BELLA Breastfeeding
The purpose of the BELLA Breastfeeding: Provider Training Course on OPENPediatrics is to fulfill the Baby-Friendly USA requirement for provider education. As stated in the Guidelines and Evaluation Criteria Document, three hours of training are required for Physicians, Midwives, Physician Assistants, and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs).
Learning Objectives
The benefit of exclusive breastfeeding
The physiology of lactation
How their specific field of practice impacts lactation
How to find out about safe medication for use during lactation
Know who to refer a mother to for help, if the health care provider does not teach the specific skill
Lessons
Introduction to BELLA Breastfeeding
Background: Goals, Rates, and History
Background: The Joint Commission and CDC mPINC Survey
Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative
The Code
Prenatal Education
Skin-to-skin Contact
Safety
Rooming-In
Anatomy and Physiology of Lactation
Positioning and Latch
Hand Expression
Training, Pacifiers, NICU, and Exclusivity
Medications and Breast Milk
Test Your Knowledge
Author(s)
Barbara L. Philipp, MD, FAAP, FABM
Pediatrician | Boston Medical Center
Professor of Pediatrics/Newborn Medicine | Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine
Co-Chair, Baby-Friendly Task Force | Boston Medical Center
Mary Foley, RN, BSN, IBCLC
Blogger | Substack
Co-Owner | Lactation College
Owner | Sweet Sips Colostrum Spoons
Lactation Consultant | Mount Auburn Hospital
Lactation Program Coordinator | Tufts Medicine
Course Director(s)
Barbara L. Philipp, MD, FAAP, FABM
Pediatrician | Boston Medical Center
Professor of Pediatrics/Newborn Medicine | Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine
Co-Chair, Baby-Friendly Task Force | Boston Medical Center
Citation
Philipp B. BELLA Breastfeeding. 03/2026. OPENPediatrics. Online Course: https://learn.openpediatrics.org/learn/courses/5929/bella-breastfeeding.