How can you become a lactation consultant?
I am curious as to how a person becomes a lactation consultant. Where do you go for training? Thank you for any information you can provide.
Question:Debbi Donovan
Debbi Donovan is a Board Certified Lactation Consultant, as well as a retired La Leche League Leader. For more than a decade, Debbi... Read more
I am asked this question frequently. In 1985, when the first exam to certify Lactation Consultants was given, this new field (officially) emerged. Lactation Consultants (LCs) are allied health care professionals, an important part of the health care team, with their focus being primarily on the breastfeeding relationship. LCs work in hospitals, physician's offices, private practice, health departments, and home health.
Following are the requirements to sit for the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) exam to become an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant: A Bachelor's degree or higher; minimum 2500 hours of clinical practice as a breastfeeding consultant; and a minimum of 30 hours of continuing education related to breastfeeding within the three years prior to the exam. With an associate degree, including diploma RN, a minimum 4000 hours of clinical practice as a breastfeeding consultant is required, along with a minimum of 30 hours of continuing education related to breastfeeding within three years of sitting for the exam.
The certifying exam, developed and administered by IBLCE, covers anatomy, physiology, endocrinology, nutrition, biochemistry, immunology, pharmacology, toxicology, pathology, current clinical practices, psychology, growth and development, research interpretation, ethical & legal issues, counselling, and technology, as they relate to breastfeeding. It is given once a year. Certification is for five years, when recertification is required.
You can contact IBLCE at P.O. Box 2348, Falls Church, VA 22042-0348 for more information. Their phone number is 703-560-7330.
Various training courses are available. I've listed a few below:
- Lactation Education Resources
Contact LERonline@yahoo.com - BSC Center for Lactation Education
Contact bsccenter@aol.com - Lactation Consultant Exam Preparation Course
Contact lindaj@bflrc.com
Wishing you the best of luck!
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