Breastfeeding Academy
Be a changemaker for women and their babiesÂ
When you become a Thompson Method Educator or Practitioner,
you join a movement that's improving breastfeeding outcomes around the world.
Doors are currently closed. Join the waitlist to be notified when the next round of enrolments are opening.  Estimated September 2025.
The Thompson Method Breastfeeding Academy
Be a changemaker for women and their babies
When you become a Thompson Method Practitioner or Educator
you join a movement that's improving breastfeeding outcomes around the world.
Doors are currently closed. Join the waitlist to be notified when the next round of enrolments are opening. Â
Estimated September 2025.
For many women, breastfeeding isn't truly an option.
That's because many of them are discharged from hospital having been taught forceful techniques and breastfeeding "education" that's out-of-date and inconsistent.
Evidence shows these methods can lead to painful nipple trauma and other complications that derail a woman's determination to breastfeed.
For many women, breastfeeding isn't truly an option.
That's because many of them are discharged from hospital having been taught forceful techniques and breastfeeding "education" that's out-of-date and inconsistent.
Evidence shows these methods can lead to painful nipple trauma and other complications that derail a woman's determination to breastfeed.
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.
JOIN THE WAITLIST â©Imagine helping women in your care achieve results like these.
â â â â â
"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
â â â â â
"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
â â â â â
"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
ââFormer Director, Molly Wardaguga Research Centre, Charles Darwin University
ââFormer 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 Method Breastfeeding Practitioner (TMBP)
For Other Professionals & Passionate Women
The Thompson Method Breastfeeding EducatorÂ
(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 equivalent
- Provide evidence of professional qualification and registration
- Currently provide care through a woman’s unique transitions of pregnancy, labour, birth, postnatal, breastfeeding.
Eligible Professions include:
- Midwife
- Registered Nurse (currently 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
- International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)
- 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 Education and $200 downpayment, which will be deducted from your enrolment fees.
The following Health Professionals are encouraged to enrol as a TMBE:
- Naturopath
- Osteopath
- Dietician/Nutritionist
- Chiropractor
- Diploma level Nurses
- Enrolled Nurse
- Endorsed Enrolled Nurse
- Endorsed Enrolled Nurse Advanced Practice
- Registered Practical Nurse (RPN)
- Licenced Practical Nurse Licenced
- 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 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:
â Breastfeeding preparation education (as per a TMBE)
â Careful observation, including noting anatomical breast and nipple variations
â Gentle guiding approach with each woman to achieve pain-free breastfeeding
â Identifying unique growth and development of the newborn or young baby, including hydration and well-being
â Providing care with the opportunity for the mother to schedule a follow-up session as part of the TMBP services
â Recording contemporaneous documentation, which includes observations, assessment, suggestions offered, outcome, and follow-up
â 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:
â Low milk volume
â High milk volume / fast flow
â Breast expressing
â Painful nipple trauma
â Crying and unsettled baby
â Breast engorgement, blocked ducts, mastitis, breast abscess
â The 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:
â Debunk common myths around breastfeeding
â Confidently embrace the preferred Thompson Method language as you speak gently with small groups of pregnant women
â Discuss the Golden 3 Hours and the effect of mother/baby separation
â Discuss breast milk production in the first 72 - 96 hours
â Discuss the potential implications of swallowing supplements, herbs, or powdered drinks
Certification Requirements
Certification Requirements
â Completion of online, video-based and evidence-based curriculum (approximately 40 hours)
â Multiple-choice assessment for all 10 modules
â Completion of assigned reading
â Participation in weekly Zoom calls (recorded)
â Final written and practical assessment
â 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
â Completion of online curriculum (approximately 40 hours)
â Participation in weekly Zoom calls (recorded)
â Final written and practical assessment
â Optional: 30 hours of virtual observation (Fine-Tuning credential only)
The education phase requires approximately 16 weeks to complete.
Join the TMBP Waitlist
Join the TMBE Waitlist
Join The Thompson Method Breastfeeding Academy
Expand your existing practice or launch your own business.
For Registered Health Professionals
The Thompson Method Breastfeeding Practitioner (TMBP)
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 equivalent
- Provide evidence of professional qualification and registration
- Currently provide care through a woman’s unique transitions of pregnancy, labour, birth, postnatal, breastfeeding.
Eligible Professions include:
- Midwife
- Registered Nurse (currently 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
- International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)
- 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 Education and $200 downpayment, which will be deducted from your enrolment fees.
The following Health Professionals are encouraged to enrol as a TMBE:
- Naturopath
- Osteopath
- Dietician/Nutritionist
- Chiropractor
- Diploma level Nurses
- Enrolled Nurse
- Endorsed Enrolled Nurse
- Endorsed Enrolled Nurse Advanced Practice
- Registered Practical Nurse (RPN)
- Licenced Practical Nurse Licenced
- 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:
â Breastfeeding preparation education (as per a TMBE)
â Careful observation, including noting anatomical breast and nipple variations
â Gentle guiding approach with each woman to achieve pain-free breastfeeding
â Identifying unique growth and development of the newborn or young baby, including hydration and well-being
â Providing care with the opportunity for the mother to schedule a follow-up session as part of the TMBP services
â Recording contemporaneous documentation, which includes observations, assessment, suggestions offered, outcome, and follow-up
â 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:
â Low milk volume
â High milk volume / fast flow
â Breast expressing
â Painful nipple trauma
â Crying and unsettled baby
â Breast engorgement, blocked ducts, mastitis, breast abscess
â The use of bottles, teats, nipple shields, dummies/pacifiers
Certification Requirements
Certification Requirements
â Completion of online, video-based and evidence-based curriculum (approximately 40 hours)
â Multiple-choice assessment for all 10 modules
â Completion of assigned reading
â Participation in weekly Zoom calls (recorded)
â Final written and practical assessment
â 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.
Join the TMBP Waitlist.
For Non-Health Professionals
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:
â Debunk common myths around breastfeeding
â Confidently embrace the preferred Thompson Method language as you speak gently with small groups of pregnant women
â Discuss the Golden 3 Hours and the effect of mother/baby separation
â Discuss breast milk production in the first 72 - 96 hours
â Discuss the potential implications of swallowing supplements, herbs, or powdered drinks
Certification Requirements
Certification Requirements
â Completion of online curriculum (approximately 40 hours)
â Participation in weekly Zoom calls (recorded)
â Final written and practical assessment
â Optional: 30 hours of virtual observation (Fine-Tuning credential only)
The education phase requires approximately 16 weeks to complete.
Join the TMBE Waitlist.
Meet Your Faculty
Rachael Austin
Head of Education M.AdCM, RN, RM, CF&MH, TMBP, IBCLC
â 20+ years of midwifery and breastfeeding expertise
â
Master of Clinical Midwifery (MClinMid)
â
Graduate Certificate of Health Professional Education
â
Online with breastfeeding mothers every day
As an Academy student, you receive:
Learn how to teach The Thompson Method, an approach proven to help pregnant women prevent common breastfeeding complications.
Gold-standard breastfeeding education
Direct access to Academy faculty via weekly Zoom sessions
Mentoring from a knowledgeable and nurturing community
Placement in The Thompson Method Professional Directory
Proprietary, done-for-you curriculum for working with women
Flexible, video-based teaching so you can go at your pace
Freedom to build the business you want
Business and marketing resources to help you achieve success
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.
Gold-standard breastfeeding education
Direct access to Academy faculty via weekly Zoom sessions
Mentoring from a knowledgeable and nurturing community
Placement in The Thompson Method Professional Directory
Proprietary, done-for-you curriculum for working with women
Flexible, video-based teaching so you can go at your pace
Freedom to build the business you want
Business and marketing resources to help you achieve success
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 webinar.
We're sure you have questions about the Academy, and we're so happy to address them all.
Enrol in the Academy.
Next enrolment round is scheduled for March 2025. We limit the number of Academy cohorts each year so you receive the attention you deserve.
Make a difference.
Thompson Method Practitioners and Educators help women breastfeed for as long as they choose.
You protect women and their babies by reminding them of the power of their maternal instincts.
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 a Thompson Method Practitioner or Educator, 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 a Thompson Method Practitioner or Educator, and be part of the solution.
JOIN THE WAITLIST â©
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 đ€ 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 đ€ by 4 Good