Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) certification? What is your experience?

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Specializes in OB.

Hello! :)

I'm an L&D / Postpartum nurse and I've recently been accepted for the fall lactation consultant program at UCSD (University of California San Diego).

I'm just wondering if anyone has done this program. It's entirely online, which is great for my current situation. I'm moving shortly (CA -> MI), so I will be completing the program whilst moving.

More concisely, I'm wondering how much time you spent per week on coursework, whether or not course assignments were lined out for you well in advance (i.e., could I complete assignments ahead of time based on some sort of syllabus or course assignment outline, and then "hand" them in at the time at which they're due), and how much coursework requires working in groups.

Are there any other IBCLC-specific programs in the country? My understanding is that UCSD is the *only* program for aspiring IBCLC-certified lactation consultants. Am I wrong?

Also, since I have you here ;) - how has becoming an IBCLC-ceritified nurse changed your life? Are you still working in the hospital? If so, has it changed your pay rate? Otherwise, have you ventured beyond the hospital and if so, what are you up to? :)

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Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.

If you scroll down to the bottom of the page, you will see a list of schools that offer academic programs in human lactation that fulfills Pathway 2 requirements:

https://iblce.org/step-1-prepare-for-ibclc-certification/lactation-specific-clinical-experience/pathway-2-accredited-academic-programs/

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I know very little about lactation consultants (besides the fact that we sincerely appreciate them in NICU), but wanted to add that you may get more relevant traffic by posting your question in the OB specialty forum than the general nursing forum.

https://allnurses.com/ob-gyn-c24/

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