Lactation/ Breastfeeding educator/consultant?

Specialties Ob/Gyn

Published

Hey everyone...

I haven't seen really anything devoted to this subject. For a long time I have wanted to do something like breastfeeding consulting. I just started nursing school in the fall and its a LPN program. I *think I remember reading that I would need an RN for something like this?

I remember when I had my second child, some very young woman came into my hospital room trying to awkwardly trying to help me but it pretty apparent that she had never nursed a kid herself....and being an advocate of it, I have always thought this was something I would like to pursue.

Anyone have anything that could lead me in that direction. I really have no desire to go through a lalechee *spelling fumbled type education.

Thanks :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Maternal - Child Health.
Hey everyone...

I haven't seen really anything devoted to this subject. For a long time I have wanted to do something like breastfeeding consulting. I just started nursing school in the fall and its a LPN program. I *think I remember reading that I would need an RN for something like this?

I remember when I had my second child, some very young woman came into my hospital room trying to awkwardly trying to help me but it pretty apparent that she had never nursed a kid herself....and being an advocate of it, I have always thought this was something I would like to pursue.

Anyone have anything that could lead me in that direction. I really have no desire to go through a lalechee *spelling fumbled type education.

Thanks :)

Google IBCLE, which stands for the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners. You can read their education and practice requirements. I'm pretty sure that an RN is not required to become a board-certified lactation consultant, although it certainly can't hurt!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks! Why didn't I think of that? :)

Google IBCLE, which stands for the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners. You can read their education and practice requirements. I'm pretty sure that an RN is not required to become a board-certified lactation consultant, although it certainly can't hurt!
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

I would be sure to be board-certified if you want to do this on a fulltime basis as an LC.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Google IBCLE, which stands for the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners. You can read their education and practice requirements. I'm pretty sure that an RN is not required to become a board-certified lactation consultant, although it certainly can't hurt!

There are many different types of lactation training, the most extensive one being the IBCLC exam. However, in order to qualify for that, you have to have years of working in the fireld before you are even qualified to sit for the exam. I had to document at least 2500 of actual teaching along with my other requirements in order to take it (which I did this past summer). After one takes and passes the exam, one is a board certified lactation consultant. One may not use the term consultant otherwise.

I would suggest the shorter courses as a good introduction to see if you are really interested in pursuing the full certification. There are 3 day courses and then the next step up is a week long 40 hour course which then qualifies you to be a CLC which is a certified lactation counselor or a CLE which is a certified lactation educator.

The more experience you have the better. The qualifications/pathways to the IBCLC are varied but require an RN and/or a 4 year degree, and as I said, varied amounts of actual hands-on experience. Then (as with the shorter courses) there is a requirement for a certain number of CEU's every 5 years or so to renew. It's ongoing and important that it is because trends and information changes and is updated on a regular basis.

I worked as a CLC for about 10 years before I took the IBCLC exam. It isn't easy but I am glad I did it.

Check out iblce.org.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
The qualifications/pathways to the IBCLC are varied but require an RN and/or a 4 year degree, and as I said, varied amounts of actual hands-on experience.

You do not have to be an RN or have a 4 year degree to become an IBCLC.

Unless something drastic has happened in the last year or so.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
You do not have to be an RN or have a 4 year degree to become an IBCLC.

Unless something drastic has happened in the last year or so.

You either have to have a 4 year college degree (in something), or be an RN with at LEAST an Associates degree before you are eligible.

If you have the RN and Associates, you have to have 4000 of documented clinical teaching time with patients. if you have a Bachelor's, you have to have 2500 hours.

All pathways have to have a minimum of 45 hours of continuing education in the three years prior to taking the exam also.

All that is listed on the website if anyone is interested.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU.

You don't have to have an RN, but some hospitals (mine, for instance) won't hire LC's that aren't nurses. I don't know why. You may have to shop around a little bit more when you look for a job. But a LPN is a nurse too so maybe it won't be a problem.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks everyone for all of the info. I have a local LC who has also given me some info. She also says that I might be able to work with a LC in the hospital. I'm thinking even that would be fine. I dont necessarily need to wear the title of *Lacation Consultant* but just really wish to help other nursing mothers.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Thanks everyone for all of the info. I have a local LC who has also given me some info. She also says that I might be able to work with a LC in the hospital. I'm thinking even that would be fine. I dont necessarily need to wear the title of *Lacation Consultant* but just really wish to help other nursing mothers.

Helping is one thing but in this day and age of law suits, you can never be too careful. Most LC's carry .

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Thanks everyone for all of the info. I have a local LC who has also given me some info. She also says that I might be able to work with a LC in the hospital. I'm thinking even that would be fine. I dont necessarily need to wear the title of *Lacation Consultant* but just really wish to help other nursing mothers.

You might want to consider getting involved with la Leche League. Many of them are IBCLC's and all are interested in helping new mothers. Their meetings are wonderful and geared to the new mother. You could be of help to lots of mothers that way and not be letting yourself in for as much potential liability.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
You either have to have a 4 year college degree (in something), or be an RN with at LEAST an Associates degree before you are eligible.

I still have to disagree with you on this point. I am refering to: http://www.iblce.org/pathways.htm

"Pathway B

At least two (2) full years of post-secondary academic credit; or an Associate degree (AA), including a diploma RN;

Plus a minimum of 4000 hours of practice as a breastfeeding consultant;

Plus a minimum of 45-hours of education specific to breastfeeding within three (3) years immediately prior to taking the exam. "

"Pathway E

Exceptions based on individual cases for potential candidates who do not meet the educational background required by Pathway A or Pathway B.

The total number of breastfeeding consultancy (BC) hours required is related to your post-secondary educational background.

Usually 6000 to 8000 BC practice hours are required;

Plus a minimum of 45-clock hours of education that reflects the exam blueprint content outline, taken within 3 years immediately prior to taking the exam.

Pathway E* exceptions must be requested in a letter accompanying your completed exam application form. "

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment