Lactation consultant + CNA

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I would love to be a lactation consultant! I was wondering if I became a CNA would that help me get a job as a LC and could I do both in a hospital? Or will this fog the position of a LC? Or even becoming a LPN + Lactation consultant.

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Specializes in Eventually Midwifery.

As far as I know, and I am not yet a nurse, LC's are certified through IBLCE. You do not need to be a nurse, however it may be easier to get a job in a hospital as an RN and be IBCLC certified. From what I have gathered, hospitals are phasing out LPNs, but that may vary, given the area of the country in which you live.

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Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.

Generally, in hospitals, IBCLCs are required to also be RNs.

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Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.

Have you looked at the IBLCE site? That would be your best resource. Getting your CNA isn't going to help much in that direction. I haven't seen CNAs or LVNs/LPNs on OB floors, and the IBCLCs I've worked with in various medical settings have always been RNs.

You might consider becoming a lactation specialist with WIC. It's not as intensive as your LC, but it'll give you really good experience. You will probably need to be able to speak Spanish. It may or may not be able to help you get to your goal of being a LC.

Have you connected with any LCs in your area? That might be a good place to start. Get in touch with one or two, and ask if you can take them to coffee and pick their brains for a bit.

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

Don't bother with a CNA; it won't do anything to help you. As the others suggested, go to the website and learn what you need to become an LC. And they are right; if you plan to work in a hospital, you will need to be an RN.

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