lactation consultant

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If I get transfered to the PP dept. I would like to become a lactation consultant. I read on the IBCLC website that I need 600 hours of breastfeeding consultation. What counts as bc? Working with my patients? That could take forever.

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Specializes in MedSurg-1yr, MotherBaby-6yrs NICU 4/07.

we have 5 ibclc's and 3 lactation educators on staff. ( 2 of the 5 ibclc's are part timers) the lactation educators have taken a course on breastfeeding and gotten a certification as an educator. from there they can log their time and submit it and when they reach their hours they can test to become an ibclc. they work like ibclc's, all they do is breastfeeding assistance, so the hours add up kinda quick. there may be other ways, but i know this is how we do it. our lactation staff is phenomenal. one of our ibclc's is from the very first group to become ibclc's!!!

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Keep track of all your hours (or half hours, or whatever) spent helping moms breastfeed. Whether you're doing education, hands-on, or whatever, it all counts toward those needed hours. It may seem slow going at first but it really does add up. Keep a little logbook of each pt encounter and put pt initials, a quick significant hx (e.g. primip, breast augmentation, flat nipples etc.) and how long you spent c her, what you spent doing.

Example: J.T. 26 yo G1P1. 30 min assisting with positioning & proper latch. Encouraged to watch for jaw movemt & listen for swallowing.

Just something so you can remember what you did c that pt. Also, see if you can shadow an LC for a shift or two. Often they have tricks that are good to know. That should count toward your hours also. Good luck!

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

I was thinking of becoming a lactation consultant. How do I go about getting started? I have breastfed my 8 children and have been involved in LLL, and have encouraged countless friends and patients' mothers (I work in a pediatric office). How do I go about getting certified? Thanks for any help!! gr8mom

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Specializes in OB, lactation.

gr8mom, look here under the "certification" tab:

http://www.iblce.org/

there is also lots of good info here from ilca:

( http://ilca.org/education/index.php )

"where do i begin? - step-by-step process toward becoming an ibclc.

guide to selecting a lactation course - questions to ask course providers to help select a course to meet your needs.

directory of lactation course providers - list of course providers with contact information."

here is also a 2006 suggested reading list for aspiring ibclc's from the iblce

http://www.iblce.org/reading%20list.htm

g'smommy... it does take some time to accrue the hours needed, most ibclc's i know took 4-5 years at a minimum to become eligible for certification.

most nurses fall into one of the first two pathways of hours needed (in addition to the other qualifications on the site):

"pathway a* – 2500 bc hours required.

this pathway is available only if you have successfully completed at least 4 full years (120 semester hours) of post-secondary education, or [color=sienna]you have a bachelor or higher degree (in any field).

pathway b* – 4000 bc hours required.

this pathway is available if you have successfully completed at least 2 full years (60 semester hours) of post-secondary academic credit or [color=sienna]you have an associate degree or you are a diploma rn."

but there are lots of things you can do in the meantime- be getting your cerps (continuing education for lc's, needed to sit the exam), take bf courses (here are some sources: http://ilca.org/education/courselistings.php, work with mothers in your job, with a breastfeeding support group, or as a peer counselor or other community bf job (wic, healthy start, etc.); also see the post i just wrote here about a possible second credential coming out: https://allnurses.com/forums/f35/b-f-educators-who-arent-l-cs-180685.html

best wishes!!

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Specializes in Float.

I graduate in May and currently work on a Tele floor..am considering staying there for awhile as I have a certain comfort level with the staff.

But I still keep thinking about lactation nursing..as I had a terrific experience with an IBCLC who assisted my greatly in my desire to nurse my kids and overcome difficulties... My husband keeps encouraging me towards this area of nursing as well since he knows I have a passion towards this.

However, I have NO desire to work L&D. Just not my thing as I'm a natural birthing kind of gal.

Anyway - do these floors typically go hand in hand or can you get into JUST lactation nursing? I wouldn't even mind doing post partum or nursery..just not L&D. How do lactation nurses typically get started?

Thanks!

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Specializes in school nursing.
I graduate in May and currently work on a Tele floor..am considering staying there for awhile as I have a certain comfort level with the staff.

But I still keep thinking about lactation nursing..as I had a terrific experience with an IBCLC who assisted my greatly in my desire to nurse my kids and overcome difficulties... My husband keeps encouraging me towards this area of nursing as well since he knows I have a passion towards this.

However, I have NO desire to work L&D. Just not my thing as I'm a natural birthing kind of gal.

Anyway - do these floors typically go hand in hand or can you get into JUST lactation nursing? I wouldn't even mind doing post partum or nursery..just not L&D. How do lactation nurses typically get started?

Thanks!

Yes - I would like to know about this as well. I am also very interested in this area of nursing. I had a good experience working with the hospital lactation consultant durring my L&D clinical rotation and found it to be a rewarding area of nursing. Looking foward to replys.

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Specializes in OB, lactation.

A lot of IBCLC's do start as L&D or PP nurses, but some don't. I was a bf support group leader and got my IBCLC before I finished nursing school. (I work L&D (LDRP) right now, not as an IBCLC).

If you are interested in postpartum work, I think that's great. We do more work with breastfeeding there than in L&D :)

Here's a link to some IBCLC job offers to see what they are looking for:

http://www.salary.com/careers/layouthtmls/crel_searchjob_HC07000276.html

There are a number of IBCLC's who are expected to fill in on the floor during busy times, so this would definitely be a question to ask fellow IBCLC's or during any interviews.

Best wishes :)

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Specializes in MS, LDRP.

HI all,

I just recieved my student guide for the course for IBCLC. I'm very excited about doing this. I will be the first one in my community. THe closest one is 2 hours away. I'm just concerned about getting the hours in I need (4000). I do work as an RN in the OB department, so that will help, but what else?

Thank-you

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Specializes in home health, acute rehab.

How much do lactation consultants earn ? Is it easy to find a job?

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Specializes in MS, LDRP.

I'm not sure how much they make, but I know is in comparison with what nurses make, but a little more.

Are you thinking of taking a course?

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

It depends highly on where you are located. LC's can make very good money, esp if they are independent contractors of their services. Some work one-on-one with couples, charging an hourly fee for their consultation. Many more are employees of hospitals and birthing centers and earn an hourly wage at these places.

You have to check and see what your local market will bear, where the opportunities are, and maybe, query some current LCs to see what the expected wage is.

Good luck and I hope you achieve your goals.

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