I'm hoping to get some input on becoming a lactation consultant. I've been mulling over all the info on the IBLCE website and different online programs available out there, but still a tad lost. Some background on me: I have my ADN and a Bachelors in Psychology. I worked in med-surg for 2 years, homecare med surg (not mom/baby) for 6 years. Since having kids lactation consulting has really called to me. I think that I am most eligible for pathway 2 on the IBLCE website since I can't count any hours at work towards clinical hours. So.. questions:
1. Anyone recommend a certain online program (there are none in my area - NJ) that they have taken and was good? (lactationtraining.org, union institute, health -e learning)
2. Is it worth it to become a lactation counselor in the meantime.. or am I wasting my time? I could take the week long course with healthy children to become a counselor and get 45 CERPS.
3. For those with a RN background not in mom/baby and needing the clinical hours.. who did you ask to monitor you and how did you go about seeking the help.
Thanks SO much for any information you can provide :)
1. Anyone recommend a certain online program (there are none in my area - NJ) that they have taken and was good? (lactationtraining.org, union institute, health -e learning)
Health e-Learning BreastEd is fantastic! I can't speak for the other programs.
2. Is it worth it to become a lactation counselor in the meantime.. or am I wasting my time? I could take the week long course with healthy children to become a counselor and get 45 CERPS.
You still need your clinical experience hours, so unless you can parlay that certification into gaining supervised hours, I would say it isn't worth it. You're better off getting all your education hours from one program, and the CLC track doesn't do that.
3. For those with a RN background not in mom/baby and needing the clinical hours.. who did you ask to monitor you and how did you go about seeking the help.
You could either find an IBCLC to mentor you, or find another pathway to gain supervised clinical hours such as becoming a LLL Leader, Nursing Mothers Council Counselor, or WIC Peer Counselor. Finding an IBCLC with the time and inclination to mentor someone isn't easy. I would suggest approaching local private practice IBCLCs first, as they are the ones most likely to be in a position to mentor someone else.
Marymoomoo
101 Posts
Health e-Learning BreastEd is fantastic! I can't speak for the other programs.
You still need your clinical experience hours, so unless you can parlay that certification into gaining supervised hours, I would say it isn't worth it. You're better off getting all your education hours from one program, and the CLC track doesn't do that.
You could either find an IBCLC to mentor you, or find another pathway to gain supervised clinical hours such as becoming a LLL Leader, Nursing Mothers Council Counselor, or WIC Peer Counselor. Finding an IBCLC with the time and inclination to mentor someone isn't easy. I would suggest approaching local private practice IBCLCs first, as they are the ones most likely to be in a position to mentor someone else.