Lactation Specialist?

Published

Specializes in NICU, Pediatrics, Home Health.

Hi everyone,

I am starting Nursing School in January, and I am interested in becoming certified as a Lactation Specialist. In my case, I am looking for something where I can still be a RN/CNM, (I am will be doing a RN-CNM program), but have that lactation specialization education. I don't necessarily want to hold a position as a LC. Is there a program where you can become a consultant, but not necessarily board certified? Here is a little exerpt from the IBCLC website of what I am interested in:

"The Certified Lactation Specialist Course is designed for the aspiring lactation consultant or nurses, physicians, midwives, dieticians, breastfeeding assistants or others desirous of improving their knowledge base and skills in working with the breastfeeding dyad. All areas included on the IBLCE exam are addressed. The 5 day course provides the needed number of continuing education in lactation to qualify to sit for the IBLCE exam. Lactation management skills are taught through practical application of scientific principles. The course is continuously updated in response to changes within the profession and the rapidly expanding body of scientific knowledge. Certification as a lactation specialist is achieved through attendance at the entire course, completion of assigned homework and readings during the course, and passing the of the end of course exam on the last day. This certification is a stepping stone to the IBCLC credential. It is hoped that those who attend this course ultimately go on to become board certified, although that is not a requirement. During this very practical course, participants will be taught how to use appropriate counseling skills, how to teach mothers and families, and most importantly, how to function hands-on as a clinician."

Is this the course for what I am looking for? If so, I would just need to do the 5-day course? What would the credentials be after taking this course-"Lactation Specialist?" Thanks for any advice.:D

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in medical/surgical & oncology.

I have a good friend that is a IBCLC. From what I understand... you must work a certain # of hours w/ nursing moms & newborns before taking the examination. I would check the certification requirements on the website as I am not under the impression that formal education is the path to certification. I suggest, no matter what field, that if you want to be a "specialist" you should be certified in the specialty.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in maternal child, public/community health.

If you take this 5 day course and pass the exam on the last day (taking the exam is optional - some people only come for the information and do not take the exam), then you are a lactation specialist. To tell you the truth, I don't know if that means anything in the real world - for instance, would it help you get a job? As far as learning about breastfeeding, I have heard this is a good course.

If you want to become an IBCLC, it is much more involved as the other poster stated.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.

Like the previous poster said, the course would be beneficial at helping you learn about basic breastfeeding issues and how to help the average mom/baby. However, it probably would be beneficial as far as something to put on a resume.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in critical care.

You can become a CLC--certified lactation COUNSELOR (instead of consultant). It is a 45 hour course offered through the Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice, and is an accredited competency course with the ANCC.

I have a friend who was a postpartum nurse and became a lactation counselor. She continued her PP job and did extra lactation counseling PRN. She was eventually able to use the hours from her job to meet the requirements for IBCLC. It seemed to work nicely for her.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU, Pediatrics, Home Health.
You can become a CLC--certified lactation COUNSELOR (instead of consultant). It is a 45 hour course offered through the Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice, and is an accredited competency course with the ANCC.

I have a friend who was a postpartum nurse and became a lactation counselor. She continued her PP job and did extra lactation counseling PRN. She was eventually able to use the hours from her job to meet the requirements for IBCLC. It seemed to work nicely for her.

Thank you so much everyone for your replies. Ktliz, this is exactly what I am interested in-with the possibility of becoming certified in the future with the help of my RN hours.

Thanks again! :D

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Check out UCSD Extension and look up "Lactation Educator/Counselor" the course is also offered online so you can take it anywhere :) This is a prerequisite to the Lactation Consultant course if you eventually choose to go that route.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cardiac.

check out www.healthychildren.cc sounds like just what your looking for!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in OB, Med-Surg.

What is the best online class to take? with the most information

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.

The Breast-Ed courses through Health E-Learning offer some great basic breastfeeding knowledge classes.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Urology, Allergy, Med/Surg.

Can somebody please help me??? I am a Registered Nurse in California, want to become a .....this is the part where I get confused. There are lactation counselors and lactation consultants, what is the difference??? I would like to start my own business, what do I need to have and how do I go about getting it.

Thank you so much

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.

Anyone can call herself a lactation counselor. That's not a protected title. An IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) is the gold standard for lactation credentialing. You can get more information on how to become an IBCLC at http://www.iblce.org

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion