I want to become an IBCLC!

[lexbeach]

Does anyone have any suggestions as to how to begin this process?

I currently have a BA in education/child study and two 8-month-old nurslings . I am assuming that I will need to take some classes. . . ?

I've been trying to do some research about it on the web. . . It seems as though there is a prerequistite of a certain number of hours working as a "breastfeeding consultant."

Anyone know what that is?

Thanks! I'm really excited about this idea.

Lex

[cat_astrophe]

I'll ask my SIL how she did it. She's the only person I know of who did it without first being an RN (she went back to nursing school later). I know there are more requirements if you aren't an RN first. I'll ask her specifics.

[lexbeach]

Thanks!

Lex

[jessikate]

Yay, Lex! What an awesome aspiration!

My aunt is an IBCLC, I'll ask her for advice.

[jessikate]

Here's some info from my aunt:

For the definitive answers go to ILCA and IBLCE

She also suggests you train as a LLL leader first... she is mentoring a LLL leader-in-training. Says it'll gives you a lot of hours of experience.

She took an online grad class from Jan Riordan at Wichita State.

Good luck!

[MaggiesMom]

I think I remembered reading somewhere that they no longer allow you to become an IBCLC if you are a LLL leader without other clinical experience. They used to allow that, but now they want a different type of experience, I guess. I read that it can be difficult now to become board certified without being a nurse. Just a little FYI. But even if you don't want to go that route, you can still become an LC, just not an IBCLC.

[Victorian]

I can help!!!!

Lex-

check out the Union Institute and University at www.tui.edu. I am currently enrolled in a distance learning program to get a bachelors degree in Maternal/Child Health: Lactation Consulting. When I am done, I will take the board exam and be an IBCLC. It is great! The advisor for this program is Loree Miltich. She is wonderful. PM me fot her #.

Victoria

p.s. you can use your other credits to shorten your program!

[neveryoumindthere]

hi..is this union inst. legit?? how long have u been enrolled? i cant seem to find the listings of the programs..do u have the link?

thanks
nak

[Victorian]

I am just starting my 2nd year with the program. It is a fully accredited school, and the program is co-sponsored by the US Department of Health and Human Servies. The great thing about this program is that you can take the classes that you need and focus them towards what you want, for instance, for my Women's Studies class, I studied the history of Midwifery in America and how that affects the women's rights movement.

Here is a better link

http://www.tui.edu/pdf/MaternalHealt...Guidelines.pdf

[neveryoumindthere]

wow it sounds like just what i need..eitehr lactation consultant or guidance counselling. i already have a B.A with a major in family/social relations so hopefully those courses will count towards another cert.

the link didnt work btw....i saw somethign about 'making ur own degree' or something like that..but not a link for existing programs...

[Victorian]

I don't know why I am having trouble with this link. I am looking at it, but it posts wrong. I you go to yahoo, and search for Maternal/Child Health: Lactation Consulting, the first result is the one I am trying to send you.

Victoria

p.s. here it is again

http://www.tui.edu/pdf/MaternalHealt...Guidelines.pdf

[neveryoumindthere]

thanks

[lexbeach]

Victorian: Thanks for the info! So, you don't have to have any practical experience before taking the exam? On the IBCLE webpage it looks like there are course requirements as well as experience requirements. . . But it is all kind of confusing. I will definitely look into the program you are doing. Although I'd rather not get another BA. . .

Thanks!

Lex

[Victorian]

You have to have 900 hours of experience to take the exam, but you take an internship class with the college and set up an internship to get your hours (i.e. going to visits with a IBCLC). You can also count hours that you volunteer, for instance, with the nursing mothers council. I am also a Postpartum Doula and can count some of those hours.

If you check out the pathways to IBCLC(http://www.iblce.org/pathways.htm), It is pathway C.


If you search the Vermont College part og the website www.tui.edu, you will find info getting a Masters in lactation consulting if that would interest you. I am attaching a link, but I don't know if this one will work.

victorian

http://www.tui.edu/prospective/ma/ma...ink=Bb.2.1.2.3

[lexbeach]

Wow! Thank you Victorian!

I am seriously looking into this program now. . . I live about 30 minutes from Brattleboro, VT so it would be quite convenient. I'm not sure I'm ready to start anything that would mean being away from my kids for a weekend (I mean, I'm SURE I'm NOT ready), but it is something to think about for the not-too-distant future.

An MA in lactation consulting sounds PERFECT!

THANK YOU!!!


Lex

[Victorian]

I just went and looked at the pictures of your littles, they are so cute! I know what you mean by not wanting to be away from them. One of the reasons I choose this school is that I can do most of it distance learning, and they are very understanding about family needs.