In-Depth Breastfeeding Training for Healthcare Professionals: A Systematic Review

Breastfeeding is a global priority. To provide culturally appropriate evidence-based lactation support, healthcare professionals need training. Different levels of training are available post registration; however, the impact of in-depth breastfeeding training, such as that leading to the International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant certification, has not been studied.

To expand understanding of how in-depth training can assist healthcare professionals in gaining knowledge and skills, and improve breastfeeding related outcomes.

A systematic review following PRISMA and Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines was conducted. Six electronic databases were searched between 2023 and 2024 and updated in August 2025. Studies were eligible for inclusion if participants where healthcare professionals, and the training was post-registration lasting longer than 20 hours and examined the impact on outcomes such as breastfeeding knowledge and skills, breastfeeding rates, hospital practices, healthcare professionals' experiences, motivation, and learning needs, and women's experiences of support from healthcare professionals who had undertaken in-depth training. Study selection, data extraction and quality appraisal were conducted independently by two reviewers. Findings were synthesised narratively.

Three quantitative studies were included. All showed improved knowledge and skills following in-depth training. One study reported an increase in breastfeeding rates and another identified learning needs. No other outcomes were addressed. All studies had methodological limitations.

The evidence-base for the provision and impact of in-depth breastfeeding trainings is extremely limited. Given that breastfeeding and lactation support is a public health imperative, this knowledge gap sets a priority for future research, including trainings leading to the IBCLC qualification.