On becoming a lactation consultant

[NoliMum]

Hi Lactivists!

I have been toying with the idea of lactation consultation as an occupation. Are any of you in the field, or know anyone who is?

A couple questions:

1. What education does it require? Certification/classes/etc..? I've been asked to be a La Leche leader so I will be going through the accreditation process.

2. Do you think it's possible to do with a nursing toddler? Should I wait until she's old enough to go to preschool part time? I am visualizing a house call disaster...

3. How much does it pay, on average?

4. Do you have to go through insurance, and what does that involve? Does insurance even cover LCs?

5. Are there companies who employ LCs, or are they all "freelance"?

Thanks for any info you've got.

[mama2annabelle]

http://www.iblce.org/

Check out this link. I am planning to become an IBCLC as well.

[NoliMum]

Originally Posted by mama2annabelle

http://www.iblce.org/

Check out this link. I am planning to become an IBCLC as well.

Thanks for the link. I found that right after I posted here.

Now I'm a little intimidated. College courses like anatomy and physiology... clinical experience....

I think maybe my goal was a little lofty for me. Then again, I'm not sure what I was expecting.

Maybe I should just stick to being an LLL leader for now.

[katiedidbug]

I'm like you. I really wanted to become one, and then I read all that, and was like yeah freakin' right.

[KiansMomma]

Count me in the group that looked at all the requirements and went, "so much for that." Maybe later in my life, but all those hours and science classes (which I could do, but not easily) with an 8 month old? Not gonna happen.

[littlecityfarmer]

LLL leader experience counts for something like 500 hrs/year for the clinical hours!

I'm sloooowly working towards becoming an IBCLC, but I have a houseful of LOs, so I'm taking one course per semester and doing 6 clinical hours a month... Yup, it'll take my years to get 2500!

[NoliMum]

Originally Posted by beansmommy

LLL leader experience counts for something like 500 hrs/year for the clinical hours!

I'm sloooowly working towards becoming an IBCLC, but I have a houseful of LOs, so I'm taking one course per semester and doing 6 clinical hours a month... Yup, it'll take my years to get 2500!

Well, that's good to know! Maybe it can be a long-term goal.

I am glad to know that LCs are required to have so much education and experience, though. I just had no idea that they are considered "medical professionals."

[Peony]

Being a LLL Leader will be very helpful in gaining experience and getting the clinical hours needed to sit for the IBCLC exam. I have an end goal of becoming one someday but for now, children and being a leader keeps me very busy. You do get credit for 500 hours a year each year you are a leader, that is a great way to build up hours if you are not in a medical profession were you can easily built up hours. I've thought about petitioning the board for more credit because as the sole leader in my area, I do handle a high volume of calls but in the end I doubt I'll have to time to sit (I am a RN so I have most of the classes already) before another two years anyway when I'd reach the hours I need.

[Avocado]

Wow, did you look at the amount of IBLCE's per country?
I thought there would be more but I guess it makes sense- how many people strive to be an IBLCE before children? I'm imagining not many, and getting all of those hours in with one or more children is not easy. I'm hoping to do it but it will definitely take time. It's nice to know that there are so many requirements to fulfill, it proves how important it really is.

[Chandar]

Originally Posted by Avocado

Wow, did you look at the amount of IBLCE's per country?
I thought there would be more but I guess it makes sense- how many people strive to be an IBLCE before children? I'm imagining not many, and getting all of those hours in with one or more children is not easy. I'm hoping to do it but it will definitely take time. It's nice to know that there are so many requirements to fulfill, it proves how important it really is.

WOW! I am moving to SA when I get my IBCLC.

I am on the slow track here too. Wish I would have finished my LLL Leader stuff more than 6 years ago but that's a long story. I am finishing up the CLEC class through UCSD www.breastfeeding-education.com I LOVED it. I am planning on going to the community college here for the 2 year RN then get my IBCLC.