On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
· Interpret the Science of breastfeeding and its role in maternal and infant health.
· Critically discuss the psychological, social and cultural factors that influence breastfeeding practices
· Differentiate and provide management strategies to breastfeeding challenges
· Describe how drugs are absorbed, distributed, metabolized and excreted in relation to the lactating woman
· Critically discuss the Baby Friendly Health Initiative nationally and internationally
· Outline the ethical and legal issues relevant to the breastfeeding dyad.
The programme is delivered in a blended learning format, ensuring flexibility and responsiveness. On-line learning is facilitated through the UCD virtual learning platform ‘Brightspace’. Three workshop days are run in UCD, one at the beginning and one towards the end of the programme, where the subject matter experts meet the students. Learners will be challenged to apply their learning in practice.
The programme is part time, from January to May.