Published May 16, 2017
jo716
33 Posts
Hello!
I am aspiring to become a postpartum nurse (have had some years of experience in various other types of nursing so far but wanting to break into the PP world. Recently spoke with a unit manager who suggested learning about breast feeding as a way to prepare and it also makes you a better candidate with this knowledge base).
I've been looking around online but haven't reached any definitive answers as to which places and courses are best for nurses to take? Most classes are geared towards patients/new parents. Are there any that are specifically for nurses who work with these patients in the San Francisco Bay Area or would managers ever consider those new parent courses as some education? Or would I have to look into actual lactation consultant courses?
CEU courses would be great too if possible.
Thanks!
klone, MSN, RN
14,856 Posts
Try googling "certified lactation counselor" or "certified lactation educator"
As these are not protected titles, there are a multitude of ways to go about getting this - you can take online courses and an exam, or there are 1-2 days seminars that you can take and then sit for an exam. But I'm sure there are plenty of offerings in the bay area. Here are a few I found:
Certified Lactation Counselor
Lactation Counselor Training Course
LEC--Certified Lactation Specialist Course
And no, a course geared towards parents would not be considered equivalent to professional training.
This was Exactly the information I have been looking for!! I wasn't sure what was appropriate for me to take or not and also the lactation course info I found on my own was super extensive and a little much for the current time but your info and options make a lot of sense. Thank you for looking and linking for me and thanks for the variety of options too!!
LibraSunCNM, BSN, MSN, CNM
1,656 Posts
I'm a big fan of the CLC program. It's a nice foundation for breastfeeding knowledge for health professionals, and the 5-day length makes it thorough, but not unreasonably long. I've taken it twice now and been very satisfied both times.
Thank you for your input!! :)