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is anyone here a Lactation Consultant?  

post #1 of 20
7/20/08 at 12:12am
Thread Starter 
I've been considering going for a certification and it seems relatively manageable, except for the 2500 hours of experience I need so, I'm curious if anyone here has done this, without also being a health professional, and how you got your experience. I'm really excited about this idea, but this is my area of biggest concern...

thanks!
post #2 of 20
7/20/08 at 12:30am
I'm studying to be one, too. But I'm a pharmacist and going to be doing pathway F, 500 hours under someone who has already recertified.
post #3 of 20
7/20/08 at 2:29am
I've been thinking about doing this. Problem is, I don't know where to start...
post #4 of 20
7/20/08 at 3:11am
Subbing. This is a career path I am very interested in.
post #5 of 20
7/20/08 at 12:06pm
I strongly recommend starting with becoming a LLL Leader. Leaders get 500 Breastfeeding Counseling (BC) hours a year, and you gain valuable knowledge and experience.
post #6 of 20
7/21/08 at 1:29am
Quote:
Originally Posted by MonkeysRUs View Post
I strongly recommend starting with becoming a LLL Leader. Leaders get 500 Breastfeeding Counseling (BC) hours a year, and you gain valuable knowledge and experience.

This!

It's my plan anyway!!!!
post #7 of 20
7/21/08 at 7:45pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by SparklingGemini View Post

This!

It's my plan anyway!!!!
Mine as well. They actually need a leader in my area!
post #8 of 20
7/22/08 at 11:04am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Fiestabeth View Post
Subbing. This is a career path I am very interested in.
sorry if this is totally ignorant, but what is subbing??


also, I've been looking at the LLL leader info and I definitely qualify so I'm going to start the application process for that. problem is that there are already so many leaders in my area and I haven't been active in the group since we moved here (about 4 months ago) - think it'll be a problem?
post #9 of 20
7/23/08 at 2:55pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by goldfemme View Post
sorry if this is totally ignorant, but what is subbing??
Short for "subscribing to this thread", because it is interesting and they want to keep track of it.
post #10 of 20
7/24/08 at 1:27am
I should find a LLL group to hang out with and see if I can become a leader. I am an EPer, not a breastfeeder, for over 2 years and 4 months now. It would be nice to have the LLL experience together with my hospital experience. I'm going to subscribe to this conversation as well.
post #11 of 20
7/24/08 at 10:31am
Quote:
Originally Posted by MonkeysRUs View Post
I strongly recommend starting with becoming a LLL Leader. Leaders get 500 Breastfeeding Counseling (BC) hours a year, and you gain valuable knowledge and experience.
My plan, too!
post #12 of 20
7/24/08 at 10:34am
Quote:
Originally Posted by goldfemme View Post
also, I've been looking at the LLL leader info and I definitely qualify so I'm going to start the application process for that. problem is that there are already so many leaders in my area and I haven't been active in the group since we moved here (about 4 months ago) - think it'll be a problem?
It doesn't matter how many leaders are in your area. You just need to attend at least 4 meetings, and then as long as you meet the other qualifications you should be fine. You don't have to be active per se, but it certainly doesn't hurt to attend regularly, maybe be the treasurer, librarian etc. hth
post #13 of 20
7/26/08 at 6:46pm
I am very excitedly looking into it--reading through Pathway F and going to talk to the LLL leaders here (one is in my AP playgroup )
post #14 of 20
7/26/08 at 6:55pm
I am taking the exam this Monday - the 28th. Keep your fingers crossed for me. FYI - they just came out with new criteria - they are doing away with the pathways and trying to simplify things. I haven't look too closely since it doesn't pertain to me.

You don't necessarily have to be a leader with LLL, any accredited breastfeeding group counts. I counsel with Nursing Mothers Alliance.

Also I was mentored by a local LC, in exchange for her mentoring me, I answered her voicemails for her and did some other light office work. It worked out very well. She is now offering that I can work with her. I am very excited! Now just have to pass the darn exam!!
post #15 of 20
7/26/08 at 7:47pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by amys35 View Post
You don't necessarily have to be a leader with LLL, any accredited breastfeeding group counts. I counsel with Nursing Mothers Alliance.
You do want to check that carefully - they have just changed the rules on which breastfeeding groups get what. LLLLs will continue to get 500 hours, because they lead groups and deal with mothers in person. But if you are volunteering and do only phone counseling, you will get 25 hours a year.


Good luck on the exam, amys35 - please keep us posted!
post #16 of 20
7/26/08 at 10:43pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by amys35 View Post
I am taking the exam this Monday - the 28th. Keep your fingers crossed for me. FYI - they just came out with new criteria - they are doing away with the pathways and trying to simplify things. I haven't look too closely since it doesn't pertain to me.

You don't necessarily have to be a leader with LLL, any accredited breastfeeding group counts. I counsel with Nursing Mothers Alliance.

Also I was mentored by a local LC, in exchange for her mentoring me, I answered her voicemails for her and did some other light office work. It worked out very well. She is now offering that I can work with her. I am very excited! Now just have to pass the darn exam!!
Where is that info please? I just got the pathway info from the Website this morning.... And good luck on your exam!!
post #17 of 20
7/26/08 at 11:23pm
http://americas.iblce.org/home.php click on the box entitled Revised Exam Eligibility Requirements. I am so excited about these changes!! The pathways have been so confusing to me and I have spent so much time emailing back and forth to get clarification. Now it seems to be laid out so simply. I, too, am taking the LLL path to earning my BC hours as well as teaching/working at a birth center as their breastfeeding counselor. It looks like I will be sitting for the exam in 2011.
post #18 of 20
7/26/08 at 11:29pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by mama2annabelle View Post
http://americas.iblce.org/home.php click on the box entitled Revised Exam Eligibility Requirements. I am so excited about these changes!! The pathways have been so confusing to me and I have spent so much time emailing back and forth to get clarification. Now it seems to be laid out so simply. I, too, am taking the LLL path to earning my BC hours as well as teaching/working at a birth center as their breastfeeding counselor. It looks like I will be sitting for the exam in 2011.
Thanks for that! Awesome! I hated the whole pathway thing too, since I had like 3 different ones going. I should be sitting for the exam in 2010, fingers crossed.
post #19 of 20
7/27/08 at 11:26am
Quote:
Originally Posted by mama2annabelle View Post
http://americas.iblce.org/home.php click on the box entitled Revised Exam Eligibility Requirements. I am so excited about these changes!! The pathways have been so confusing to me and I have spent so much time emailing back and forth to get clarification. Now it seems to be laid out so simply. I, too, am taking the LLL path to earning my BC hours as well as teaching/working at a birth center as their breastfeeding counselor. It looks like I will be sitting for the exam in 2011.
Thanks!! (The link on the side on their page is broken, but your direct link worked. Yay!)
post #20 of 20
7/27/08 at 8:31pm
here's one: http://www.bsccenter.org/

mdc needs a lactation professionals board like the birth professionals board.
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