Apply For Your $1,000 ‘Dr. Robyn Thompson Memorial Scholarship’ Discount & Get An Evidence Based System To Solve More Complex Cases, Help More Mothers & Expand Your Referral Network (Only 8 Available)
Apply For Your $1,000 ‘Dr. Robyn Thompson Memorial Scholarship’ Discount & Get An Evidence Based System To Solve More Complex Cases, Help More Mothers & Expand Your Referral Network (Only 8 Available)
Stephanie Lang
"I loved the flexibility of working through modules on my own time, but what's most amazing is the continued support I receive from the senior team after being certified.”
Stephanie Lang
TRUSTED BY
If you keep encountering mothers with complex breastfeeding cases that don't respond to your standard interventions, and you know you should be able to help them, but you're running out of tools in your toolkit, then read on.
You became a Midwife or IBCLC to help mothers succeed. But some cases leave you frustrated, knowing there's something you're missing but not sure what…
This is exactly what Dr. Robyn Thompson discovered after 50+ years as a midwife and breastfeeding specialist.
She worked 20 years in hospitals, then 25 years as a homebirth midwife. After 1,000s of births, she noticed something interesting: hospital mothers were consistently presenting with painful nipple trauma and feeding difficulties in the early postnatal period, while her homebirth clients predominantly breastfed pain-free.
At age 70, she earned her PhD researching this pattern and made a breakthrough discovery: nearly all breastfeeding complications could be traced back to the decisions made during labor and the early post natal period. In her words “It all comes back to the first breastfeed.”
Her research at Australia's largest maternity hospital revealed that most complications stemmed from labor and birth interventions that interrupted or delayed the first and early breastfeeds, in association with forceful breastfeeding techniques commonly taught in the early postnatal period.
After mastering Dr. Robyn's gentle, evidence based method, you'll:
This isn't basic lactation training - it's advanced diagnostic and observational skills for experienced IBCLCs and Midwives ready to handle the cases others can't solve.
I'm Rachel Austin, an experienced Midwife, IBCLC and leading specialist Thompson Method Breastfeeding Practitioner. I was personally mentored by Dr. Robyn, and since her passing in January 2025, I continue to educate and mentor IBCLCs and Midwives in her gentle, evidence-based approach.
This month we're offering 8 $1,000 Dr. Robyn Thompson Memorial Scholarships for our new Consultant Certification.
Ready to help more women and become the go-to expert in your area?
Click below to apply to join the certification program and for your scholarship.
Rachel Austin, RM, IBCLC, TMBP
Head of Education, The Thompson Method
The Science-Based Approach Made Perfect Sense
"As a healthcare provider I'm very scientifically minded and the emphasis on the anatomy really made sense to me. I was able to work through the modules 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."
Stephanie Lang, Thompson Method Practitioner, USA
The Ongoing Support Gives Me Complete Confidence
"The gentle mentorship they 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, Thompson Method Practitioner, Australia
This Training Shaped The Practitioner I Am Today
"Having the opportunity to work so closely with Dr Robyn and Rachael has shaped the practitioner I am today. Enrolling and completing the Academy will provide you the tools and ongoing support to offer women the right support and education, leading to higher breastfeeding rates. It really is a win-win situation."
Sarah Jackson, Thompson Method Practitioner, Australia
Dr. Robyn Thompson spent her career solving a mystery that changed everything we know about breastfeeding complications.
After 20 years in the hospital system and a further 25 years as a homebirth midwife, she noticed an undeniable pattern: hospital mothers were struggling with nipple trauma and feeding difficulties while homebirth mothers were breastfeeding pain-free.
At age 70, she earned her PhD researching this phenomenon and discovered that nearly all breastfeeding problems trace back to a delay or interruption to the first and early breastfeeds, along with commonly taught forceful techniques.
Since her passing in January 2025, her gentle, evidence-based method continues helping Midwives and IBCLCs worldwide solve complex cases by addressing root causes instead of symptoms.
DR. ROBYN'S CREDENTIALS:
Cassandra
Zanna
Healthcare providers will send their most challenging cases to you because they know you get results with complex presentations.
This certification teaches experienced IBCLCs, midwives and neonatal nurses Dr. Robyn Thompson's research-proven method - a systematic approach that identifies and can even prevent breastfeeding complications by addressing the root causes that standard lactation education may overlook.
In just 10 weeks, you'll master a systematic framework through expert mentorship from Rachael Austin and Dawn Shalom (personally mentored by Dr. Robyn), combining evidence-based education with weekly live sessions and access to our professional academy community.
You'll learn to identify and address the root causes behind complex cases:
This transforms you from treating symptoms to finding the root cause, becoming the expert other healthcare providers refer their most challenging cases to.
⚠️ Important Admissions Information:
To maintain high educational standards and personalized support, we're only accepting a small number of IBCLCs and midwives into this certification cohort.
And we have 8 $1,000 memorial scholarship discounts available for qualified applicants.
This ensures intensive learning with the individualized guidance you need to master complex case management.
Join us to become certified as a Thompson Method Breastfeeding Consultant and build the specialized expertise that makes you the go-to consultant in your area
Rachael Austin
Head of Education M.AdCM, RN, RM, MCHN, TMBP, IBCLC
Dawn Shalom
RM, TMBP, IBCLC
Rachael Austin and Dawn Shalom are continuing Dr. Robyn Thompson's research legacy, leading the field in evidence-based breastfeeding education that gets results for complex cases.
While we could tell you why they're exceptional practitioners...
We'll let their credentials and outcomes speak for themselves:
Combined Impact of Rachel, Dawn and The Thompson Method:
If you're looking for mentors who can show you advanced diagnostic and observational skills and help you build the professional reputation you want...
Rachel and Dawn are your clinical instructors, research authorities, and professional role models.
Even after certifying practitioners worldwide, they remain committed to Dr. Robyn's mission - still working with complex cases daily while mentoring the next generation of specialized lactation professionals.
To apply to work with Rachel and Dawn to advance your clinical expertise, click the button below to see if you qualify for a $1,000 Memorial Scholarship Discount.
Comprehensive, evidence-based training with expert mentorship to master Dr. Robyn's gentle method. Flexible to your work schedule and life.
PhD-Standard Breastfeeding Education
Dr. Robyn's knowledge, experience and wisdom & her reputable diagnostic system
Weekly Zoom Calls
Weekly live mentoring sessions with your faculty and other students for support on course work & your current cases
Watch Real-Life Case Studies
Watch recordings of Dr. Robyn's consultations with women experiencing complications, most common in the early postnatal period
Watch Live Fine Tuning Sessions
Observe Dr. Robyn as she gently guides women with painful nipples based on her unique Fine Tuning principles
Thompson Method Consultant Certification
Official certification, with CPD points and CERPS currently pending.
Breastfeeding Academy Mentor Group
Access to ongoing accountability and support with senior practitioners and peers
Early Intervention Diagnostic Protocols
Systematic tools to identify the root cause and apply targeted solutions
50+ Training Videos (Observational Content)
Self-paced online modules you can complete around your schedule
Learn the importance of gentle language, unique to The Thompson Method that helps a woman feel more empowered, respected and reassured. Guidance counselling to respect sexual abuse survivors and victims of birth trauma, in relation to breastfeeding.
Discover Dr Robyn’s ‘…isation Syndrome’ model that highlights the common interventions that often take place during a woman’s labor, birth and postnatal journey, and how it can impact breastfeeding. Explore and discuss interventions such as Continuous Monitoring of Labor, Obstetric Opiates, Resistance to Optimal Cord Clamping that lead to the increasing incidence of birth trauma.
Deep dive into Dr Robyn’s birth plan template made available for women, exploring the underlying principles of why it’s so important for women to prepare for breastfeeding, during their pregnancy.
Discuss the composition, science and benefits of human breast milk and how it compares to standard formula. Investigate the implications of unnecessarily introducing formula on a woman’s breastfeeding journey, particularly in the early postnatal period.
Explore the foundational principles of breast milk production, and how this information is shared with women, so that they can be in control of their own breastfeeding. Discuss some of the most common misconceptions of breast milk production that specifically relate to the first 72 - 96 hours following the birth of a baby.
Discover the basis of Dr Robyn’s PhD research where she took a deep dive into the biophysical structure and oral anatomy of the breastfeeding newborn, in relation to painful nipple trauma and commonly taught techniques.
Following from the previous module where you’ll learn the important principles of Face to Breast Symmetry and gentle Fine Tuning adjustments to help a mother overcome painful nipples. Includes a ‘Fine Tuning’ self assessment quiz
Learn the implications of unnecessarily introducing oral devices such as nipple shields, bottles/teats & dummies/pacifiers. Learn Dr Robyn’s gentle technique of breast expressing (pumping) with an electric pump, manual pump or by hand.
Integrating The Thompson Method principles to work with the hospital system and policies.
Thompson Method Academy Community (1 Year Access)
During and after your certification, get ongoing support from senior peers handling complex cases daily. When you encounter difficult presentations, get guidance from experts who see these cases regularly. ($497 Value)
Thompson Method Case Study Library
Real consultation recordings showing the evidence based method applied to complex presentations. See exactly how Dr. Robyn handled situations similar to your challenging cases through observation of actual implementations. ($497 Value)
Dr. Robyn Thompson's Research Archive Access
Complete collection of her 50+ years of birth-feeding connection studies. Have evidence-based backing for your approaches when discussing cases with physicians and reference specific research that supports your recommendations. ($497 Value)
Professional Directory Listing
Thousands of women around the world look here every year to find specialized support. Get qualified referrals who come to you specifically because they're seeking Thompson Method expertise, not just any midwife or lactation consultant. ($297 Value)
Thompson Method Academy Community (1 Year Access)
Systematic diagnostic frameworks for identifying root causes to specific complications. Quickly diagnose contributing factors instead of guessing why standard approaches aren't working. ($297 Value)
A $1,000 Dr. Robyn Thompson Memorial Scholarship (Only 8 Available)
These bonuses are only available for Memorial Scholarship recipients.
To apply for your memorial scholarship - click the button below.
The Thompson Method can work for every mother and baby.
“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
Former Head of Research, Mater Mothers' Hospital (one of Australia's largest maternity hospitals) & Former Director, Molly Wardaguga Research Centre, Charles Darwin University
Apply Now To Become a Certified Thompson Method Consultant And See If You Qualify For One Of Our $1,000 Dr. Robyn Thompson Memorial Scholarships.
Request Your Memorial Scholarship To Save $1,000 Off The Thompson Method Professional Certification
We carefully select qualified consultants for this program. If your application is accepted, we're confident the Thompson Method Academy will advance your breastfeeding expertise and build your referral network – backed by our 30-day, 100% Money-Back Guarantee.
You'll master research-proven diagnostic skills for complex cases while building your professional reputation.
If within the first 30 days the program doesn't meet your expectations, you'll receive a full refund and keep all training materials.
Why are we so confident?
This represents Dr. Robyn Thompson's complete research legacy – 50+ years of clinical work that earned her a PhD and has been validated by hospitals, birth centers, midwives and IBCLCs worldwide. This is the most comprehensive evidence-based training available for complex lactation case management.
Ready to advance your breastfeeding expertise?
Apply for your Dr. Robyn Thompson Memorial Scholarship below.
Standard IBCLC training focuses on managing breastfeeding symptoms after problems develop. The Thompson Method identifies which birth and early postnatal interventions contributed to the complication, allowing you to address root causes rather than symptoms.
The certification is a 10-week program with weekly 60-minute live mentoring sessions, plus self-paced video content you can complete around your existing practice schedule.
Yes, our certified network operates worldwide including the US. The method has been embraced by IBCLCs and Midwives and provides evidence-based approaches that integrate with healthcare systems.
Absolutely. Graduates often expand their services to include prenatal preparation and become specialists that other healthcare providers refer complex cases to, building referral-based practices.
The method provides systematic diagnostic frameworks, but complex medical situations may require collaboration with other healthcare providers. You'll learn when and how to make appropriate referrals.
Most training focuses on techniques and management. The Thompson Method teaches you to identify which specific birth and early postnatal interventions contribute to feeding problems, giving you targeted solutions rather than trial-and-error approaches.
Lifetime access to training materials, one year of academy community access, ongoing mentorship opportunities, and consultation support for challenging cases.
Yes, our certified network successfully uses the diagnostic frameworks and assessment protocols via telehealth, with the option of in-person consultations, depending on your preference.
The Thompson Method will provide ongoing CPD sessions for you to maintain your certification and to stay current in your practice.
Your IBCLC training gave you foundational lactation knowledge, but did not teach you to identify the factors that contributed to your most challenging cases. This fills the diagnostic gap that explains why some cases don't respond to standard techniques.
Yes, we offer a 30-day unconditional money-back guarantee. If you're not satisfied within the first 30 days, you'll receive a full refund.
All live sessions are recorded and available for replay. You'll also have access to the Academy community for questions and support between sessions.
Dr. Robyn Thompson earned her PhD specifically for this breastfeeding research. The method has been peer-reviewed, implemented at major hospitals, and documented with 90,000+ mother and baby outcomes - this is gold standard research, not marketing theory.
The Consultant certification is designed for busy Midwives, IBCLCs, and Neonatal Nurses who want to confidently integrate The Thompson Method into their day-to-day practice, without the time commitment of the full Practitioner pathway. It focuses on the early postnatal period, including within hospital or birth centre settings. Unlike the Practitioner Certification, this pathway does not require live assessments or extensive observational hours, making it ideal for busy professionals who still want to deepen their knowledge and support mothers more effectively. The option always exists for you to extend your certification to reach certification as a Practitioner.
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