What do you know about becoming a Lactiation Consultant?

[StoriesInTheSoil]

I am interested in this path, not in the immediate future but down the line. What do you know about becoming a LC?

What about the differences in becoming a CLC vs an IBCLC?

Anyone here an LC?

[Heba]

You might find this recent thread useful: I want to be an IBCLC.

No actual IBCLCs (I don't think) have posted there - it would be great to hear from them as to how they got there.

Basically there are now three paths one can take to qualify to take the IBCLE exam:
1. Healthcare Professionals and trained Breastfeeding Supporters (e.g. LLL leaders and the like), whether voluntary or professional
2. People who have comprehensively studied lactation in an academic institution
3. People who have worked as an "intern" (basically) under the supervision of an experienced IBCLC

Most people worldwide take pathway one.

More information on the pathways here - click on the drop down menu to get info on each of the three pathways.

As for the difference between the two acronyms, my understanding is that the term "Lactation Consultant" is not a protected term, therefore anyone can call themselves an LC, and any training insitution can offer certificates certifying Lactation Consultants. I understand that the International Board exam is the gold standard.

[StoriesInTheSoil]

Originally Posted by Heba

You might find this recent thread useful: I want to be an IBCLC.

No actual IBCLCs (I don't think) have posted there - it would be great to hear from them as to how they got there.

Basically there are now three paths one can take to qualify to take the IBCLE exam:
1. Healthcare Professionals and trained Breastfeeding Supporters (e.g. LLL leaders and the like), whether voluntary or professional
2. People who have comprehensively studied lactation in an academic institution
3. People who have worked as an "intern" (basically) under the supervision of an experienced IBCLC

Most people worldwide take pathway one.

More information on the pathways here - click on the drop down menu to get info on each of the three pathways.

As for the difference between the two acronyms, my understanding is that the term "Lactation Consultant" is not a protected term, therefore anyone can call themselves an LC, and any training insitution can offer certificates certifying Lactation Consultants. I understand that the International Board exam is the gold standard.

Thank you, Heba!

[Ianthe]

I plan on becoming an IBCLC through pathway #1.. I am a mother-to-mother support counselor, and a breastfeeding peer counselor at WIC, both of which count towards hours. I plan on taking the 40 hr class next year, then sitting for the exam the year after that. I also have taken the recommended classes at my community college. I know several women who have gone on to become an IBCLC using this pathway.

[StoriesInTheSoil]

Bump.

[Lil'M]

I've been an IBCLC for 2 years now and I got the required contact hours as a volunteer giving breastfeeding support through a well known international mother-to-mother breastfeeding organization I got my required continuing education units primarily by going to bf conferences and a few from online coursework at http://www.health-e-learning.com/. I also did the suggested coursework that I didn't already have from that website. I'm happy to answer any other specific questions.

Another pathway would be to see about becoming a bf peer counselor for WIC and getting contact hours that way.