lactation educator/counselor

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Specializes in post-op.

Hi Everyone, I have a question :) My sister is working towards getting into nursing school...Anyway she called me and feels upset. She has a friend who is from Australia (living in US now), she states that she used to work in L&D back i Australia, she is not a nurse. I am not quite sure what her title was and I am unsure of what formal training she had....Anyway, she told my sister that she is taking some week long course and will be a lactation consultant. Now I know she will not be a IBCLC ( I looked on there website and the requirements are much more than a week course:). Have any of you heard of a lactation educator or conselor? Does anyone know what they make or a round about. I guess her friend made some comment to my sister about how she will make more than an RN and she wont have to do all the schooling! So now my sister is upset :uhoh3: If anyone could give me some insight I would appreciate it!

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Specializes in Geri, Home Health, OB GYN.

i want to say how sorry i am that your sister is so upset. i don't know what her friend told her, but imho, it sounded like jealousy...:twocents:

now to get to the lactation consultant, in my hospital you have to be a licensed person to be a lactation consultant. and our lc's go through way more than a week of training. heck, just us floor staff go through 4 days every 6 months. and our lc's don't make much more than their regular rn or lvn pay.

good luck to your sister and tell her to stick with the program... it will pay off in the long run for her.

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Specializes in post-op.

Thanks! I know I think her friend kind of sounds jealous too, butthat is just my opinion :) I keep trying to tell her not ot listen to her !!

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

YES you can achieve lactation educator certification (which is indeed separate and unique from IBCLC lactation consultancy). Check this site out for information:

http://www.cappa.net. I am working on this myself, soon!

CAPPA is Childbirth And Postpartum Professional Association. They offer certifications in childbirth education, lactation education and also , doula certification. This is a separate certification and bit different role than the IBCLC-certified LC, which is very intense.

Either way, you must have experience and do some reading, written work assignments, take written exams, as well as work with lactating/breastfeeding families to gain any such certification.

Does this help?

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