Distance Program

Description

 

Lactation Educators in-training have two (2) years to complete and submit their certification requirements after purchasing the Certification Packet.

 

What you need to do to get started:

1. Write a letter of intent to the CAPPA Canada Executive Directors and the CAPPA Canada Lactation Educator Director explaining why you wish to become a CAPPA Canada certified lactation Educator and why the distance program is best for you.

2. Complete the Pre-Workshop Study Guide (available here) and submit it to your letter of intent. Before entering the CAPPA Canada Lactation Educator Program, applicants should have a basic knowledge of the following: anatomy of the breasts; physiology of breastfeeding; common breastfeeding problems and solutions; organizations associated with breastfeeding.

3. Prepare a list of breastfeeding resources in your area and submit with your letter of intent.

4. Write a one (1) page personal essay on why you want to be a Certified Lactation Educator.

5. Submit a detailed C.V. (Curriculum Vitae) or resume.

Send to info@cappacanada.ca (put in the email subject line: Application for Distance CLE Program) or by mail to: National Head Office - CAPPA Canada, 3445 Trim Road, PO Box 5, Ottawa, Ontario, K4B 1J3

 

Distance Program Requirements

1. Once accepted in the program, purchase the Distance Lactation Educator Certification Packaget ($220.00), available at our store (a proof of purchase is required when submitting your certification requirements). It includes the CAPPA Canada Lactation Educator Manual and the CAPPA Canada Lactation Educator Certification Packet.

2. Be a member of CAPPA Canada ($55.00 for a 1 year membership; rebates available for multi-year memberships). All CAPPA Canada certified professionals are required to maintain continuous membership. A lapse in your CAPPA Canada membership will result in a $50.00 reinstatement fee and all overdue membership fees must be paid. CAPPA Canada certified professionals who let their membership lapse more than 120 days must pay a $100.00 reinstatement fee plus all past due membership fees.

3. Choose and read five (5) books from the CAPPA CLE required reading list (available here). Submit a one page report for each book.

4. Attend a local breastfeeding class (proof of attendance required). Submit a two (2) page summary of what tou learnt.

5. Attend four (4) local La Leche League or Nursing Mothers' Council meetings (proof of attendance required). Submit a 250-300 words summary of what you learnt (use Form B: Breastfeeding Cla Class Observation Form, available in the CAPPA Canada Certification Packet). If no class is available in your area, please contact CAPPA Canada for a substitute.

6. Attend breastfeeding consultation as an observer/volunteer with an IBCLC or a CLC for a minimum of four (4) hours (a proof of attendance is required). Submit a 250-300 words summary of what you learnt (use Form B: Breastfeeding Class Observation Form, available in the CAPPA Canada Certification Packet).

7. Attend one (1) of the following:

  • Option 1: Complete the WHO 18 Hour Lactation course (submit proof of attendance).
  • Option 2: Complete the "Breastfeeding Basics" online course offered by the Mohawk College. For more information, please click here. (submit proof of attendance)
  • Option 3: Take and pass the online breastfeeding course recognized by CAPPA. Must submit proof of purchase of on-line course and passing grade to CAPPA Canada when submitting your final certification materials.

8. Review three (3) current research studies (study published in the last two (2) years). Write a two page review of each study. Compare and contrast two of the studies and write a comparison essay of at least 500 words.

9. Choose two (2) breastfeeding topics and complete a research paper for each (1500 words minimum each). Any topic that involves breastfeeding is acceptable.

10. Submit a curriculum development for your breastfeeding class; include objectives, media used and hand-outs.

11. Create and submit a list of local resources for CLE clients.

12. Submit two letters of recommendation from a certified labour doula, certified childbirth educator, certified lactation educator, certified postpartum doula, certified antepartum doula, midwife, obstetrician, or lactation consultant (IBCLC). One letter for a character reference and the other as a professional reference.

11. Pass the test on lactation education. The test is an open book test and the answer sheet must be submitted for your final certification. An 85% passing grade is required. The test is available in the CAPPA Canada Lactation Educator Certification Packet.

12. Sign and agree to the CAPPA Code of Conduct, Philosophy, Scope of Practice and Grievance Policy.

13. Submit the necessary fees for certification ($75.00*).

* Certification Processing Fee is due with the submission of completed Certification Application.


In the event a candidate fails to pass certification requirements, the candidate has up to one (1) year to complete the failed portions of the certification requirements. There will be no further processing fees. The candidate who exceeds two (2) year to complete the aforementioned portions of certification may be asked to re-enter the certification program and may incur additional fees.

Note: CAPPA Canada encourages its birth professional in-training to submit their certification requirements electronically. If this is not a possibility, the paperwork must be submitted by mail and NO ORIGINALS should be sent, only photocopies.

 

Certification Results Policy
It will take approximately 4-6 weeks for CAPPA Canada to grade and process your certification materials once received. CAPPA Canada receives a high volume of certification requests. CAPPA Canada will contact you by letter or email within that time frame once your application has been reviewed.