Education for Lactation Professionals

To become an IBCLC  there are 3 PATHWAYS. All 3 PATHWAYS require 14 college levels classes, 95 hours of lactation specific education and clinical contact hours. Once those pieces are complete, you take an international exam. 

So, there are 3 levels of lactation professionals then the highest clinical credential is IBCLC. All levels matter. To meet the qualifications to become an IBCLC, there are 3 PATHWAYS. You must pick one based upon your education and employment background then you can sit the international exam. 

Each of the pathways require 14 college-level courses in health sciences; 

95 classroom hours of lactation then contact hours. 

Once all that is complete, you can sit the exam. 

First go to www.iblce.org. https://iblce.org/step-1-prepare-for-ibclc-certification/  and 

https://uslca.org/becoming-an-ibclc/

This website breaks down the pathway information well and has internship options and lists. Check out this webpage too and scroll down. https://www.lactationtraining.com/lc-training/certification/pathways

Pathway 1: This is if you are an RN or CNM that already works with breastfeeding dyads.

The full list:

• Dentist
• Dietitian
• Midwife
• Nurse
• Occupational Therapist
• Pharmacist
• Physical Therapist or Physiotherapist
• Physician or Medical Doctor
• Speech Pathologist or Therapist

Pathway 2 is the college class route, a few colleges offer this program and clinical hours are part of it. College programs exist across the nation.

Locally, Drexel in Philadelphia has a program. https://drexel.edu/medicine/academics/graduate-school/human-lactation-consultant-certification/

Finding a 500 hour clinical internship for Pathway 3 is a great option, but consider all pathways and the options first. Finding  a local IBCLC as a mentor can help you. 

There are  many websites that offer online courses in the health sciences. Study.com; sophia.org; saylor.org; lactationtraining.com. 

A facebook page exists called Becoming an IBCLC and Beyond and could be helpful and I also encourage you to connect with the local IBCLC groups and reach out to see who can help you with mentorship locally or help with clinical hours.

https://uslca.org/membership/chapters/#!directory/map

Last option, just google lactation consultants in your area and connect with a local IBCLC group or practicing IBCLCs to see if you can find mentors or internships in your area.