Lactation Consultant/Specialist

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I am a student, waiting to start nursing school in September and I know that I want to get into L&D. My question is, should I use this time while I am waiting to become a lactation consultant? Will it help me get into L&D once I graduate?

I'd love your thoughts on this!

Thank you!

Yeah I was upset about missing the deadline, but now I see it as fate. I think I will do the shorter option at least for now. Having a strong knowledge base is more important to me now than just having more titles. Thanks for the info, ladies and gents!

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The requirements have really lessened since I went through the certification process. I had to have 4000 hour of documented counseling and 75 CERPs as a RN with the 8 hour exam. I just recertified with CERPs this year, so my next if have to recertify with the exam. I am seriously considering not recertifying again. The exam SUCKS!!!!!! So much worse that NCLEX-RN guys!

I am sitting for the exam in less than a month. Why does the exam suck so badly? I am a new grad BSN and thought the NCLEX sucked (though got 75 Qs) so I can't imagine how the IBCLC exam is worse. I was a LLL Leader for 10 years, but have been out of it for some time yet still worked with new BF moms. Now I am concerned about the test. I just spent a whole lot of money on the exam, getting fresh CERPs and taking a 2 1/2 day workshop. I don't want it to be all in vain.

Any tips?

Thanks!

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Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.
I am seriously considering not recertifying again. The exam SUCKS!!!!!! So much worse that NCLEX-RN guys!

You thought so? I thought it was incredibly easy...too easy. I finished first for both halves, and I think I got 96%. Other friends I know online who have also taken it have felt the same way. Interesting.

ETA: Hotflash - from my own perspective, I would tell anyone, but especially someone who had been a LLLL for 10 years, not to worry about the exam. That's how I got my consultancy hours in too (LLLL from 1999 until 2007). Between that, and volunteering at various breastfeeding support message boards for many years, I felt quite prepared for the exam, and did just fine. I'm sure you will too. Feel free to PM me if you want to discuss it further.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Lactation, Case Management.

I guess it's all perspective. I did NCLEX-RN with 75 questions and felt it was relatively easy. I felt very prepared for that exam in comparison to the IBCLC exam. It was 8 hours and I found it very difficult to put my nursing knowledge to the side and use the simplest, sometimes, non-medical interventions to "fix" breastfeeding issues. I unfortunately did to have any LLL experience to pull from, so yes, the exam totally sucked for me.

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Brewer RN, I think your experience is common. I recently took a lactation workshop and noticed some of the nurses had a hard time on the mock quiz because they were answering as nurses in a medical setting. If there was an answer choice of using equipment (pump, scale, SNS) or an MD referral, some picked those options every time, rather than a more basic, global or counseling-based answer. I think the problem with an international test is there are things we would do in our particular setting that might not be available or the norm elsewhere. I am hoping I will have a good balance of both the RN and the LLLL resources to pull from.

I found the NCLEX challenging because it didn't really feel like it was using my knowledge so much as my thougt process. Though, it was not nearly as bad as people made it seem or the fuss. I didn't take any preps.

Though the exam day is potentially up to 8 hours, actual test time (less breaks, sign in, etc) looks like it is only 5 1/4 hour and candidates can can leave the test session as soon as they complete it. I have had to take 8 hour licensing exams before, so trust I can hold out for the long haul. I wish I had the option of taking it all in one sitting and not breaking for lunch. I will have to stay in my test-taking-town for a few hours after no matter what, to pick my kid up at the airport that day. At least I will have a week of peace and quiet before the test!

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Lactation, Case Management.

You are definately starting out in a MUCH better place than myself. I am sitting for my Lamaze cert in October and I feel much more prepare for that exam now, not having even studied. I am pulling from a more holistic point of view that I did not have before. It makes a big difference if you are able to shut down that nurse part of your brain. As for our 8 hours, it was very structured. The earliest we were allowed to leave, even if we were done with our exam was an hour early, so that we did not disturb the others taking the exam.

Good luck! I am sure you will do wonderfully!

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Specializes in OB, Med-Surg.

What is the best online class to take to help get me ready to take the test? I work in a small hospital and want to be able to educate all my pt.'s

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