:

  • Nutrition
  • Play and stimulation
  • Love and care

Lactation biology:

  • Breast anatomy
  • Lactation physiology

Breastmilk composition:

  • Colostrum
  • Mature milk
  • Breastmilk vs formula

Benefits of breastfeeding

Risks of not breastfeeding


Chapter 2:  Breastfeeding practices and early support

Importance of exclusive breastfeeding

Key principles of breastfeeding education and support.

Supporting mothers to breastfeed in the first hour after birth:

  • The golden hour
  • Key practices to support early initiation of breastfeeding:
    • Skin-to-skin contact
    • The breast crawl


Chapter 3:  Breastfeeding techniques and practical support

Mother's comfort:

  • A comfortable position
  • Supported arms
  • Relaxed muscles

Baby's comfort:

  • Respond to early signs of readiness to feed
  • Calm baby before a feed
  • Feed frequently
  • Positioning that supports effective feeding

Breast and nipple comfort:

  • How to position baby for a deep latch
  • How to recognise a good latch/effective feed

Other signs of breastfeeding efficiency

Hand expression of breastmilk:

  • Reasons to teach hand expression
  • When to teach hand expression
  • Hand expression technique

Breastmilk storage

Cup feeding:

  • Benefits of cup feeding
  • Dangers of bottle feeding
  • Cup feeding technique

Pacifier use

HIV and infant feeding

The importance of continued breastfeeding after 6 months


Chapter 4: Breastfeeding support beyond the facility

Breastfeeding support after discharge:

  • Pre-discharge checks & education (including management of engorgement)
  • Infant feeding resources
  • Linkage to care

Breastfeeding counselling:

  • Contact points for breastfeeding counselling within the first 1000 day period

How to protect breastfeeding in your healthcare facility


Western Cape Government Department of Health and Wellness
People Development Centre

Acknowledgements:

  • Knowledge Translation Unit