Lasting Latch: Encouraging Breastfeeding Duration

This four-hour live virtual training is designed to help WIC staff strengthen breastfeeding outcomes by equipping them to support mothers during the vulnerable postpartum period. Many mothers stop breastfeeding earlier than intended due to stress, isolation, and lack of education—this training provides tools to change that trajectory. Participants will learn how to recognize normal versus concerning postpartum healing, apply nutrition and food security principles through WIC food packages, and use prenatal preparation and add-on appointments to set families up for success. The training also addresses mental health and well-being, highlighting how compassion and breastfeeding support can foster maternal emotional health. Through interactive discussion and case-based learning, this training equips supporters to walk alongside mothers with confidence, care, and strategies that promote longer breastfeeding duration and healthier outcomes for both mothers and infants.

Michigan Peers: This OA Grant Training meets the 2026 Annual Peer Counselor Training Requirement.

2026 Dates & Times

Wednesday, June 10
9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. EST / 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. CST

Register

Wednesday, July 8
9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. EST / 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. CST

Register

Wednesday, July 29
8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. EST / 7:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. CST

Register

Wednesday, August 12
9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. EST / 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. CST

Register

Friday, August 28
8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. EST / 7:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. CST

Register

Friday, September 4
8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. EST / 7:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. CST

Register

Wednesday, September 9
9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. EST / 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. CST

Register

  • 10 min — Introduction & What To Expect
  • 40 min — Postpartum Healing
  • 10 min — Q&A
  • 40 min — Nutrition
  • 10 min — Q&A
  • 40 min — Postpartum Care
  • 10 min — Q&A
  • 40 min — Emotional Well-Being
  • 10 min — Q&A

4 L-CERPS will be provided. Participants must attend the live, virtual session and complete an evaluation to have access to their CERPs.

For information on which IBLCE categories are covered in the OA grant-funded trainings, please see the IBCLC CERP Guidance document.

This course is available to any WIC staff in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio or Wisconsin.

Due to high demand, this year’s OA Grant trainings will be limited to primarily WIC Staff. For more information, please contact MWRtrainings@mphi.org.

Participants will be able to:

  1. Describe postpartum healing — Identify key aspects of recovery for breastfeeding mothers to tell the difference between normal and concerning postpartum healing patterns.
  2. Apply nutrition principles — Explain how nutrition supports overall wellness: impacting breastfeeding outcomes.
  3. Strengthen postpartum care — Use prenatal preparation and WIC add-on appointments to improve breastfeeding outcomes.
  4. Support emotional well-being — Recognize the significance of mental health in providing compassionate breastfeeding support.

Christine Stancle (Full Circle Life Coaching, LLC), CLC, CPLC, BA-Public Admin
Christine is a wife and mother of four in the city of Grand Rapids, Michigan. She is a Certified Lactation Counselor, Certified Life Coach, and Mental & Behavioral Health Coach. She is a new Lactation trainer for the State of Michigan. She formally directed the Moms Helping Moms Breastfeeding Program. (A peer-to-peer breastfeeding mentorship program for African American women) and Owner of “Full Circle Life Coaching, LLC” where she offers private and corporate coaching and lactation counseling.

Raeanne Madison, MPH
Raeanne is a crane clan citizen of the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa Indians. She is an Indigenous mother, Indigenous Breastfeeding Counselor, full spectrum doula, and community educator. She’s the founder of an Indigenous grassroots organization, Postpartum Healing Lodge, where she provides community birthing education and doula trainings in collaboration with tribal communities across the US and Canada. Raeanne works with WIC as a state breastfeeding trainer and Indigenous breastfeeding community liaison

The deadline for registration is 10-14 days before the start of the training. All registrants will be placed on a short waitlist until approved by the Midwest region breastfeeding coordinators.

Once registered, all communication will come from Full Circle Life Coaching at FCLCHelp@gmail.com. Please direct all questions or concerns to this email address and be on the lookout for communication from this address as well. There is no fee for this training. In the event you need to cancel or reschedule a training, please email MWRtrainings@mphi.org.

Participants need a computer with good internet, access to Zoom, working camera and microphone. All course materials will available through the online platform, Thinkific.