Advanced Clinical Lactation Skills

This training will address how to support and identify normal feeding behaviors and how to provide evidence-based care for common lactation challenges. The following will be included in the training: obtaining a pertinent history and assessment of the feeding dyad; creating a feeding plan specific for the dyad’s situation; discuss triage methods of challenges within WIC; determine scope of practice with respect to the feeding dyad’s plan of care needs; use of alternative feeding devices; application of complex maternal and infant clinical issues. This training is open to all lactation and nutrition staff, including those who have not acquired an advanced lactation credential (e.g.- peer counselors and CPAs).

After this training, the participant will return to their local WIC agency and confidently use the skills learned with WIC breastfeeding dyads. They will also serve as a trusted resource for lactation support among both clients and WIC staff.

Please check Eligibility Information before registering.

2026 Dates & Locations

June 17-18, 2026
James B. Henry Center
3535 Forest Rd., Lansing, MI 48910

This training provides continuing education hours for Nurses and Certified Lactation Consultants. A Certificate of Attendance with educational hours will be provided for healthcare professionals who can self-report. If you have questions, please contact CEInfo@mphi.org.

2026 Advanced Clinical Lactation Skills Training – Purpose, Objectives, and Disclosures

IBCLC CERP Guidance

This training is open to all lactation and nutrition staff, including those who have not acquired an advanced lactation credential (e.g.- peer counselors and CPAs). If it has been 5 years or more since you have taken this course, please consider retaking.

  • Identify 3 ways that indicate a breastfeeding dyad is successfully feeding.
  • Demonstrate how to perform a comprehensive lactation assessment.
  • Participate in developing a plan to integrate advanced lactation professionals into the WIC clinic flow and services.
  • Demonstrate ability to create appropriate feeding plans for various feeding situations.
  • Determine appropriate breastfeeding aids for referrals needed to help with complex lactation challenges.
  • Demonstrate the ability to provide support within scope of practice and refer as needed.
  • Demonstrate ability to act as a resource for complex maternal and infant breastfeeding dyads in the Local WIC agency.
  • Provide WIC staff who have not yet acquired an advanced lactation credential with guidance on using clinical judgement to determine proper Level 3 or IBCLC referrals.
  • Perspective Enterprises
  • Erica Dierkens, IBCLC
  • Kristina Doyle, RD, IBCLC
  • Danica Howard, IBCLC
  • Linda Marshall, IBCLC
  • Mistel de Varona, IBCLC, PMH-C

All participants registering in advance will receive a Participant Reminder with the training details.

If you do not receive a confirmation email prior to the event, or if you have any questions regarding registration, please contact MPHI at events@mphi.org.

Registration fees for WIC Trainings

WIC Staff
In-Person: $25/one day, $45/two day

Non-WIC Participant
In-Person: $40/one day, $65/two day

Annual conference and summit fee structures are separate.

Michigan WIC supports breastfeeding babies and children as long as mutually desired. If allowed by local agency management, staff are welcome to bring their breastfed infants 6 months or younger into trainings/conference sessions. As needed, milk expression is welcome during sessions. We ask if you have an older infant or child that an alternative caregiver is available and they are not brought into the actual training/conference sessions so that the parent, and other people attending, are able to focus on the training information.

For safety and building requirements, stroller or wagons should not be brought into the conference sessions. Lactation room is available for those who wish to breastfeed in a quiet area.

Lodging

Lodging for this training is located at the Candlewood Suites, Lansing, MI 48910.

Please check with your agency/supervisor regarding lodging reimbursement.

Hotel Information: The Henry Center and Candlewood Suites are connected via an indoor hallway on the main level and parking is included in a connected parking lot. The Candlewood Suites is located at 3545 Forest Road, Lansing, MI 48910. Their phone number is 517-351-8181 and website is https://www.ihg.com/candlewood/hotels/us/en/lansing/lanmu/hoteldetail.

Hotel Deadlines: Candlewood Suites is holding the block of guest rooms (room block code: “WIC”) for the dates and at the group rate of $98 until 5/15/2026. Please make your reservations before the assigned deadline.

Booking Online:

  • Book with the group rate by using the room block code for the contracted dates by clicking HERE. (web link is https://www.ihg.com/candlewood/hotels/us/en/lansing/lanmu/hoteldetail)
  • Lodging must be booked by 5/15/26
  • Click on Book Now, click on “View Prices”, click “Change Search”, click on drop down arrow for “Rate Preferences”, click on “Group Rate”, Enter “Group Code”, and select arrival and departure dates then search.
  • Input “Arrival and Departure Dates”
  • Under “Rate Preference” select “Group Rate” and input “WIC”.

Booking By Phone:

  • Call the Candlewood Suites at 517-351-8181 and book with the group rate by using the code “WIC”. Lodging must be booked by the deadline listed above.

After Hotel Deadline:

  • Subject to room availability, customers may continue to book in the room block after the expiration date. They can do this by calling the front desk at 517-331-8181 with the date of their stay and room block code “WIC”.
  • Lodging requests made after the cutoff deadline will be confirmed if availability allows.