Frequently Asked Questions

How can I become a Lactation Consultant?

Becoming a certified lactation consultant requires a combination of training and experience.  How much of each depends on your educational background and work experience.  To find out details about different 'pathways' to becoming a Lactation Consultant contact the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners. Their web site is   http://americas.iblce.org/home.php.  They set the requirements for certification.

Where can I find out about certification?

The International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners offers the certification exam each year on the last Monday in July.  It is offered in one site in each state in the U. S. and in many countries around the world.  Visit http://americas.iblce.org/home.php to find out more.

Which course should I take?

Lactation Education Resources offers an online Lactation Consultant Training Program which is a comprehensive course designed to prepare you for taking the IBLCE certification exam. Click here to learn more.

If this is your first exposure to lactation management information and you do not have a medical background, you may want to take The Complete Self Learning Program to familiarize yourself with the basic materials, then take the full program (online and on-site).

Clinical experience is essential  in gaining clinical skills.  The Internship Program is for those who have taken a comprehensive lactation training course (minimum of 45 hours of continuing education credits) and who wish to gain clinical experience. Helpful for those who will soon be sitting for the IBLCE certification exam.

Do I need to become certified?

Although certification is not a legal requirement, it is the ethical thing to do.  By becoming certified you are offering your clients a measure of reassurance that you have achieved a certain level of competence.  It also separates you from colleagues who have an interest in breastfeeding support, but have not taken the extra step of becoming certified.

Being certified may give you an advantage in hiring for certain positions.

Where can I get the clinical experience that is required?

If you are working in a setting where you have contact with new mothers and babies, you can count time that you actually instruct, assist or support breastfeeding activities.  For examples, nurses working on a hospital postpartum unit count hours that they teach a breastfeeding class, instruct mothers one-on-one, help mothers with a breast pump, assist with latch-on, etc.

If you do not currently have a position that allows contact with mothers and babies, you may need to volunteer at places such as WIC, your local health department, pediatrician's office, etc.  Contact the IBLCE for other suggestions.  iblce@iblce.org

Lactation Education Resources offers a Clinical Internship for those who have taken a comprehensive lactation training course and who wish to gain practical experience. Programs of 100 hours or 500 hours are available in the metro DC area.

Where and when is the exam offered?

It is offered on the last Monday of July each year in each state in the U. S. and several countries around the world.  For more details visit  http://americas.iblce.org/applyfortheexam.php

 

How can I become a Lactation Consultant?