If you’re considering a career change and are interested in helping new mothers, a lactation consultant may be the perfect job for you. As a lactation consultant, you will be able to provide valuable support to mothers and babies, helping them to establish a healthy and successful breastfeeding relationship. The process of becoming a lactation consultant is not difficult, and with the right knowledge and resources, you can become certified in no time. In this blog post, we will look at the steps necessary to become a lactation consultant, including the education, training and certification requirements. We will also provide tips and advice on how to make the most of your new career. By the end of this post, you should have a better understanding of the steps involved in becoming a lactation consultant, and be ready to take the next steps in pursuing your new career.
- Complete required health science courses.
- Complete 90 hours of didactic learning in lactation.
- Complete clinical experience.
- Pass the certification exam.
How to become a lactation consultant
Depending on your level of education, there are a variety of career paths to take to become a lactation consultant. The minimum requirement is a high school diploma or GED. Here are the next steps to becoming a lactation consultant: .
1. Complete education requirements
Attending an allied health program at a training facility, community college, or college will allow you to pursue a career in lactation consulting. Getting a nursing associate or bachelor’s degree and a lactation certification is one of the most popular routes. Related degrees include health sciences or public health. Consider pursuing a master’s degree in nursing or a related field to expand your career options.
Take courses that are related to your interest in new mothers and babies, if you can. When pursuing clinical experiences or internships, try to concentrate on your area of interest. Having experience before graduation may be beneficial when applying for lactation consultant positions.
2. Earn board certification
Programs for undergraduate or technical training may grant certification in lactation management online or in person, along with the title of lactation counselor. To apply for board certification through the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE), a certification is not necessary. Many employers demand IBLCE certification because it is regarded as the industry’s gold standard. The National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) has accredited it.
The IBLCE mandates that candidates complete at least 90 hours of lactation-specific coursework within the five years prior to applying for the exam. Depending on your training and experience, the required number of supervised clinical hours ranges from 300 to 1,000 hours.
For instance, in order to take the IBCLC exam, you must complete 1,000 practicum hours and 90 hours of lactation courses if you are a high school graduate without any further education. You only need 300 practicum hours if you have an undergraduate degree in nursing, for example.
3. Explore entry-level roles
You may consider pursuing entry-level roles based on your qualifications. For instance, if you have a nursing degree, you may be interested in working in maternity units and birthing centers. Think about the positions that could help you gain the experience you’ll need to work as a lactation consultant in the future.
4. Seek additional training and certification
As you prepare for a career in this field, think about obtaining more education and certification. Typically, specific organizations or agencies connected to lactation consulting professional organizations administer this certification. You may choose to take a variety of certification pathways involving various levels of training, work experience, and testing, so carefully weigh your options to determine which is best for you.
Here are some additional certifications you might pursue:
5. Update application materials
Update your resume and cover letter to reflect your credentials once you have obtained your lactation consultant credentials. Particularly if you are applying online, be sure to adjust the language in these documents to the crucial terms listed in each job description. Including the appropriate keywords is crucial because many employers review applications using software prior to seeing them in person. Make specific changes to your resume for each new position you apply for.
6. Prepare for interviews
You might be asked to an interview for a position as a lactation consultant if the hiring manager is impressed by your application materials. Consider researching possible interview questions to prepare for your interview. To conduct a mock interview and receive feedback on your answers, ask a friend or mentor.
What is a lactation consultant?
When breastfeeding, a lactation consultant provides new mothers and babies with guidance and support. They support breastfeeding activities like milk production, breast soreness, milk pumping, and latching a baby. By giving nursing mothers guidance over the phone, many lactation consultants provide emotional support while the breastfeeding process is underway.
Typical duties may include:
FAQs about lactation consultants
The following are responses to frequently asked questions about a career as a lactation consultant:
What is the national average salary for a lactation consultant?
What is the work environment for lactation consultants?
Work environments where new mothers receive medical care, such as hospitals, clinics, midwifery practices, or public health organizations, frequently employ lactation consultants. Many are independent private practitioners who visit nursing mothers and young children in their homes.
What skills does a lactation consultant need?
The following abilities are crucial for being a successful lactation consultant:
Patients are cared for by lactation consultants during what is frequently a vulnerable time. Empathy and compassion exercises can assist them in delivering the best and most efficient breastfeeding support.
Patients of lactation consultants receive critical information either in-person or over the phone. To provide care for new mothers and babies, they also collaborate with other medical specialists like doctors, nurses, and midwives. They can successfully interact with patients and colleagues thanks to their strong communication skills.
Many lactation consultants play a leadership role in their organization’s breastfeeding support. They frequently use their leadership abilities to inspire and convey assurance when guiding new mothers through the breastfeeding process.
In addition to their certification in breastfeeding support, lactation consultants typically hold other credentials in nursing, midwifery, or other clinical care fields. They must be knowledgeable about industry standards for patient care and adhere to general best practices in that field.
IBLCE Pathways Explained
FAQ
Is becoming a lactation consultant hard?
Becoming an IBCLC is a lot of work. A LOT. There are three ways to take the test, and all require completion of 14 college-level health science courses, at least 90 hours of lactation-specific instruction, and between 300 and 1,000 hours of clinical lactation practice under direct supervision.
Can you make money as a lactation consultant?
Currently, lactation consultants in the United States earn an average annual salary of around $70,000, or $33. 65 per hour. The salary range varies by state, with Massachusetts paying the highest, with IBCLCs making $39 per hour. Florida ranks last, paying only about $28 per hour on average, and makes an average wage of 86. 46 per hour.
What is the difference between a CLC and IBCLC?
Despite their vastly different training and experience levels, both IBCLCs and CLC certified lactation counselors generally offer new mothers competent expertise and knowledge. For instance, you may hear that IBCLC is a more advanced certification and CLC is an entry-level certification.
What is the first step to becoming an IBCLC?
The IBCLC certification process consists of four steps: selecting a pathway, obtaining an education, completing clinical hours, and applying and taking the exam. Depending on your background and education, there are three different ways you can fulfill these requirements.
