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Are you considering becoming a Lactation Consultant? Becoming a Lactation Consultant is a rewarding career, and it’s important to ask yourself - how long does it take to become a Lactation Consultant? You’ll need to have quite a few years of training and education, but with a little dedication, it can be done. To become a Lactation Consultant, you’re likely to complete an undergraduate degree in Human Lactation or a related field, such as nutrition, followed by the Certified Lactation Consultant (CLC) exam. This can take between four and seven years of study and certification, depending on the program you choose. With some dedication, you will be able to gain the knowledge and experience needed to become a successful Lactation Consultant. The keywords used here are “how long does it take to become a Lactation Consultant” and “Certified Lactation Consultant (CLC) exam.
1. Steps to Become a Lactation Consultant
Do you have a passion for breastfeeding and helping mother/baby dyads? Becoming a lactation consultant is an honorable way to use your professional skills and felt calling. Here are the steps to get started:
- Educate yourself. A great first step is to complete an accredited program, which typically involves a combination of courses and clinical experience. Look for one in your area or an online course.
- Acquire IBCLC certification. A certification from the International Board of Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC) is highly regarded and required for many lactation consultant job roles. To obtain your IBCLC, you must pass a board-regulated exam.
- Get started in your career. Once you’re certified, it’s time to start exploring lactation consultant job openings. You can find these in the healthcare setting or start a private practice of your own.
- Stay up-to-date. Be sure to stay current on breastfeeding news, practices, policies, and laws to ensure the highest quality of care for your patients. Additionally, taking additional courses to hone your skills is a great way to stay competitive in the field.
As a lactation consultant, you have the rewarding opportunity to help mother/baby dyads and their families. By taking the steps above, you can become a knowledgeable and valuable presence in the breastfeeding community.
2. How Long Is the Lactation Consultant Training?
Lactation consultant training can vary depending on the type of certification you are looking for. The International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) requires 270 hours of education, each consisting of different elements. Here are just some of the topics necessary for certification:
- Anatomy & physiology
- Lactation management
- Counseling techniques
- Professional roles & responsibilities
- Ethics & scope of practice
Clinical experience is also required for IBLCE certification. During the training, candidates should gain at least 100 hours of hands-on experience. This experience can come from attending birth classes, working with a mentor on breastfeeding issues, or oberserving lactation consultants with their patients.
3. Skills Needed to Become a Lactation Consultant
Becoming a Lactation Consultant requires excellent knowledge of best practices in breastfeeding management as well as other important skills. Here are some of the key competencies you need to develop to succeed in this role:
- Communication: You must be a good listener and able to effectively communicate with parents, doctors, health nurses, and other multi-disciplinary team personnel.
- Patience: Patience and understanding are essential when guiding new moms and dads who are learning how to breastfeed. You must be able to stay calm and handle challenging conversations.
- Observational Skills: Good observational skills are important when helping new moms and babies. Being able to observe subtle nuances in the baby’s physical condition or position when feeding will allow you to give appropriate and accurate advice.
In addition, a Lactation Consultant must have in-depth knowledge on a variety of topics such as anatomy, physiology, human nutrition, and physical assessment of the newborn. Knowledge of lactation and maternal nutrition is also critical. These skills can be developed through coursework and practical experience.
4. The Benefits of Becoming a Lactation Consultant
Becoming a lactation consultant can be a great career choice for those who are passionate about breastfeeding and have the desire to use their expertise to help mothers and babies. Lactation consultants provide medical advice and support to mothers, helping them to ensure that their baby has the best chance of receiving the proper amount of nourishment. Here are some of the unique benefits of becoming a lactation consultant.
- Career Flexibility: Lactation consultants may have the option to freelance, work remotely, and/or find employment in a range of settings, including hospitals, health clinics, private practices, and medical centers.
- Make a Difference: One of the most rewarding aspects of becoming a lactation consultant is watching mothers and babies grow and thrive due to the medical advice and support a lactation consultant is able to provide.
- Continuing Education: Lactation consultants have the opportunity to continue to further their education and knowledge with additional certifications and training.
Becoming a lactation consultant is a great way to make an impact on the health of mothers and babies. With the many benefits it offers, this is a career worth considering for those who have a passion for breastfeeding and want to make a difference in the lives of mothers and their babies.
Q&A
Q: How long does it take to become a Lactation Consultant?
A: Becoming a Lactation Consultant usually takes between two and four years of college courses and specialized training. You must also be certified by an international board like the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners. Taking the course and acquiring the necessary certification can take anywhere between 6 months to a year. Becoming a lactation consultant can be a rewarding but challenging process. Even with the right knowledge and skills, the journey can seem long and difficult. To make the process smoother and ensure your credentials are tracked and secure, create a FREE LogMeOnce account with Auto-Login and SSO today. LogMeOnce.com offers a secure, convenient and easy way to access your resources and track the process of becoming a lactation consultant. So make the most of it and shorten your journey to becoming a certified lactation consultant today!
Nicole’s, journey in the tech industry is marked by a passion for learning and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Whether it’s delving into the latest software developments or exploring innovative computing solutions, Nicole’s expertise is evident in her insightful and informative writing style. Her ability to connect with readers through her words makes her a valuable asset in any technical communication endeavor.
