Bodywork for Better Breastfeeding
A comprehensive therapeutic massage course for the breastfeeding body
Bodywork course for designed for PTs, OTs, and full-body scope providers

Providing CEUs and Lactation Education for OT, PT, and Healthcare Professionals

IBLCE Long-Term Provider
8.0 L-CERPs

There are so many modalities we can use to support the breastfeeding body, and the evidence supporting the physical and emotional benefits of bodywork modalities is vast.
This course provides a strong foundation for the application of numerous tools and modalities available. Not only will this course cover general bodywork, but many advanced skills. Build your bodywork skills and provide, comprehensive, holistic, family-centered treatment to improve and prolong the breastfeeding relationship.
Bodywork for Better Breastfeeding Learning Objectives:
- Examine differences between normal and abnormal anatomy typically seen in birthing bodies
- Identify benefit and contraindications of hands-on modalities for birthing bodies based on the available literature
- Identify basic and advanced massage strokes applicable to clients based on findings of assessment
- List 5 hands-on modalities to address musculoskeletal symptoms resulting from breastfeeding/chestfeeding posture and positioning
- Identify aspects of clear, concise treatment documentation that follows legal and ethical requirements
- Summarize trauma informed techniques used for clients that may have experience birth trauma
Timed Agenda
Here’s the breakdown of what’s in this bodywork course so you can make an informed decision and expand your bodywork skillset. Take your time — you have access to this self-paced course for 6 months. You’ll learn a variety of techniques under the umbrella of “bodywork” and can incorporate them into your sessions as you see fit.
Module 1
Course Introduction
26 minutes
- Introduction
Module 2
Anatomy of Breastfeeding Body
1 hr 40 minutes
- Head and neck
- Back and chest
- Breast
- Core
- Upper extremities
- Lower extremities
Module 3
Overview of Bodywork Interventions
58 minutes
- General effects of massage
- Manual therapy categories
- Therapeutic relationship
- Considerations for treatment
- Massage concepts
- Hands-on practice
Module 4
Bodywork Literature Review
33 minutes
- Literature review
Module 5
Bodywork Contraindications
27 minutes
- Emotional state
- Acute processes
- Systemic processes
- Postpartum complications
Module 6
Basic Hands-On Techniques
39 minutes
- Superficial
- Neuromuscular
- Connective tissue
- Passive movements
Module 7
Advanced Techniques
1 hour 1 minute
- Frictions
- Myofascial release
- Trigger points
Module 8
Breast Massage
27 minutes
- Superficial effleurage
- Special techniques
- Myofascial release
Module 9
Special Topics
53 minutes
- Thermal techniques
- Kinesiotape
- Ultrasound
- Dry needling
- Myofascial decompression (dry cupping)
- TENS
Module 10
Wrap Up
56 minutes
- Course summary
- Documentation
AOTA Approved Provider, PT CEUs through California PT Association, IBLCE Long-Term Provider
Instructor
Emily Knell Spaeth
PT, DPT, CNT, LMT, TIP, NTMTC, CBS, IBCLC, RPYT

Dr. Emily Spaeth grew up in Oakland, California where she started her career in the world of babies working in a nursery at the age of 12. Emily studied sociology and music in undergrad at Willamette University in Salem, Oregon. Her thesis examined yoga as a ‘third place’ and it seemed only natural to pursue a career as a yoga teacher (RPYT). After training with Prajna Yoga in Santa Fe, New Mexico, she returned to the pacific northwest to attend East West College of the Healing Arts for massage therapy school. Ever-inspired, she had to learn more.
After opening her first business in 2012, which blended yoga and bodywork, she started the journey of taking prerequisites for a doctoral program in physical therapy. Emily graduated from Samuel Merritt University in her hometown with a degree as a doctor of physical therapy (DPT), and specialized as a Certified Neonatal Therapist (CNT) in a level IV NICU, where she has created training for healthcare professionals in the hospital system in providing age-appropriate, trauma-informed neuro-developmental care. She brings years of experience as a licensed massage therapist (LMT) to her physical therapy practice and is a certified neonatal touch and massage therapist (NTMTC), and Advanced Certified Infant Massage Teacher (CIMT II). She has continued her studies in pelvic floor physical therapy studying Holistic Pelvic Care™ and Pelvic Floor Yoga™.
She finally found her calling when she started blending lactation support with physical therapy, yoga, and bodywork, in her business Be Well Baby PDX and is now an IBCLC. Her business helps to support families pre-conception through postpartum.
She loves to empower caregivers, and as a Certified Trauma Informed Professional (TIP), she weaves her passion for trauma informed care throughout all interactions with her small patients and their families, especially in the context of breastfeeding or chestfeeding. Finally, Emily enjoys hiking, baking, and snuggling with her own kids.
Emily's Disclosures
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this lactating parent bodywork course intended for?
- Occupational therapy practitioners (OT and COTA)
- Physical therapy practitioners (PT and PTA)
- IBCLC with RN or other full body scope of practice
- SLP with prior bodywork coursework
- Other providers that may benefit from this material would be those with a full-body scope of practice such as LMT, MD/DO, NP/PA, or DC
Are there prerequisites for this course?
The appropriate license as stated above. If you have questions, please contact us before enrolling at [email protected].
Can I count this course towards my 90 hours of lactation-specific education?
Absolutely! This course is approved for 8.0 L-CERPs.
To receive credit for completion, the course must be completed with 100% watch time and each participant will need to complete a post-assessment with a passing score of at least 80% to ensure all learning objectives are met.
Information about AOTA CEUs
This course is approved for 0.8 AOTA CEUs for occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants. Participants will be required to:
- Complete the course in its entirety (100% of the course watched)
- Complete a multiple-choice post-assessment with a passing score of at least 80% (untimed test)
Information about CEUs for Physical Therapists
This course is pending approval for 0.8 CEUs for physical therapists through California Physical Therapy Association
Information about ASHA CEUs
To receive ASHA CEUs, participants will be required to:
- Ensure you are eligible to receive ASHA CEUs! Click here for more information
- Complete the course in its entirety (watch time is tracked by the learning management system)
- Complete the multiple-choice post-assessment with a passing score of at least 80% (untimed test, 3 retakes)
- There is no option for partial credit
How long will I have access to this bodywork course?
6 months from the purchase date. If purchased on pre-order, 6 months from the first day you have access to the course.
What is your refund/cancellation policy?
Refunds must be requested within 14 days of purchase by emailing [email protected]. A full refund is available if no modules have been started. A partial refund is available once ANY portion of the course has been viewed. The amount refunded is at the sole discretion of The Lactation OT LLC. There is no refund available after 14 days of purchase OR if the one module limit has been met. Recipients will receive acknowledgment of refund requests within 3 business days. If the request is valid per the terms listed above, the refund will be processed within 7 business days. If for any reason the course is canceled by The Lactation OT before the course is started, a full refund will be provided.
How do I request special accommodation?
Please send us an email at [email protected] at least 14 days before starting the course with further details of your request.
Ready to learn hands-on bodywork techniques to support breastfeeding?
Bundle & Save Options

Bodywork for Better Breastfeeding Bundle (16 hours)
- Bodywork for Better Breastfeeding: Hands-on Modalities to Improve Feeding Readiness and Outcomes
- Bodywork for Better Breastfeeding: A comprehensive therapeutic massage course for the breastfeeding body

Bodywork for Better Breastfeeding Badge (20.5 hours)
- Introduction to Breastfeeding for the Lactation-Informed Therapist
- Bodywork for Better Breastfeeding: Hands-on Modalities to Improve Feeding Readiness and Outcomes
- Bodywork for Better Breastfeeding: A comprehensive therapeutic massage course for the breastfeeding body
The Lactation OT is proud to provide lactation-specific continuing education and resources to OT, SLP, PTs, IBCLCs, and healthcare professionals. Your clients depend on you, and we’re here to support you as you provide the most effective, evidence-based care possible.
Looking for more information? Have a comment or complaint? Send an email to [email protected]. View complaint policy here.