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2026 Lactation Education Resources Training

The Boston Breastfeeding Coalition is committed to supporting community leaders in developing their skills as lactation support professionals. By expanding access to breastfeeding support across Boston, we aim to strengthen professional pathways for community leaders and improve health outcomes for families.

We are excited to offer a lactation training opportunity through Lactation Education Resources. This comprehensive training includes 52+ hours of lactation education, equipping participants with the knowledge and skills to support families through pregnancy, breastfeeding initiation, and the full course of lactation. 

As a Certified Breastfeeding Specialist (CBS), you will be prepared to start helping families right away, providing peer counseling in lactation management and methods for making referrals to resources for interventions outside their scope of practice, and apply your hours toward the IBCLC pathway. The training includes a certifying exam, and certification is valid for five years.

LER Intensive Cohort Expectations 

The LER Intensive Cohort is a 6 week accelerated learning experience designed for Scholars who are ready to engage deeply in their lactation education journey. This program requires a significant time commitment, with Scholars expected to dedicate approximately 10 - 15 hours each week to course materials, assignments, and scheduled cohort sessions.

Although the cohort is fully virtual, the learning experience is highly interactive and relationship-centered. Scholars are expected to actively participate in live sessions, group discussions, and collaborative learning activities. Because of the intensive nature of this program, applicants are strongly encouraged to carefully consider whether they have the protected time and capacity to fully participate in this intensive experience. We recognize that committing to an intensive program is a significant decision.  This cohort is best suited for Scholars who are ready to prioritize their learning during this time and who value community, shared accountability, and mutual support.  

LER Intensive Cohort Timelines 

The LER Intensive Cohort will be offered twice this year, with one cohort in the spring and one in the fall. Both cohorts follow the same six week intensive format and require the same level of time commitment and engagement.

As part of the application, Scholars may select their preferred cohort timeline or indicate interest in both options. Key dates for each cohort are listed below to support thoughtful planning and to help ensure you have the protected time needed to fully engage in the experience.

Important Training Dates

Please review these dates carefully before applying to ensure availability and commitment to the program:

Spring Cohort: April 10th-May 16th, 2026

Week 1
Friday, April 10 (9:00a–3:00p)
Saturday, April 11 (9:00a–3:00p)


Week 2
Self paced coursework
Office Hours: Wednesday, April 15 (5:00–6:00p) 


Week 3
Friday, April 24 (9:00a–3:00p)
Saturday, April 25 (9:00a–3:00p)


Week 4
Self paced coursework
Office Hours: Wednesday, April 29 (5:00–6:00p)
Scholars Support Night Wednesday, April 29 (6:00-7:30p)

Week 5
Friday, May 8 (9:00a–3:00p)


Week 6
Self paced coursework
Office Hours: Wednesday, May 13 (5:00–6:00p)
End of Cohort: Saturday, May 16th 

Fall Cohort: (August-Sept): July 31st - Sept 5th

Week 1
Friday, July 31 (9:00a–3:00p)
Saturday, August 1 (9:00a–3:00p)

Week 2
Self paced coursework
Office Hours: Wednesday, August 5 (5:00–6:00p)


Week 3
Friday, August 14 (9:00a–3:00p)
Saturday, August 15 (9:00a–3:00p)

Week 4
Self paced coursework
Office Hours: Wednesday, August 19 (5:00–6:00p)

Week 5
Friday, August 28 (9:00a–3:00p)
Participate in Black Breastfeeding Week 

Week 6
Self paced coursework
Office Hours: Wednesday, September 2 (5:00–6:00p)
End of Cohort: Saturday Sept 5th 
 

Scholarship & Volunteer Commitment

Following the training, selected scholarship recipients will complete six months of volunteer service with a breastfeeding support group or the Boston Breastfeeding Warmline to gain hands-on experience. These support groups are currently held in-person, virtual, and hybrid. 

Please note: We will be inviting select applicants to participate in a zoom interview as part of the application process.  

Application Deadline: Friday February 20th at 11:59 PM EST

Decisions will be issued via email by late-March.  If you have any questions, please email breastfeed@vitalvillage.org 

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Fields marked with an asterisk (*) are required.

Scholarship preference will go to those who meet the following criteria. However, your application will still be considered if you do not meet these criteria.

I can commit to the LER Intensive Training expectations as outlined above.

I can fufill a 6 month volunteer commitment at a breastfeeding support group, post training.

I can commit to one orientation prior to the training.

Please assess the reasons that motivate you to apply for this training.  (1 being not a motivating factor, 5 being a very strong motivator)

Not a motivating factor
Very strong motivator
Not a motivating fator
Very strong motivator
Not a motivating factor
Very strong motivator
Not a motivating factor
Very strong motivator

Why are you interested in providing breastfeeding support to caregivers? Please provide as much detail as possible and be as specific and comprehensive. *

What are you hoping to take away from the LER training and your volunteer experience? Please provide as much detail as possible and be as specific and comprehensive. *

Breastfeeding and Community Experience

Are there any current or past networks of parents with young children are you already connected to in Boston (ex. Playgroups, parenting groups, case management) that we may not know about? Please be specific. *

As many groups are in their first years of existing in the community, we often seek support from our community scholar volunteers to share the word about our support groups, so it is helpful to understand which networks you are a part of that you feel comfortable sharing our information with.

Where do you live? If Boston, please specify which neighborhood. *

Do you work in Boston? If so, where, and please specify which neighborhood. *

Do you work outside of the home? *

(Optional) Self-identify your race, ethnicity, or cultural background? 

Due to our commitment to equity, we seek to offer opportunities to members of communities that have not been traditionally included in professional lactation training opportunities.

Do you speak any other languages? If so, please specify which languages and your level of comfort for facilitating a group in that language. *

Which lactation training(s) have you attended? (Please select all that apply) *

Logistical Information

Please note that all components of the training will require access to the internet, and it is expected that you will attend monthly Scholar Support Nights via Zoom to connect with other Breastfeeding Scholars.

While we cannot provide in-person childcare, your mentor may be able to help develop strategies with you.

If granted a scholarship, you will volunteer weekly with other counselors to co-facilitate a support group. We currently have both in-person and hybrid lactation support group options. Learn more about our current breastfeeding support groups here.

We currently have both in-person and hybrid lactation support group options.  Please select all that you are avaliable for. *

If accepted, you would only be placed with one group.) We currently have both in-person and hybrid lactation support group options.

If you'd like to share any accommodations or modifications you may need to fully participate in the training, please share them here.

Confidence

Please indicate your level of agreement with the statements below on a scale of 1 (low agreement/disagree) - 5 (high agreement). *

Low agreement/disagree
High agreement
Low agreement/disagree
High greement
Low agreement/disagree
High agreement

 Is there anything else you would like us to know?

SUBMIT

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