Communication and Counselling for Perinatal Workers

This 5-hour course gives students the skills necessary for effective counselling and communication when working with families in the perinatal year.  It is geared to those working with perinatal families and those IBCLC exam candidates who need the mandatory 5 Hour of Communication & Counselling skills.  This course meets the new requirements for the IBCLC exam application as candidates taking the April 2021 IBLCE Exam or later must have a 5-hour communications course.  This communication skills requirement applies to all candidates aspiring to be an IBCLC through any of the three Pathways.

About the Course

While the course is 100% online, our unique implementation allows students to practice strategies like motivational interviewing, active listening, and shared decision making in a live online session with their instructor.  The curriculum builds on Douglas College's commitment to educate healthcare providers in trauma-informed and family-centered care and our belief that quality care begins with good communication.  Students work independently online for part of the course. Then they consolidate their learning with the live online interactive participation with their instructor and other students.  The small group format makes it ideal to practice communication skills and set a good solid foundation.  This course includes:

• Live online instruction
• Video PowerPoint presentations
• Printable supplementary resources
• Quizzes and discussion forums

Goal of the Course:

To gain understanding of and skills in effectively communicating with breastfeeding families and care providers to better assist them to meet their families’ breastfeeding goals.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand reasons why effective communication is foundational to breastfeeding support
• Gather information by asking open-ended, non-judgemental questions
• Demonstrate techniques of active listening
• Support BF families using the LOVE Tool and DC framework
• Learn to be Present and listen without giving advice
• Assist BF families to formulate own care plan, and document/communicate it to family and other health care providers
• Understand and demonstrate cultural humility and safety, trauma-informed care, and respect
• Identify strategies for effective work with adult learners
• Offer feedback and suggest solutions

Course Fee:  $86.00