Breastfeeding Academy
Become Certified in The Thompson Method
Join a movement that's improving breastfeeding outcomes around the world.
Join our free, live webinar to determine if enrolling in The Breastfeeding Academy is the best next step for you.
Course work for CPD / Practitioner cohort commences DecemberĀ 2025.Ā
The Thompson Method Breastfeeding Academy
Become Certified in The Thompson Method
Join a movement that's improving breastfeeding outcomes around the world.
Join our free, live webinar to determine if enrolling in The Breastfeeding Academy is the best next step for you.
Course work for the next Breastfeeding Academy cohort commences DecemberĀ 2025.
featured in
Ā
Introducing the Dr Robyn Memorial Scholarship.
We're so committed to sharing Dr Robyn's gentle, evidence based approach to breastfeeding to continue her legacy, that we've introduced a $1,000 scholarship discount to eligible applicants.
Apply to join the Academy and see if you're eligible for the $1,000 Scholarship Discount
Ā
SAVE MY SEAT FOR THE NEXT WEBINAR ā©Introducing the Dr Robyn Memorial Scholarship.
We're so committed to sharing Dr Robyn's gentle, evidence based approach to breastfeeding to continue her legacy, that we've introduced a $1,000 scholarship discount to eligible applicants.
Apply to join the Academy and see if you're eligible for the $1,000 Scholarship Discount.
Register for the Webinar
Together, we can improve global breastfeeding rates.
The Breastfeeding Academy equips you to teach women The Thompson Method—a gentle, natural approach that helps prevent or overcome common breastfeeding complications.
Together, we can improve global breastfeeding rates.
The Breastfeeding Academy equips you to teach women The Thompson Method—a gentle, natural approach that helps prevent or overcome common breastfeeding complications.
SAVE MY SEAT FOR THE WEBINAR ā©Imagine helping women in your care achieve results like these.
ā ā ā ā ā
"The Thompson Method provided me with education and guidance for my pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding that none of my medical providers (OBs, Nurses, Lactation Consultants, etc) did. With what I learned from The Thompson Method, I had the confidence to advocate for myself and my baby through the entire process. As a result, I have had the perfect experience, the experience I had always imagined and dreamed of."
Bianca
ā ā ā ā ā
"The Thompson Method breastfeeding program has changed my life! I was not successful breastfeeding my first 2 but this time I am. My baby girl has been [exclusively breastfed] for 3 months now."
Jessica
ā ā ā ā ā
"I can say with 100% confidence that The Thompson Method is what saved our breastfeeding journey. ... Breastfeeding went from one of the most stressful times in our house to one of the most coveted, peaceful times and everyone was able to relax. Now my daughter is 19 months old and we're still going strong!"
Rebecca K.
The Thompson Method can work for every mother and baby.
Real results, backed by research.
"If we get women feeling confident and capable with their first two breastfeeds, it sets women up for successful breastfeeding for the next six months. And that's what we're doing here with The Thompson Method."
Professor Sue Kildea
ā Co-Director, Molly Wardaguga Research Centre, Charles Darwin University
ā Former Head of Research, Mater Mothers' Hospital (one of Australia's largest maternity hospitals)
Join The Thompson Method Breastfeeding Academy
Expand your existing practice or launch your own business.
For Registered Health Professionals
The Thompson MethodĀ Certification (Consultant or Practitioner)
For Other Health Professionals and Breastfeeding Advocates
The Thompson Method Breastfeeding EducatorĀ
(TMBE)
Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
Qualified-Health Professionals awarded a Bachelor Degree holding current legal registration, required by a registering authority.
Qualified-Registered Health Professionals must:
- Hold a minimum Bachelor Degree or equivalentĀ
- Provide evidence of professional qualification and registration
- Currently provide care through a womanās unique transitions of pregnancy, labour, birth, postnatal, breastfeeding.Ā Ā
Eligible Professions include:Ā
- Registered Midwife
- Registered Nurse (currentlyĀ working with mothers/babies)
- International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)
- Maternal, Child & Family Health Nurse
- Paediatric Nurse
- Neonatal Nurse (NICU, SCN)
- Labour and Delivery Nurse
- Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- Nurse/Midwife Educator
- Medical Doctor (General Practitioner)
- Medical Specialist (Paediatrician, Obstetrician/Gynaecologist, Neonatologist)
The application process requires a 20-minute video interview with The Academy's Head of Education to confirm eligibility for the certification.
The following Health Professionals are encouraged to enrol as a TMBE:
- Ā Naturopath
- Ā Osteopath
- Ā Dietician/Nutritionist
- Ā Chiropractor
- Ā Diploma level Nurses
- Ā Enrolled Nurse
- Ā Endorsed Enrolled Nurse
- Ā Endorsed Enrolled Nurse Advanced Practice
- Ā Registered Practical Nurse (RPN)
- Ā Licenced Practical Nurse Licenced
- Ā Vocational Nurse
Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
There are 3 types of eligibility to enrol as a TMBE:
Registered Health Professionals who do not meet the requirements of a TMBP.
- Naturopath
- Osteopath
- Dietician/Nutritionist
- Chiropractor
- Pharmacist/Pharmacological Tech
- Speech Therapist
- Diploma level Nurses
- Enrolled Nurse
- Endorsed Enrolled Nurse
- Endorsed Enrolled Nurse Advanced Practice
- Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Licenced Practical Nurse
- Licenced Vocational Nurse
Non-Qualified Health Professionals who do not hold legal Registration with a Registered Health Authority
- Certified Nursing Assistant
- Assistant in Nursing
- Doula
- Childbirth Educator (CBE)
- Infant massage/massage therapist
- Breastfeeding counsellor
- La Leche League Leader
- Certified Breastfeeding Specialist
- Certified Lactation Counsellor (CLC)
- Advanced Lactation Consultant
- Advanced Nurse Lactation Consultant
- Sleep consultant
- HypnoBirth Practitioner
- Dry Needling Therapist
No formal qualifications - passionate women, inspired to help other women prepare for a pain-free breastfeeding experience with The Thompson Method.
Scope of Practice
Scope of Practice
A TMBP demonstrates high standards within her legal scope of practice. She provides assistance to breastfeeding women experiencing a wide range of breastfeeding complications, with the benefit of a detailed history.
A TMBP has advanced knowledge and demonstrates evidence-based practice in accordance with The Thompson Method breastfeeding principlesāpromoting, supporting, and protecting instinctive maternal breastfeeding.
A TMBP ensures each unique mother understands and is comfortable with the suggested plan, focusing on providing personalized, friendly, nurturing and respectful care for the unique woman and her baby. There are no rules.
The responsibility of a TMBP includes:
āāBreastfeeding preparation education (as per a TMBE)
āāCareful observation, including noting anatomical breast and nipple variations
āāGentle guiding approach with each woman to achieve pain-free breastfeeding
āāIdentifying unique growth and development of the newborn or young baby, including hydration and well-being
āāProviding care with the opportunity for the mother to schedule a follow-up session as part of the TMBP services
āāRecording contemporaneous documentation, which includes observations, assessment, suggestions offered, outcome, and follow-up
āāProviding a document for mothers to evaluate and offer feedback for the TMBP's service
A TMBP also identifies potential breastfeeding complications in relation to maternal concerns regarding:
āāLow milk volume
āāHigh milk volume / fast flow
āāBreast expressing
āāPainful nipple trauma
āāCrying and unsettled baby
āāBreast engorgement, blocked ducts, mastitis, breast abscess
āāThe use of bottles, teats, nipple shields, dummies/pacifiers
Scope of Practice
Scope of Practice
A TMBE focuses on prenatal education to assist pregnant women in their preparation for birth and breastfeeding.
TMBEs are granted access to a proprietary education program, Beautiful Breastfeeding, which is based on The Thompson Method.
Beautiful Breastfeeding sessions may be held in small groups or on an individual basis and are focused on delivering the program videos.
A TMBE facilitates discussion and provides clarity to participants as they make their way through the Thompson Method education.
A TMBE works within an education and support modality, communicating with the Thompson Method interdisciplinary team to refer complex questions or cases whenever necessary. This may mean referring to a senior TMBP, or a woman's own chosen health care provider.
Through delivering the Beautiful Breastfeeding Program you will:
ā Debunk common myths around breastfeeding
ā Confidently embrace the preferred Thompson Method language as you speak gently with small groups of pregnant women
ā Discuss the Golden 3 Hours and the effect of mother/baby separation
ā Discuss breast milk production in the first 72 - 96 hours
ā Discuss the potential implications of swallowing supplements, herbs, or powdered drinks
Certification Requirements
Certification Requirements
ā Completion of online, video-based and evidence-based curriculum (approximately 40 hours)
ā Multiple-choice assessment for all 10 modules
ā Completion of assigned reading
ā Participation in weekly Zoom calls (recorded)
ā Final written and practical assessment
ā 200 observational hours of pre-recorded sessions (provided by The Thompson Method)
The education phase requires approximately 16 weeks to complete, at which point you may receive an interim certification if you choose. You have up to one year to complete your observational hours to receive your TMBP credential.
Certification Requirements
Certification Requirements
ā Completion of online curriculum (approximately 40 hours)
ā Participation in weekly Zoom calls (recorded)
ā Final written and practical assessment
ā Optional: 30 hours of virtual observation (Fine-Tuning credential only)
The education phase requires approximately 16 weeks to complete.
Please note: September 2025 enrolments only available to those eligible for the Practitioner/Consultant pathway. Ā Please join theĀ TMBE waitlist to be notified of enrolment details for 2026.
Join The Thompson Method Breastfeeding Academy
Expand your existing practice or launch your own business.
For Registered Health Professionals
The Thompson Method BreastfeedingĀ Certified (Consultant or Practitioner)
Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
Qualified-Health Professionals awarded a Bachelor Degree holding current legal registration, required by a registering authority.
Qualified-Registered Health Professionals must:
- Hold a minimum Bachelor Degree or equivalentĀ
- Provide evidence of professional qualification and registration
- Currently provide care through a womanās unique transitions of pregnancy, labour, birth, postnatal, breastfeeding.Ā Ā
Eligible Professions include:Ā
- Registered Midwife
- International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)
- Registered Nurse (currentlyĀ working with mothers/babies)
- Maternal, Child & Family Health Nurse
- Paediatric Nurse
- Neonatal Nurse (NICU, SCN)
- Labour and Delivery Nurse
- Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- Nurse/Midwife Educator
- Medical Doctor (General Practitioner)
- Medical Specialist (Paediatrician, Obstetrician/Gynaecologist, Neonatologist)
The TMBP application requires a 20-minute video interview with The Academy's Head of EducationĀ to answer any questions and confirmĀ eligibility
The following Health Professionals are encouraged to enrol as a TMBE:
- Ā Naturopath
- Ā Osteopath
- Ā Dietician/Nutritionist
- Ā Chiropractor
- Ā Diploma level Nurses
- Ā Enrolled Nurse
- Ā Endorsed Enrolled Nurse
- Ā Endorsed Enrolled Nurse Advanced Practice
- Ā Registered Practical Nurse (RPN)
- Ā Licenced Practical Nurse Licenced
- Ā Vocational Nurse
Scope of Practice
Scope of Practice
A TMBP demonstrates high standards within her legal scope of practice. She provides assistance to breastfeeding women experiencing a wide range of breastfeeding complications, with the benefit of a detailed history.
A TMBP has advanced knowledge and demonstrates evidence-based practice in accordance with The Thompson Method breastfeeding principles—promoting, supporting, and protecting instinctive maternal breastfeeding.
A TMBP ensures each unique mother understands and is comfortable with the suggested plan, focusing on providing personalized, friendly, nurturing and respectful care for the unique woman and her baby. There are no rules.
The responsibility of a TMBP includes:
ā Breastfeeding preparation education (as per a TMBE)
ā Careful observation, including noting anatomical breast and nipple variations
ā Gentle guiding approach with each woman to achieve pain-free breastfeeding
ā Identifying unique growth and development of the newborn or young baby, including hydration and well-being
ā Providing care with the opportunity for the mother to schedule a follow-up session as part of the TMBP services
ā Recording contemporaneous documentation, which includes observations, assessment, suggestions offered, outcome, and follow-up
ā Providing a document for mothers to evaluate and offer feedback for the TMBP's service
A TMBP also identifies potential breastfeeding complications in relation to maternal concerns regarding:
ā Low milk volume
ā High milk volume / fast flow
ā Breast expressing
ā Painful nipple trauma
ā Crying and unsettled baby
ā Breast engorgement, blocked ducts, mastitis, breast abscess
ā The use of bottles, teats, nipple shields, dummies/pacifiers
Certification Requirements
Certification Requirements
ā Completion of online, video-based and evidence-based curriculum (approximately 40 hours)
ā Multiple-choice assessment for all 10 modules
ā Completion of assigned reading
ā Participation in weekly Zoom calls (recorded)
ā Final written and practical assessment
ā 200 observational hours of pre-recorded sessions (provided by The Thompson Method)
The education phase requires approximately 16 weeks to complete, at which point you may receive an interim certification if you choose. You have up to one year to complete your observational hours to receive your TMBP credential.
ForĀ Other Health Professionals and Non-Regulated Breastfeeding Advocates
The Thompson Method Breastfeeding Educator (TMBE)
Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
There are 3 types of eligibility to enrol as a TMBE:
Registered Health Professionals who do not meet the requirements of a TMBP.
- Naturopath
- Osteopath
- Dietician/Nutritionist
- Chiropractor
- Pharmacist/Pharmacological Tech
- Speech Therapist
- Diploma level Nurses
- Enrolled Nurse
- Endorsed Enrolled Nurse
- Endorsed Enrolled Nurse Advanced Practice
- Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Licenced Practical Nurse
- Licenced Vocational Nurse
Non-Qualified Health Professionals who do not hold legal Registration with a Registered Health Authority
- Certified Nursing Assistant
- Assistant in Nursing
- Doula
- Childbirth Educator (CBE)
- Infant massage/massage therapist
- Breastfeeding counsellor
- La Leche League Leader
- Certified Breastfeeding Specialist
- Certified Lactation Counsellor (CLC)
- Advanced Lactation Consultant
- Advanced Nurse Lactation Consultant
- Sleep consultant
- HypnoBirth Practitioner
- Dry Needling Therapist
No formal qualifications - passionate women, inspired to help other women prepare for a pain-free breastfeeding experience with The Thompson Method.
Scope of Practice
Scope of Practice
A TMBE focuses on prenatal education to assist pregnant women in their preparation for birth and breastfeeding.
TMBEs are granted access to a proprietary education program, Beautiful Breastfeeding, which is based on The Thompson Method.
Beautiful Breastfeeding sessions may be held in small groups or on an individual basis and are focused on delivering the program videos.
A TMBE facilitates discussion and provides clarity to participants as they make their way through the Thompson Method education.
A TMBE works within an education and support modality, communicating with the Thompson Method interdisciplinary team to refer complex questions or cases whenever necessary. This may mean referring to a senior TMBP, or a woman's own chosen health care provider.
Through delivering the Beautiful Breastfeeding Program you will:
ā Debunk common myths around breastfeeding
ā Confidently embrace the preferred Thompson Method language as you speak gently with small groups of pregnant women
ā Discuss the Golden 3 Hours and the effect of mother/baby separation
ā Discuss breast milk production in the first 72 - 96 hours
ā Discuss the potential implications of swallowing supplements, herbs, or powdered drinks
Certification Requirements
Certification Requirements
ā Completion of online curriculum (approximately 40 hours)
ā Participation in weekly Zoom calls (recorded)
ā Final written and practical assessment
ā Optional: 30 hours of virtual observation (Fine-Tuning credential only)
The education phase requires approximately 16 weeks to complete.
Meet Your Faculty
Rachael Austin
Head of Education M.AdCM, RN, RM, CF&MH, TMBP, IBCLC
ā 20+ years of midwifery and breastfeeding expertise
ā
Master of Clinical Midwifery (MClinMid)
ā
Graduate Certificate of Health Professional Education
ā
Online with breastfeeding mothers every day
Dawn Shalom
Endorsed Midwife, Certified Thompson Method Breastfeeding Practitioner
ā Ā 24 years of midwifery and breastfeeding expertise
ā Ā Endorsed Homebirth Midwife
ā Online with breastfeeding mothers every day as part of our Breastfeed Rescue specialist team
As an Academy student, you will learn:
How to teach The Thompson Method, a gentle approach proven to help women avoid or overcomeĀ stressful and painful breastfeeding complications.
Ā Gold-standard breastfeeding education
Ā Ā Direct access to Academy faculty via weekly Zoom sessions
Ā Mentoring from a knowledgeable and nurturing community
Ā Placement in The Thompson Method CertifiedĀ Directory
Ā Proprietary, done-for-you curriculum for working with womenĀ Ā (The Beautiful Breastfeeding Program)
Ā Flexible, video-based teaching so you can go at your pace
Ā Freedom to build the business you want
Ā Business and marketing resources to help you achieve success
Ā Ā A sense of purpose, knowing you're helping women provide their babies with the best possible nutrition
As an Academy student, you receive:
Learn how to teach The Thompson Method, an approach proven to help pregnant women prevent common breastfeeding complications.
Ā Gold-standard breastfeeding education
Ā Ā Direct access to Academy faculty via weekly Zoom sessions
Ā Mentoring from a knowledgeable and nurturing community
Ā Placement in The Thompson Method Professional Directory
Ā Proprietary, done-for-you curriculum for working with women (The Beautiful Breastfeeding Program)
Ā Flexible, video-based teaching so you can go at your pace
Ā Freedom to build the business you want
Ā Business and marketing resources to help you achieve success
Ā Ā A sense of purpose, knowing you're helping women provide their babies with the best possible nutrition
Women and their babies need you.
Register for the Live Webinar
We're sure you have questions about the Academy, and we're so happy to address them all.
Apply to Enrol
Enrolment is only open until 4th December 2025.Ā
Limited number of Scholarship Discounts available.
Make a difference.
The Thompson Method Certified NetworkĀ helps women breastfeed pain-free for as long as they choose.
Every woman deserves to feed her baby her way.
But 80% of women stop breastfeeding before they want to. And in many countries breastfeeding rates are even worse.
Become certified in The Thompson Method, and be part of the solution.
Every woman deserves to feed her baby her way.
But 80% of women stop breastfeeding before they want to. And in many countries breastfeeding rates are even worse.
Become certified in The Thompson Method and be part of the solution.
SAVE MY SEAT >
The Thompson Method provides evidence-based education, gentle guidance, and 24/7 support so women can breastfeed for as long as they choose—confidence-full and pain-free.
Breastfeeding Programs
For Pregnant Women
For Breastfeeding Women
For Health Professionals
1:1 Breastfeeding Consultation
Get Certified
Gift Vouchers
Other Resources
Breastfeeding Guide
Help Centre
Download App
Blog
Contact
Need to speak to someone? Call Joanne Thompson on +61 419 315 948 or Private Message on Facebook.
Copyright © The Thompson Method. All Rights Reserved.
Made with š¤ by 4 Good
The Thompson Method provides evidence-based education, gentle guidance, and 24/7 support so women can breastfeed for as long as they choose—confidence-full and pain-free.
Breastfeeding Programs
For Pregnant Women
For Breastfeeding Women
For Health Professionals
1:1 Breastfeeding Consultation
Get Certified
Gift Vouchers
Other Resources
Breastfeeding Guide
Help Centre
Download App
Blog
Contact
Need to speak to someone? Call Joanne Thompson on +61 419 315 948 or Private Message on Facebook.
Copyright © The Thompson Method. All Rights Reserved.
Made with š¤ by 4 Good