THE THOMPSON METHOD PRACTITIONER PATHWAY
CPD PATHWAY & FULL TMBP CERTIFICATION
The CPD pathway brings the full Thompson Method curriculum to busy midwives and IBCLCs in a self-paced format designed to complement your practice immediately.
No cohort dates. No waitlist. Begin within days of your scheduled call.
WHO IS THIS PATHWAY FOR?
The busy hospital midwife or IBCLC
You are committed to the hospital system and not looking to leave it. But you have a sense that something is missing, in the advice you're giving, in the outcomes you're seeing, in the gap between hospital policy and what the woman in front of you actually needs. The CPD program gives you the language, the knowledge, and the clinical framework to show up differently in the ward, particularly in the early postnatal period.
The private practice midwife or IBCLC
You are in or moving toward private practice and need strong foundational knowledge now, while you build toward the full TMBP certification when the timing is right. Â Whether you're experienced or a recent Midwife graduate, there's something to learn. The CPD program is also the natural first step toward full TMBP certification. Many of our TMBP cohort graduates began here. The bridge between CPD and full certification is already built.
Pathway Eligibility
Applicants must be registered Midwives or  IBCLCs currently (or recently) working with mothers and babies.
List of Eligible, Qualified Health Professionals
List of Eligible, Qualified Health Professionals
â  Doulas, Childbirth Educators, Allied Health Professionals, Breastfeeding and Lactation Counsellors may pursue the Thompson Method Breastfeeding Educator (TMBE) certification.
Practitioner Program Curriculum
The TMBP curriculum is based on Dr Robyn Thompson's PhD research, 50 years of midwifery and breastfeeding experience, and the successful outcomes of thousands of breastfeeding women who use The Thompson Method.
The Thompson Method Language Guide
Adopt a gentle approach to language to support and nurture mothers along their breastfeeding journey.
The Craniocervical and Oral Anatomy of Breastfed Babies
Explore the breastfed baby's anatomy to uncover a crucial element of successful breastfeeding.
The Anatomy of the Maternal Breast
Delve into the anatomy of the maternal breast so you can help prevent common breastfeeding complications before they start.
Non-Human Milk and Implications for Breastfeeding
Learn the truth about the composition of non-human milk (formula) and its implications for breastfeeding.
The "Isation" Syndrome: How Maternity Care Has Changed
Discover how changes to maternity care have impacted breastfeeding—and what women (and you) can do about it.
Breastmilk Production
Fully understand breast milk production to help women overcome volume-related challenges.
Painful Nipple Trauma and Face-to-Breast Symmetry
Access case studies to fully understand why nipple trauma occurs and discover how to help women prevent it.
Oral Devices and Implications for Breastfeeding
Learn how specific oral devices affect breastfeeding so you can help women reduce the risk of complications.
Gentle Breast Expression
Discover a gentle method for breast expression, either by hand or with devices.
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Growth & Development
Gain an advanced understanding of infant development to help women breastfeed for as long as they choose.
Two Ways To Begin.
CPD and full TMBP certification share the same foundation - Dr Robyn's complete curriculum. The difference is in depth, credential, and clinical assessment. Rachael will help you find the right starting point on your call.
ALWAYS OPEN
CPDÂ Pathway
Begin within days. No cohort wait.
BEST FOR
Hospital midwives and IBCLCs wanting to change practice immediately. Private practice midwives building foundational knowledge before committing to full certification.
TIME COMMITMENT
Self-paced, typically 2â3 months alongside existing work. No assessment.
WHAT YOU RECEIVE
Full knowledge curriculum ¡ Weekly Zoom calls with Rachael ¡ ACM CPD endorsed certificate of completion ¡ Academy community access.
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APPLY NOW & BOOK YOUR CALLCOHORT BASED
TMBPÂ Full Certification
The complete credential. Cohort intake. Apply for CPD first or join the waitlist.
BEST FOR
Midwives and IBCLCs ready to practise at the full scope of a Thompson Method Practitioner,  including complex cases, with our ongoing clinical safety net.
TIME COMMITMENT
150 hours observation (provided by TTM), cohort-paced over approximately 3-6 months, with a practical assessment.
WHAT YOU RECEIVE
Everything in CPD, plus: 150 hrs of Dr Robyn's recorded sessions ¡ Practical assessment & TMBP credential ¡ Directory listing & priority referrals ¡ Rachael's 3-tier clinical safety net, including live client call support.
JOIN THE WAITLIST FOR THE NEXT COHORTMany TMBP graduates began with CPD.
If you complete the CPD program and want to progress, your learning is recognised you do not start again from the beginning. The bridge to full certification is already built.
HOW IT WORKS
Both pathways begin the same way. Here is exactly what to expect.
Apply
Deposit
Pay a $200 deposit*
*Fully refunded. Â This holds your call with Rachael. It is returned in full at the end of your conversation, Â no matter what you decide.
Book
Begin
CDP PATHWAY INVESTMENT
$1,995 AUD
or $1,395 USD
Pay in full for a $200 Discount ¡ 3 x monthly plan also available
$200 APPLICATION FEE | FULLY REFUNDED
"This is an investment in knowledge that changes what you offer every woman in your care and a first step toward the most clinically rigorous breastfeeding credential available."
- Full Thompson Method curriculum
- Weekly Zoom calls with Rachael Austin
- IBCLE Recognised 50 CERPs
- Academy community mentoring
- Bridge to full TMBP certification available
- Â Start any time
"Implementing The Thompson Method into my practice has been invaluable."
And other kind words from health professionals like you.
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"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, Thompson Method Practitioner, Australia
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"As a healthcare provider Iâm 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 wasnât able to make in person. Whatâs 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. Itâs truly been an amazing journey so far"
Stephanie Lang, Thompson Method Practitioner, USA
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"...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 thatâs 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, Thompson Method Practitioner, Australia
Online education. Real-life mentorship.
Although the Breastfeeding Academy experience is entirely online, this is not a do-it-yourself program! Instead, we guide you step-by-step through the curriculum and meet weekly on Zoom 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.
Meet Your Faculty
Rachael Austin
Director of Education at The Thompson Method, Principal Practitioner
RN, Endorsed Midwife, C&FHN, IBCLC, CAPEA certified Educator
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28 years of nursing, midwifery and breastfeeding expertise
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Master of Clinical Midwifery (MClinMid)
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Graduate Certificate of Health Professional Education
Dawn Shalom
Endorsed Midwife, TMBP, IBCLC
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24+ years of midwifery and breastfeeding expertise
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 Endorsed Homebirth Midwife
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 Breastfeeding Academy Graduate 2022
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
ââFormer Director, Molly Wardaguga Research Centre, Charles Darwin University
ââFormer Head of Research, Mater Mothers' Hospital (one of Australia's largest maternity hospitals)
Imagine helping women in your care achieve results like these.
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"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
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"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
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"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.
