Exclusive Pumping: The Basics

This 2-hour webinar course aims to teach individuals basic pump counseling skills. Learners will gain the knowledge to teach typical pump usage and care, and to problem-solve basic pump problems. In addition, the course will cover proper milk storage, prenatal colostrum expression, hand expression and milk collection devices.

2026 Dates & Times

Monday, June 15
10:00 a.m.–12:15 p.m. EST / 9:00 a.m.–11:15 a.m. CST


Friday, July 17
9:00 a.m.–11:15 a.m. EST / 8:00 a.m.–10:15 a.m. CST


Wednesday, August 19
2:00 p.m.–4:15 p.m. EST / 1:00 p.m.–3:15 p.m. CST

  • A Review of Breast Pump Technology (1st hour)
  • Break (15 min)
  • Counseling on Pump Use (2nd hour)

2 CMEs. CMEs can be used as CERPs or nursing credits.

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 WIC peer counselors, CPAs, RD, RNs, and lactation staff in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa (peers not eligible), Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and 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:

  • Identify basic principles of operating commonly used pumps.
  • Describe categories of pumps.
  • Describe milk collectors and discuss appropriate use.
  • Describe optimal pump vacuum and cycle frequencies.
  • Explain how to clean a breast pump.
  • Discuss how to counsel a client on pump options.
  • Explain milk storage guidelines.
  • Outline a strategy to help a client who reports pump failure.
  • Describe a strategy to fit flange size.
  • Describe reasons for antenatal colostrum expression.
  • Define reverse pressure softening and describe when to use this technique.
  • Discuss power pumping and hands-on pumping.
  • Explain how to do hand expression and when this is appropriate.
  • Outline a pumping plan with a client.

Anne Eglash MD, NABBLM-C, IBCLC is a family physician who has been practicing breastfeeding and lactation medicine since 1994.

Dr. Eglash is a co-founder of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine and a cofounder and current Medical Director of the Mothers’ Milk Bank of the Western Great Lakes. She is a past associate editor for Breastfeeding Medicine Journal and continues to serve as an editorial board member. She co-founded and served as the inaugural president of the North American Board of Breastfeeding and Lactation Medicine in 2023-2024.

Dr. Eglash is a professor emeritus from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health and is a co-owner of the Midwest Center for Breastfeeding and Postpartum medicine, based in Madison Wisconsin.

Dr. Eglash is also the CEO of The Institute for the Advancement of Breastfeeding and Lactation Education (IABLE).

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. If there is room available after WIC staff have registered, the training will be opened to maternal child health community partners.

Once registered, all communication will come from IABLE. There is no fee for this training. In the event you need to cancel or reschedule a training, please email MWRtrainings@mphi.org

No other resources need to be purchased or accessed for this course. Copies of Powerpoint slides will be available to download from the course Event Web Page. In the rare event that participants are not able to attend the live training, a recording from the lectures will be emailed out within a few days and must be completed within 1 week to receive course credit.