should i be an IBCLC? is it for me?

[yyy67]

 hi, i'm new here.

I'm not considering a carrer change (i studied languages and did related things and teaching). i'm a mother of 4 and breastfed all of them (including a pair of twins) for a long time until they were toddlers. i feel connected to the breasfeeding world and the the breasfeeding idea and i thought of becoming a lactation consultant. i'm aware of the new requirements and this can be solved.

I'm more concerned about the profession itself. i know that if i'm not a RN i won't be able to work in a hospital settings and that's fine with me. on the contrary, i'm much interested in the private and community settings. i don't live in the US i'm from another region. i just wanted to ask those moms who already did any course in the field or those who are also considering this profession: Is it a very "clinical"/ "medical" field? i'm a bit scared i won't be able to feel comfortable with the clinical part, with the "nurse" style things. i thought about becoming a La leche league leader, feeling it is "lighter" than becoming and LC....
 

[ameliabedelia]

If you're just looking to help moms and stay connected to the breastfeeding world, then I would consider LLL leader.

Yes, it is hard to find work as an IBCLC in a hospital unless you are an RN.   I believe it is hard to find clients in the private sector..but that mind depend on your country.

Yes, IBCLC can be very "clinical".  They really deal with the "abnormal" ...premature babies, tongue-tie, cleft-palate, babies with developmental issues, serious low weight-gain, etc

LLL is more about supporting mothers during the normal course of breastfeeding (ie, cluster feeding, sleep issues, mastitis, clogged ducts, thrush, nursing strikes, weaning, etc.)

I think it really depends on what you want.  IBCLC is a career, and if you are going to make it as a private IBCLC, you would really need to put the work in (involved with owning your own business, etc.).

LLL can be more of a hobby,

[yyy67]

thank you for replying. I'm less concerned about finding a job and having my own business, i'm more concerned about the type of work i'll have to do an an IBCLC, as of what will i have to deal with regularly. i understand you suggestion regarding LLL... i'm thinking about it.

[Peony]

Well, it just depends on what type of setting you end up working in, some would be more clinical then others. An IBCLC is a medical professional though so there is certain things you have to expect. Being previously in the medical professional can be helpful by already having a knowledge base to pull from, knowing how to chart, assess a mom and baby, etc... I do work in a community setting, (I am an RN) and while it is less clinical then a hospital, it is certainly more medical then say being a LLL Leader. 

Good Luck!