Obtaining IBCLC

[missnurse89]

I am trying to figure the best way to go about becoming IBCLC and looking at different pathways. Are there any nurses here who have obtained their IBCLC and what experienced along the way help you the most? Thanks! :)

[Marymoomoo]

If you work with mother baby pairs and you assist with breastfeeding, OR if you are a volunteer with an approved organization or a peer counselor with WIC, etc. you can apply through pathway 1 once you have 1000 hours of clinical experience hours. You will also need 90 hours of lactation specific education hours, which can be obtained online and/or through conferences and webinars.

[klone, MSN, RN]

When I was going for my IBCLC, it required 4000 hours and going to nursing school and getting my RN was actually the fastest route to my goal. That's why I became a nurse. It's now a lot easier/faster to become an IBCLC.

Are you/have you been a breastfeeding mom? If so, you might consider checking out La Leche League. Active Leaders earn 500 hours/year. Likewise WIC peer counselors.

As far as the 90 hours of lactation education - I did them all through Health E-Learning/Breast Ed Lactation series. It was pretty easy and fast.

[CamillaG]

Great information klone! Thankfully IBLCE reduce the requirements on how to become an IBCLC as 4000 hours is quite overwhelming. Health-E-Learning is a good option but also be sure to check out the GOLD Lactation & Breastfeeding Conference - They have an annual online conference where you can obtain lots of accredited lactation hours for a very affordable price. They also have other accredited events throughout the year that offer lactation hours (CERPs).