Lactation Education?

[Ahappymel]

Hi there,

Not sure if I'm posting in the right place...
Can anyone recommend a great lactation education program? I would love to pursue my education in this area. I am not a nurse and do not intend to be so becoming a "Lactation Consultant" as I understand it is not an option.
I want lactation education to primarily advise/provide support independently, not in a formal setting.

Thanks!-Mel

[Chandar]

I am currently taking Gini Baker's CLEC course through UCSD online. I LOVE it!

breastfeeding-education.com

[MonkeysRUs]

It is certainly possible to become an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant), without being an RN.

http://americas.iblce.org/eligibilityrequirements.php

You can read more about the eligibility requirements at the above link from IBLCE (International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners).

As for education, the link below has info from ILCA (International Lactation Consultant Association) on recognized lactation education courses:

http://www.ilca.org/dirofcourseproviders.html

[Ahappymel]

Originally Posted by Chandar

I am currently taking Gini Baker's CLEC course through UCSD online. I LOVE it!

breastfeeding-education.com

Wow, thanks for the info from you both : )

Can you tell me more about the UCSD class? I found it online yesterday and was intrigued.
How long is is, how much is it, what is the structure like and what will you do with it after you are done? I hope I'm not asking too many questions : ) Just really excited to hear about it.

Thanks!-Melissa

[DWAXSMOM]

I think the best program for you would be the programs offered at The Center for Breastfeeding http://www.healthychildren.cc/. They are amazing. I took their CLC course and have heard wonderful things about their BA/Masters and Doctoral programs. They are a distance learning program. BTW, you do NOT have to be a nurse to be a IBCLC.

[mysticmomma]

cappa offers a CLE distance learning course.

[littlecityfarmer]

Originally Posted by Chandar

I am currently taking Gini Baker's CLEC course through UCSD online. I LOVE it!

breastfeeding-education.com

Another vote for Gini Baker's course! I just finished it in December, and got a lot out of it!

[Chandar]

Originally Posted by Ahappymel

Wow, thanks for the info from you both : )

Can you tell me more about the UCSD class? I found it online yesterday and was intrigued.
How long is is, how much is it, what is the structure like and what will you do with it after you are done? I hope I'm not asking too many questions : ) Just really excited to hear about it.

Thanks!-Melissa

The class is 3 months long costs $650 + cost of the book which was $53 from Amazon. The structure is you watch the lectures on your own time. All lessons are videos of her teaching the course. You have to do 8 clinical hours with an LC. After you are a Certified Lactation Educator Counselor. What a mouthful eh. But you can teach bfing classes to the public and work with WIC. This class is a prereq for the IBCLC program through UCSD too. I really LOVE Gini's teaching style. She is great. I have already learned alot, and I thought I knew alot

HTH

[Ahappymel]

I am so excited! I just enrolled in Gini Baker's course! And....I think I am going to take it one step at a time and work toward becoming a certified LC! The hospitals only seem to want RN LC's (not sure I'd want to work in one anyway). I have no idea what private practice LC's earn (besides LOTS of job satisfaction!)...anyone?
It feels great to be educating myself about a subject I love!
Thanks all!

Mel.