Ladybird_RN

Yes, I have seen many non-RN IBCLCs at this point as well and have even contacted some to see if they could do the mentorship with me for my hours. I do think they work with WIC or in private practice most times. Thank you for your suggestion, I am focusing on mother/baby positions as I think I like that area most.

Thanks for the input, guys! I actually am excited to hear what you both are saying, because I also was thinking L&D might distract from the lactation consulting that I want to do most (I do love both though). Klone, as far as my plans for consultancy hours, I have been contacting hospitals with lactation dpeartments to see if I could find an IBCLC to mentor under there. If hospitals don't work, I will move to contacting WIC departments, then pediatricians with Lactation Consultants until I find one that can do it. I expect it will take me a little longer with Covid, but I also think I will find one if I keep at it. The schools that certify in IBCLC may have pre-arranged mentors I could look into for a fee as well.

I am needing some input from people on the ground. I have been an RN for about 5 years with 2 years of experience. 1 year was at an LTACH (vents, trachs, very medically complex patients, great learning experience) until my son was born prematurely and really needed me at home with him for about 3 years. I then worked for a year at a women's clinic doing ultrasounds, pregnancy tests, and prenatal education until a few months ago when we moved out of state. I am now looking for my next position. I would love to work in labor and delivery with the goal of moving into an IBCLC lactation consultant . However, since I have not worked into acute care for a few years (and yes, I feel very rusty in my acute skill set), and have not yet worked in labor and delivery, I really need to sell myself to get my foot in the door. I have assisted with around 40 births over the years, I know I love it so that isn't the issue - just no acute L and D training. I had a thought: while I want to cross train into labor and delivery, my favorite part is the lactation consulting anyway.... What if I just spent the time and money now to get my IBCLC? Do you guys think a hospital would be interested in a new IBCLC if she has no labor and delivery/pp/recent acute experience? Would I really cut myself short by going for LC first rather than L&D first? I live in a major metro area with good job postings for IBCLCs, most wanting acute maternal child experience.