Bachelor of Science Maternal Child Health: Human Lactation
Union Institute & University’s Maternal Child Health: Human Lactation program is the only CAAHEP-accredited university program that leads to a degree in lactation. We will provide the skills and training for you to counsel expectant mothers and mothers of newborns about feeding and caring for their infants. Whether you’re experienced in lactation or new to the field, our Maternal Child Health: Human Lactation program is perfect for anyone with a passion for happy and healthy children.
COMMISSION ON ACCREDITATION
OF ALLIED HEALTH EDUCATION PROGRAM
Union's B.S. in Maternal Child Health is the only CAAHEP-accredited Pathway 2 program that leads to a bachelor's degree.
B.S. Maternal Child Health: Human Lactation Concentrations
Students who choose a major in Maternal Child Health: Human Lactation may complete a generalized program or select one of the following concentrations:
IBLCE Pathway 2
This concentration is for individuals who wish to earn the International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) credential. Students in this concentration will be able to discuss and evaluate concepts related to the management of human lactation and appraise the contemporary issues central to lactation care. The IBLCE Pathway 2 (PW2) provides the required elements that allow students to sit for the IBLCE exam via Pathway 2 upon successful graduation.
Our mission is to educate highly motivated, competent, and socially responsible entry-level International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs). With the knowledge and skills they gain through experiential learning and scholarship, they will be prepared to engage in a lifetime of empowering and educating others.
Our goal is to prepare competent, entry-level Lactation Consultants in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains. (Standard II.C.)*
*Outcomes data is available upon request.
Health Disparities and Childbearing
This concentration is for individuals interested in learning more about the social and cultural aspects of childbearing and young child feeding. Students in this concentration will be able to examine critical concepts and emerging trends in health disparities and explore how racism, power, inequities, and social structures influence the health of mothers and babies.
- 120 credit hour program (minimum)
- Full & part-time options
- Classes start every eight weeks
- Transfer up to 90 credit hours
GENERAL EDUCATION AT UNION
General education courses are the foundation of a bachelor's degree and aim to introduce students to the world of critical thinking, written expression, broad philosophical topics, scientific method, quantitative reasoning, and more.
General education at Union Institute & University is different with a purpose. Most colleges have an assortment of “Introduction to….” courses for their general education curriculum - not Union. Our general education courses are topic-based, and they have a direct link to our popular majors. These topics make for a seamless transition from the breadth of general education to the depth of your major.
Careers of our Maternal Child Health Graduates
Union’s Maternal Child Health graduates come from many types of backgrounds, including nursing and health care. We empower you to use your lactation knowledge and experience in a variety of fields and industries.
- Medical & Health Care
- Non-profit Institutions
- Community Workers
- Public & Government
UNION INSTITUTE & UNIVERSITY’S INTERPROFESSIONAL TELEHEALTH CLINIC
“The Nest” is Union Institute & University’s new interprofessional telehealth clinic and offers virtual lactation consultations. The Nest provides students in our B.S. in Maternal Child Health: Human Lactation and the M.A. in Human Lactation Studies programs with direct learning experiences that might not be available otherwise. It’s an excellent opportunity for students to apply knowledge learned in the classroom while gaining practical experience, especially for those seeking to become International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs). To participate, students must have a minimum of 90 didactic hours of lactation-specific education and be enrolled in their lactation internship courses so they are prepared to work directly with clients.
Group classes and consultations will be led by Union’s human lactation students and accompanied by Alicia Simpson, MS, RD, IBCLC, LD. Alicia serves as our faculty IBCLC who will work directly with students to offer The Nest’s lactation services. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in working with clients and students. Learn more about “The Nest”.
GET COLLEGE CREDIT THROUGH WIC PARTNERSHIP
In partnership with WIC, Union Institute & University is offering 36 credit hours, in the form of free electives, to WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselors who qualify. The credits can be applied toward the completion of a bachelor’s degree in Maternal Child Health: Human Lactation from Union.
To qualify, you must complete USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service’s WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Training and at least 560 total working hours.
For WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselors to get the 36 free elective credits, Union must receive the following:
- Copy of their USDA Food and Nutrition Service Training Certificate.
- Verification letter from their supervisor on official letterhead, stating the employee has completed a minimum of 560 hours as a WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor.
Skills & Benefits Union Students Gain
Frequently Asked Questions
There are three pathways through the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) by which individuals can become IBCLCs. Each pathway requires 14 health science pre-requisite courses, 95 hours of didactic lactation education, and a certain number of clinical hours. We are a CAAHEP accredited Pathway 2 academic program.
Hear What Our Students Are Saying
I am a full-time mom, I work 40 hours a week (at least) at the local hospital and I work on the Appalachian Breastfeeding Network’s after hours breastfeeding helpline twice a week so the fact that Union offered courses online made getting back into school fit right into my schedule.
Jeanna Spears
Graduate
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