History of Lactation Education Resources

Lactation Education Resources (LER) was formed as a continuation of a well-established program at Georgetown University Medical Center. In the winter of 1997, Georgetown University Medical Center dissolved the National Capital Lactation Center and the lactation management programs that had been developed there. This included the Lactation Consultant Training Program, Clinical Internship Program and advanced practice workshops as well as various educational materials. During her 15 year employment at Georgetown University Medical Center, Vergie Hughes RN MS IBCLC had developed the National Capital Lactation Center in 1986 and the Lactation Consultant Training Program in 1990. Under her direction, they both became well respected nationally and internationally.

Rather then see these successful programs end when Georgetown University closed them, Ms Hughes established Lactation Education Resources, an independent technical training institute in 1997. The breastfeeding support services provided by the National Capital Lactation Center and the Lactation Consultant Training Program continued under her direction.

In the next stage of growth, Inova Learning Network administered these lactation management programs until 2009 when LER again took over these programs. The same faculty has taught the program while it was part of Georgetown University, Inova Learning Network and for Lactation Education Resources, and will continue to teach this highly respected program. This program has trained over 250 professionals to become lactation consultants each year since it’s inception.

Lactation Education Resources will focus on on-line Lactation Consultant Training and continuing education for practicing lactation consultants. Distance learning is rapidly becoming the educational mode of choice and Lactation Education Resources recognizes the many advantages if affords the learner. We will be greatly expanding the number of offerings over the next year.

Programs offered by Lactation Education Resources are accredited for continuing nursing education credits by the Virginia Nurses Association and for L-CERPs by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners.

Lactation Education Resources will continue to be in the forefront of lactation training by offering new and innovative programs and developing educational materials.

For Vergie Hughes' Bio click here