how to become a lactation counselor

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Specializes in Respiratory, Cardiac, ED, Maternity, Ped.

Does anyone know of any ways to become a lactation counselor. In my area we have a place called Little Darlings that offers a 40 hour course once a year. Just wondering about an online option?

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Becoming a lactation counselor/consultant is one of my goals. From what I've read, there are a few different options. There may be more options available, but these are the 3 I repeatedly see referred to.

1) You can become a CLC (Certified Lactation Counselor) by taking a 40 hour course. This website has lots of information on it.

2) You can become a CLE (Certified Lactation Educator). I've read about it on this site, but I'm not sure if they are the only credentialing group.

3) The gold standard in lactation is the IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant). They offer an exam 1x/year and in order to qualify to sit for it you have to have a mix of college level classes, breastfeeding education courses, and clinical hours working with breastfeeding moms. The information on this certification can be found on the IBCLE website.

HTH!

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Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.

i thought your second job was paying to send you to the course.

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