Bachelor of Science Maternal Child Health: Human Lactation

Union Institute & University’s Maternal Child Health in Human Lactation is proud to provide anyone with a passion for happy and healthy children with one of the only lactation programs in the country. Union is able to provide you with the skills and training to counsel expectant mothers and mothers of newborns about feeding and caring for their young infants, whether you’re experienced in lactation or new to the field.

CAAHEP Logo COMMISSION ON ACCREDITATION OF ALLIED HEALTH EDUCATION PROGRAM
The Bachelor of Science major in Maternal Child Health is the only CAAHEP-accredited Pathway 2 program that leads to a bachelor's degree.

120 Total credits

$545 Cost Per Credit Hour

Jan 3 Next Start Date

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

Internships

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MCH 250
Pre-Internship Planning
2 credits
This course prepares Maternal Child Health: Human Lactation students for the clinical practice experiences (Internship or Practicum) required for successful completion of the MCH: Human Lactation degree. Students will explore health communication issues relevant to working in a clinical site, identify and secure clinical placement(s), and complete required preparation per placement site.
This class is a prerequisite to MCH 460. Students who transfer to Union with the IBCLC certification will have the requirement of MCH 250 waived. Such students cannot choose to take MCH 250 as an elective.
MCH 388
Applications in Maternal Child Health
2 credits
This course examines the professional, academic, and social significance of Maternal Child Health: Human Lactation. The course has an applied component that is designed by the student in collaboration with the instructor. Application occurs in developing an educational product for expectant/breastfeeding families or the care providers serving childbearing families. Other coursework examines health care systems and social and ethical factors impacting the delivery of lactation care in the United States. Prerequisites: MCH 220, MCH 322.
MCH 460
Internship I in Maternal Child Health
2 credits
This internship provides the student with the opportunity to gain practical experience as a lactation professional. Students will complete and evaluate clinical hours in breastfeeding counseling of the mother-baby dyad, under the supervision of an on-site, experienced lactation professional, as well as an experienced academic lactation professional. Theoretical foundations and experiences are designed to develop lactation assessment, client management, and documentation competencies. Experiences may include observation of counseling sessions, discussions with a preceptor, supervised practice sessions, documentation of cases, and evaluation of the achievement of mastery.
This internship course is offered in two parts, each involving completion of 150 hours of direct breastfeeding education and counseling conducted by the student under the guidance of a board-certified (IBCLC) preceptor. Prerequisites: MCH 220, MCH 250, MCH 322.
MCH 461
Internship II in Maternal Child Health
2 credits
This course provides the student with the opportunity to gain additional practical experience as a lactation professional. Students will complete clinical hours in breastfeeding counseling of the mother-baby dyad, under the supervision of an on-site, experienced lactation professional, and reflect upon the experience with an academic lactation professional. Theoretical foundations and experiences are designed to develop lactation assessment, client management, and documentation competencies. Experiences may include observation of counseling sessions, discussions with a preceptor, supervised practice sessions, documentation of cases, and evaluation of the achievement of mastery. Prerequisites: MCH 220, MCH 250, MCH 322, MCH 460.

Core Courses

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MCH 150
Human Anatomy and Physiology
3 + 1 credit hours
This course covers essential elements of human anatomy and physiology, the relationship and function of anatomy and physiology, homeostasis and the role that each of the body systems plays in maintaining it, and the functions of cells and tissues in the body. Corequisite: MCH1 150, 1 credit hour.
MCH 220
Foundations of Maternal Child Health
3+1 credit hours
This course is the foundation of the Maternal Child Health: Human Lactation major, focusing on the issues that contribute to the development of the competent lactation care provider. Students will investigate social, cultural, and ethical issues that contribute to infant and maternal health. This evidence-based course includes an integrated approach to breastfeeding and human lactation within the broader context of the health of women and children. Corequisite: MCH1 220, 1 credit hour.
MCH 223
Lifecycle Nutrition
3+1 credit hours
This course examines the impact of nutrition on human health; the processes of digestion, absorption, and metabolism; the nature and composition of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and micronutrients; the characteristics of a healthy diet and weight control. The student will also explore the role of nutrition in pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood, and the adult life cycle. Students will have the opportunity to assess their diet and activity. Corequisite: MCH1 223, 1 credit hour.
MCH 322
Research and Evidence in Maternal Child Health
3+1 credit hours
Evidence-based practice in health care is an emerging model for examining the validity of common practices in health care. This course uses a hierarchy of evidence to guide students in the first two terms in the research process on specific issues in maternal-child health, and to integrate evidence into clinical practice. (Must be taken in the first or second term of enrollment.) Corequisite: MCH1 322, 1 credit hour.

Elective Courses

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MCH 323
Maternal-Infant Nutrition
3+1 credit hours
This course explores international public health perspectives and recommendations regarding the role of nutrition from preconception through pregnancy, the postpartum period, and early childhood. Students will also examine current nutrition trends affecting women and children. Prerequisite: MCH 223. Corequisite: MCH1 323, 1 credit hour.
MCH 324
Skills & Strategies for Breastfeeding Problem Solving
3+1 credit hours
This course explores the clinical skills and strategies used to solve breastfeeding issues. Students examine and apply a problem-solving model to case studies involving complex issues by collecting history, describing assessment, distinguishing symptoms from problems, and proposing and evaluating solutions for identified problems. Prerequisite: MCH 220. Corequisite: MCH1 324, 1 credit hour.
MCH 325
Social and Cultural Issues in Health Care
3+1 credit hours
Through readings and critical examination, the student will explore social and cultural issues in health care related to disparities of care, ethics, systems of power, social justice, and diversity in health care systems. Through analysis and self-reflection, students will consider ways providers can enhance community health through improved communication and relationships between themselves and families as they work in the field of Maternal Child Health. Corequisite: MCH1 325, 1 credit hour.
MCH 327
Birth Outcomes: Joys and Sorrows
3+1 credit hours
This course explores classic and current research surrounding the impact that conception, pregnancy, labor, and childbirth may have on the development of the maternal-child relationship. This course will explore the transformational aspects of birth as well as the consequences of pregnancy and birth events through theories of grief and loss including infertility, perinatal loss, childbirth interventions, and unexpected birth outcomes. Corequisite: MCH1 327, 1 credit hour.
MCH 328
Developing a Community-Based Support System
3+1 credit hours
This course will address the characteristics, organizational skills, and clinical skills necessary to open and successfully operate community-based support for maternal child health. Existing models will be presented and evaluated for their advantages, disadvantages, potential client populations, and settings for women and young children. Students will examine legal and ethical issues, professional standards, and practical skills that need to be considered for developing a community support system. Corequisite: MCH1 328 1 credit hour.
MCH 329
Perspectives in Professional Lactation Support
3+1 credit hours
This course is designed to meet the unique needs of the Professional Lactation Supporter as well as those intending to enter the field. Focusing on the policies, principles, and practices that constitute the field of evidence-based breastfeeding and human lactation care, students will investigate and appraise historical and contemporary issues within the context of becoming a competent, self-reflective practitioner in a global, interdisciplinary community. Prerequisites: MCH 220, MCH 322. Corequisite: MCH1 329, 1 credit hour.
MCH 380
Mood Disorders in the Perinatal Period
3+1 credit hours
This course describes the causes, consequences of and treatment options for postpartum mood disorders. It will describe the three-part stress response, and how maternal stress and inflammation increase the risk of depression and other mood disorders. In addition, a range of complementary and alternative treatments will be described and the impact of treatment on breastfeeding will be discussed. Corequisite: MCH1 380, 1 credit hour.
MCH 429
Infant and Child Growth and Development
3+1 credit hours
The growth and development of infants and children are explored in this course beginning with influences on healthy development in the prenatal phase, continuing through birth to adolescence. Normal stages are examined at each phase of the life cycle from conception to adolescence. Health promotion and cultural implications of health care during this span are emphasized. Corequisite: MCH1 429, 1 credit hour.
MCH 480
Power and Societal Inequities in Maternal and Child Health
2 credit hours
This course explores the disparities of care that exist within health care. Students will examine economics, gender, education, sexual orientation, race, and abilities in relation to the quality of medical care and access to medical care. Students will consider their own assumptions and biases and think critically about how assumptions impact care. Through interdisciplinary perspectives, the student will explore the structure and function of systems of power among individuals, communities, governmental and non-governmental organizations, and international agencies relating to national and international health inequities. International issues of economics, emergencies, infectious disease, and war will be discussed. Prerequisites: MCH 150, MCH 220, MCH 223, MCH 322.

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.

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Skills & Benefits Union Students Gain

Apply critical thinking and problem solving methods to correctly identify and assess contributing factors and causes of breastfeeding management problems.
Develop and describe an appropriate individualized and client-centered plan, assist in the implementation of the plan, evaluate the effectiveness of the plan and document client interactions.
Communicate with clients and members of the health care team in a professional, integrated, interdisciplinary and culturally competent manner.

Explain and apply the major terms, methods, concepts and/or theories relevant to maternal child health and human lactation.
Identify, analyze and evaluate scientific research findings related to the methods, concepts, theories and practice of maternal child health and human lactation.
Apply the principles of biomedical ethics, lactation science and related disciplines in the provision of breastfeeding counseling and adult education services.

Meet Our Faculty

Frequently Asked Questions

How does one become an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)?

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, 90- hours of didactic lactation education, and a certain number of clinical hours. We are a CAAHEP accredited Pathway 2 academic program.

Does this program provide me with all of the requirements to sit for the International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) exam?

What if I already hold the International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) credential? Am I still eligible for the Bachelor of Science in Maternal Child Health: Human Lactation Studies major?

Yes, we have quite a few students who come to us already holding the IBCLC credential. Within the Maternal Child Health: Human Lactation (MCHL) major there are three concentrations: General MCHL, Health Disparities and Childbirth, and Pathway 2 Lactation. If student already has an IBCLC, he/she would enter as a general MCHL concentration student or a Health Disparities and Childbirth concentration student.

I see that your program contains a 300-hour clinical internship. Do I need to travel to Cincinnati, OH for this internship?

How does the 300-hour internship work? What is involved in the process of securing an internship site?

The 300-hour internship is split between two courses (150 hours per course). Within each course there is a set of competencies that students must complete along with the hourly requirement.
Internships can take place in hospitals, public health clinics, federal Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) clinics, obstetrics offices, pediatric offices, or private lactation practice.
Students must have a preceptor who is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) at their internship site in order to oversee and facilitate that on-sight learning. We encourage students to use the S. Lactation Consultant (USLCA) website and the International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA) website to search for IBCLCs in their area upon admission into the program. Internship courses occur in the students’ third or fourth semester, but it never hurts to get things lined up early.
The internship itself requires a completed Internship Application, background check, proof of health insurance, proof of professional liability insurance, and a completed Affiliation Agreement between UI&U and the internship facility. An Internship Packet, detailing all of this information, is available to all current students.
The internship approval process can take upwards of 6-8 weeks or longer.

What are career opportunities available for IBCLCs?

Many of our graduates have taken traditional career paths beyond graduation while others have taken nontraditional paths. Many of our graduates go on to work in a clinical setting such as a hospital, obstetric office, or pediatric office. Others have chosen to work in the public health setting for federal programs such as the USDA Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program. Still others have gone on to open their own private lactation practice or nonprofit organization.

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

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