Ok, so I'll admit it -- I'd truly like to become a lactation consultant someday. It's been a dream for a long time. However, I have no hours and I need experience working w/ moms and babes.

There are NO L&D jobs around, but there are pediatrics positions. Could I parlay this into lactation consulting in some way someday?

I am not doing peds simply to become a LC, and really am interested in pediatrics in and of itself, but also wonder if it could be a springboard to this other area?

Thanks.

The IBLCE website says:

Both health care professionals and non-health care professionals may use their work experience to qualify. This work experience must be obtained while providing maternal-child care that supports breastfeeding families. Lactation care includes assistance to pregnant and breastfeeding women, breastfeeding education to families and education in human lactation and breastfeeding to professionals.

IBCLC: Pathway 1

If you will be supporting pregnant and breastfeeding women, you can use that part of your experience. :) If you have specific question about what kind of hours qualify, you could contact the IBCLE directly. They would be happy to answer your questions and guide you in the best direction to get the hours you will need. Here's the contact page:

http://americas.iblce.org/contactus.php

HTH!