Training website is optimized for Firefox, Chrome, Safari, Edge and Samsung Internet browsers. We do not recommend using Internet Explorer. Click here for more details.

Course Objectives

After reviewing training content and answering interactive and reflective questions, you will be able to do each of the following, as assessed by online discussions and quizzes:

  1. Explain how breastfeeding supports good health and why it is important for early learning programs to support all types of breastfeeding families, children, and infants.
  2. Describe evidence-based practices to support breastfeeding in early learning settings.
  3. Talk with parents about the breastfeeding environment at your program.
  4. Apply new strategies to improve breastfeeding practices and policies in your program.


STARS Credit: 

As of October 1, 2023, online trainings can provide Washington State providers with State Training and Registry System credits through the Continuing Education Proposal (CEP) application provided by the Washington State Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF). STARS credits will no longer be issued automatically upon completion of the course on the Nourished & Active website. For more information on the CEP process, please visit the FAQ page . You can also learn more about this process on the DCYF website.

The training should take about 60 minutes to complete.

We also offer this course in Spanish. 

Training Outline

  • 1

    Overview and Introduction

    • Course Overview and Objectives

    • Training Outline

    • Introduction

    • Take a Guess!

    • Why Do Breastfeeding Parents Need Your Support?

    • Pause and Reflect

  • 2

    Part 1: BREASTFEEDING BENEFITS

    • BENEFITS OF BREASTFEEDING

    • What is Unique About Breastmilk?

    • A Note About Formula

    • Breastmilk is Brain Food

    • Benefits to Babies

    • Feeding is a Time for Bonding

    • Benefits to Breastfeeding Parents

    • Benefits for Early Learning Programs & CACFP

    • Part 1 Review
  • 3

    Part 2: HOW

    • HOW TO SUPPORT BREASTFEEDING

    • Supporting Breastfeeding in Early Learning - Video

    • Breastfeeding in the WACs

    • Provide an Area for Parents to Breastfeed Infants - Video

    • Provide an Area: Tips

    • Provide an Area: When Short on Space

    • Provide an Area: When Short on Resources - Discussion

    • Creating a Feeding Plan With Parents

    • Discussion and Resources You Can Share With Families

    • Reflection Questions

    • Storing Breastmilk

    • Preparing Breastmilk for Feeding

    • Hunger and Fullness Cues - Questions

    • Hunger and Fullness Cues - Video

    • Bottle Feeding - Video

    • Further Guidance and Discussion

    • Written Policy

    • Resources for Creating a Breastfeeding Policy

    • Memory Check!

    • 10 Steps for Becoming a Breastfeeding Friendly Program

    • Key Resources for Early Learning

    • Part 2 Review
  • 4

    Part 3: SCENARIOS

    • SCENARIOS

    • Scenario 1 - Other Parents

    • Scenario 1 - Ideas

    • Scenario 2 - New Parents

    • Scenario 2 - Ideas

    • Scenario 3 - Breastfeeding Staff

    • Scenario 3 - Ideas

  • 5

    Final Quiz and Wrap-Up

    • Final Quiz

    • Action Plan

    • Summary and Wrap-Up
  • 6

    Evaluation

    • Training Evaluation