Member Login

The Breastfeeding Academy

CPD Pathway (For Midwives and IBCLCs)

Discover the evidence-based method experienced Midwives and IBCLCs use to solve complex breastfeeding cases (98,000+ mothers helped worldwide).

Created by Dr Robyn Thompson PhD OAM, experienced midwife and breastfeeding specialist - carried forward by her dedicated team of experienced Midwives and IBCLCs.

  • 50 CERPs recognised by IBCLE
  • 12 Week Comprehensive Content
  • Self paced & live weekly calls

Now available as a monthly membership or single upfront payment

Learn More >

The Breastfeeding Academy

CPD Pathway for Midwives & IBCLCs

A comprehensive experience to discover the evidence-based method experienced Midwives and IBCLCs use to solve complex breastfeeding cases (98,000+ mothers helped worldwide).

Created by Dr Robyn Thompson PhD OAM, experienced midwife and breastfeeding specialist - carried forward by her dedicated team of experienced Midwives and IBCLCs.

  • 50 CERPs recognised by IBCLE
  • 12 Week Comprehensive Content
  • Self paced & live weekly calls

Now available as a monthly membership or single upfront payment.

Learn More
Peer-reviewed research Women & Birth 2011 PhD Thesis, ACU 2014 Women & Birth 2016 Int'l Journal of Nursing Studies 2023
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."

 

Advanced breastfeeding expertise, based on 50 years midwifery experience and research for Midwives and IBCLCs

 

FOR MIDWIVES & IBCLCS
You have the clinical expertise.  Dr Robyn found the piece that most breastfeeding education doesn't cover.

Midwives and IBCLCs who come to the Academy are experienced, committed consultants already doing meaningful work with the women in their care.

What Dr Robyn's research uncovered was a specific gap - not in their skill or dedication, but in what the system had equipped them with. Particularly in complex situations. Particularly where there is no one to call.

The Thompson Method fills that gap. And the women in your care will feel the difference.

The Academy CPD Pathway is designed for:
Registered Midwives ¡ IBCLCs ¡ Midwife & IBCLC combined ¡ NeoNatal Nurses
 
If you work directly with mothers and babies in the early postnatal period, this program was built for the work you do every day.

Meet Dr Robyn Thompson - Founder Of The Thompson Method 

A Passionate Midwife

Dr Robyn Thompson was a midwife, researcher and breastfeeding specialist whose career spanned 50 years; 25 in hospitals and 25 attending home births.

Her unique perspective and clinical observations became the foundation of her doctoral research into nipple pain and trauma in breastfeeding women and, ultimately, The Thompson Method.

Dr Robyn’s work was grounded in gentleness, respect for the mother–baby relationship and trust in a woman’s instincts.

In 2023, she was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to medicine, particularly as a midwife and breastfeeding specialist.

Get Started

Online education. Real-life mentorship.

Although the Breastfeeding Academy experience is entirely online, this is not a do-it-yourself program! Instead, you are guided you step-by-step through the curriculum with weekly calls to reinforce what you've learned, answer your questions, and ensure you have the knowledge and experience you need to handle even complex situations with sensitivity and support.

 

Rachael Austin

Director of Education at The Thompson Method, Principal Practitioner
RN, Endorsed Midwife, C&FHN, IBCLC, CAPEA certified Educator

★ 28 years of nursing, midwifery and breastfeeding expertise
★ Master of Clinical Midwifery (MClinMid)
★ Graduate Certificate of Health Professional Education

Dawn Shalom

Endorsed Midwife, TMBP, IBCLC

★ 24+ years of midwifery and breastfeeding expertise
★ Endorsed Homebirth Midwife
★ Breastfeeding Academy Graduate 2022

 

SEE COURSE CONTENT

The Thompson Method Breastfeeding Academy 

12 Week Curriculum

The gentle, evidence based approach that makes sense:

Address the root causes and help prevent the complications that force 8 out of 10 women to quit breastfeeding before they intended, so that more mothers can breastfeed for as long as they choose.

  • Become the go-to healthcare professional women call first
  • Feel confident about complex breastfeeding cases
  • Expert guidance from our senior team to mentor you with complex cases
  • Advance your professional competency and expertise
  • Expand your scope of practice into prevention
  • 50 CERPS recognised by IBCLE

 

Released Week 1

Module 1: TRUE Language Awareness

The importance of the gentle language of trust, respect, understanding and encouragement, with the aim of achieving unity, gaining experience to increase knowledge and wisdom.

 

Released Week 2

Module 2: The ...isation Syndrome

Developed by Dr Robyn Thompson, thisbecame an integral part of The Thompson Method associated with questions frequently arising from stories told by women

 

Released Week 3

Module 3: Dr Robyn's Birth & Breastfeeding Plan Template

This is aimed at helping a woman create an understanding of what is most important for her in her unique circumstances to breastfeed her baby.   It includes important information regarding Legal Consent, aiming to achieve fully informed discussions.

 

Released Week 4

Module 4: The Maternal Breast & Implications of Non-Human Milk (Formula)

Delve into the anatomy of the maternal breast and learn the truth about the composition of non-human milk (formula) and its implications for breastfeeding.

 

Released Week 5

Module 5: Maternal Breast Milk Production

Each mother and each baby are genetically, bio-physiologically, anatomically, neurologically, psychologically and emotionally unique.

 

Released Week 6

Module 6: Cranio Cervical, Oral Anatomy

Understand the close anatomical association between the function of the cranio-cervical spine and the oral cavity function, based on Dr Robyn's PhD research and experience.

 

Released Weeks 7 to 9

Module 7: The Heart of the Program - Nipple Trauma, Face-to-Breast Symmetry & Fine Tuning

This is the most clinically significant section of the curriculum, and the most unique.

You'll work through Dr Robyn's complete fine tuning methodology, supported by 30 hours of observational footage of Dr Robyn working directly with mothers and babies in real clinical situations.

There is no other breastfeeding education program in the world that offers this.

You'll learn to recognise the subtle anatomical signs that predict nipple trauma, understand the specific adjustments that resolve them, and develop the observational precision that can only come from watching a master practitioner at work, across dozens of different cases.

 

Released Week 10

Module 8: Oral Devices and Gentle Breast Expressing

Learn how specific oral devices affect breastfeeding so you can help women reduce the risk of complications.

 

Released Week 11

Practical Implementation

Real life techniques for implementing your new education in clinical practice and/or on the postnatal ward.

Choose the plan that works for you

Everyone’s journey is unique. A minimum of 3 months is required to complete the curriculum. Start at whatever commitment level feels right and if life gets in the way, simply extend at our member rate of $99/month until you're done.

 

"Implementing The Thompson Method into my practice has been invaluable."

And other kind words from health professionals like you.

 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"Having the opportunity to work so closely with Dr Robyn and Rachael has shaped the practitioner I am today.

... enrolling and completing the Academy is going to benefit you, your knowledge, and your career. It will provide you the tools and ongoing support to offer women the right support and education, therefore, leading to higher breastfeeding rates.
It really is a win-win situation."

Sarah Jackson, IBCLC, Thompson Method Practitioner, Australia

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"As a healthcare provider I’m very scientifically minded and the emphasis on the anatomy really made sense to me.

I was pleasantly surprised about how the online modules and weekly calls in the Academy were structured.  I was able to work through them in my own time and catch up with any calls I wasn’t able to make in person.  What’s even more amazing is the support I have received from the senior team since being certified. I feel so blessed to be part of such an incredible, unique group of women and professionals.  It’s truly been an amazing journey so far"

Stephanie Lang, Thompson Method Practitioner, USA

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"...working with Dr Robyn and Rachael as a certified Practitioner... is a dream come true. The gentle mentorship they both offer provides me with all the confidence I need to do what I love to do… and that’s to help women breastfeed.


I really do feel privileged to be able to call on these experienced midwives whenever I need some guidance, which has made my transition from student to practitioner smooth and enjoyable."

Kelly Faytrouni, RM, RN, IBCLC, Thompson Method Practitioner, Australia

Common Questions

 

Dr Robyn spent 50 years building this.
You can access it today.

The Thompson Method CPD Pathway gives you the evidence-based framework, the clinical knowledge, and the ongoing mentorship to change what you're able to do for the women in your care.  Start today.  Your first module unlocks immediately.

I'm Ready to Get Started