Courses & Workshops
Professional Education Rooted in Community, Equity, and Impact
YOLO Breastfeeding offers professional education designed to strengthen breastfeeding support across communities. Our courses and workshops equip professionals, organizations, and community-based teams with the knowledge, skills, and perspective needed to support birthing and lactating families with confidence, compassion, and cultural responsiveness.
From certification programs to customized trainings, YOLO’s education is grounded in real-world application, evidence-based practice, and a deep commitment to equity and community-led care.
Community-Centered Professional Education
YOLO’s approach to professional education centers the communities we serve. Our trainings are designed to be practical, accessible, and relevant for professionals working in diverse settings, where families live, work, and receive care.
Education emphasizes:
Community-based and culturally responsive approaches
Trauma-informed, family-centered care
Practical application beyond theory
Collaboration across community and clinical systems
Our programs are designed for professionals who support birthing and lactating families in a wide range of roles and environments.
Community Breastfeeding Specialist (CBS) Course
A Foundational Certification for Community-Based Lactation Support
This course counts toward lactation-specific education hours required prior to sitting for the IBCLC exam and provides a strong foundation for those pursuing professional lactation or community-based breastfeeding support roles. This certification course is designed to strengthen breastfeeding support where families live, work, and receive care.
The CBS course equips participants with foundational lactation knowledge, practical skills, and a deep understanding of culturally responsive, trauma-informed care. The curriculum emphasizes real-world application, case-based learning, and strategies for supporting families across diverse settings. Course schedules and registration details are shared prior to each session
Graduates of this course earn the Community Breastfeeding Specialist (CBS) certification.
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The CBS course was created for community members and professionals who are passionate about supporting birthing and lactating families and are seeking to grow professionally in this work.
This training centers equity, community, interactive learning, and real-world application, while offering guidance for those interested in beginning or strengthening a career in lactation and breastfeeding support.
The CBS course is ideal for:
Community members and grassroots leaders
Doulas and birth workers
Community health workers and peer counselors
WIC staff and home visitors
Nurses, social workers, and allied health professionals
Breastfeeding supporters seeking professional development
If your goal is to be part of the solution in your community, this course is for you.
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Participants who complete the CBS course leave prepared to:
Provide informed, compassionate breastfeeding support
Understand how lactation works and recognize common challenges
Identify appropriate referral pathways when additional support is needed
Support families using culturally responsive and equity-centered approaches
Strengthen collaboration between community and clinical systems
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Total length: 45 hours
Course Fee: $650
Format: Virtual and hybrid
Delivery: Virtual and in-person
Professional Workshops & Custom Trainings
Tailored Education for Organizations and Teams
In addition to the CBS course, YOLO Breastfeeding offers custom workshops, trainings, and professional development sessions designed to meet the needs of organizations, providers, and community-based teams.
These trainings are ideal for:
Healthcare systems and clinics
WIC agencies
Community and grassroots organizations
Birth workers
Social service and public health professionals
Workshop & Training Topics
YOLO’s professional workshops are designed to strengthen knowledge, confidence, and collaboration among teams supporting breastfeeding families. Trainings address both foundational concepts and systemic barriers, with a focus on practical strategies that can be applied immediately.
Lactation basics for non-clinical staff
Culturally responsive breastfeeding support
Trauma-informed and family-centered care
Father and partner-inclusive lactation support
Community–clinical collaboration and warm hand-offs
Addressing barriers to breastfeeding access
YOLO’s professional workshops are designed to strengthen knowledge, confidence, and collaboration among teams supporting breastfeeding families. Trainings address both foundational concepts and systemic barriers, with a focus on practical strategies that can be applied immediately.
professional appreciation
Professionals who’ve taken our courses share how the experience has supported their work and the families they serve.
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Wise Wombman Co.
Because of the skills/knowledge I acquired from this training… I was able to identify (not just a feeding problem) but a life-threatening health condition in this precious 2 week old baby!
At a recent consultation, I made a Mama aware of what I was seeing/hearing during our consultation. I recommended that Mama bring these things up to the pediatrician the next day at their appointment.
The pediatrician did their exam, said that he could hear a “slight murmur” but wasn’t concerned. “All babies have murmurs” was his explanation. Basically brushed off Moms concerns. Mom advocated for a referral for her baby to be seen by the cardiologist.
Fast forward to cardiologist appointment. Not only did the cardiologist hear the Murmur, but he found that there were 3 holes in this babies heart!!!! 3!!! Now this Mama & baby will get the much needed resources and care they need!
I can’t thank YOLO Breastfeeding enough for the opportunity to learn from such a powerful & influential birthworker!! I am a truly thankful!
Truly excited to continue to uplift & support my community.
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Domi the Doula
I absolutely loved the personable instruction, the convenience of attending via Zoom, and the flexibility of the YOLO Breastfeeding Course.
As a mom who has nursed two precious womb gifts, I learned so much and now feel even more confident about serving my community. This course equips us to create healthy, positive breastfeeding experiences, particularly in Black communities where this support is so essential.
I would wholeheartedly recommend this course to my fellow doula sisters, aspiring IBCLCs, nursing mothers, and community workers. Shonté is truly amazing at what she does, and her impact on the community will be everlasting.
As a recipient of the scholarship, I am deeply grateful for this opportunity. This course has already shaped the way I approach my work, and I know it will continue to make a difference in the way I serve.
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Taniah
When I tell you the Certified Breastfeeding Specialist (CBS) Training through YOLO Breastfeeding with Shonte, really prepared me to assist families, I truly mean it.
I still call her to confirm because that level of care matters, but thanks to her training, my instincts already knew. That confidence comes from solid education and learning from someone who is deeply knowledgeable and committed to this work.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes. Participants who complete the training earn the Community Breastfeeding Specialist (CBS) certification.
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The course is open to a wide range of professionals and community members who support birthing and lactating families. No clinical background is required.
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Scholarship opportunities may be available for select course offerings. Details are shared with each course announcement.
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The course is currently offered virtually. In-person offerings may be available in the future.
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Yes. YOLO offers customized workshops and professional development sessions tailored to organizational needs and community priorities.
Interested in Professional Education with Impact?
Whether you’re looking to become a Community Breastfeeding Specialist or seeking customized training for your organization, YOLO Breastfeeding partners with professionals and teams to deliver high-quality, community-informed education.