Lactation Consultant | 5 step guide to become a successful lactation consultant in 2021!

Are you aspiring to become a lactation consultant? Here is a comprehensive guide to becoming a successful one in 2021. Read on!

Lactation Consultant

A lactation consultant is an expert specializing in assisting breastfeeding mothers to overcome their nursing problems. In this article, we will specifically focus on what do lactation consultants do, or how to become a lactation counselor, how much do lactation consultants make, and schools that offer lactation consultant programs and certifications.

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Who is a lactation consultant?

A lactation consultant is also known as a breastfeeding expert or an advocate assisting new moms. As per the lactation consultant definition, they assist mothers before even a baby is born. Specializing in resolving problems related to clogged milk ducts, mastitis, best nursing positions, managing pains and issues in milk supply.

Roles and responsibilities of a lactation specialist

The key roles and responsibilities of a lactation specialist are illustrated below,

1. Create feeding schedules for mothers, essential specifically for infants born prematurely
2. Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate the lactation plans for breastfeeding mothers
3. Help in determining the best positions for breastfeeding
4. Aids in increasing the milk production
5. Treat issues like plugged ducts, mastitis, and engorgement
6. Setting up a breast pump and assist in using it
7. Set up a pumping schedule and guide in following it
8. Treat any pains experienced by lactating mothers
9. Help in increasing your baby’s weight
10. Help in improving the baby’s latch
11. Addresses concerns related to deformities that may prevent infants to nurse comfortably

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Lactation counselor Vs Consultant

Let us try to understand the difference between lactation counselor vs consultant roles. The key variation between the two roles is the academic background and educational degrees or certifications achieved.

1. Lactation counselors are mainly doulas or registered midwives with training in nursing and caring for lactating mothers.
2. Whereas a lactation specialist is specifically from a healthcare or medical background – doctors or nurses.

The role of a lactation counselor is favorable for professionals who are more inclined to nurturing and caring activities. Alternatively, if you love academics, medical degrees, or certifications, then it is recommended to follow the role of lactation expert.

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Eligibility to become a certified lactation consultant

How to become a certified lactation expert? Or How to become a certified lactation counselor? Listed below are the criteria to become a certified lactation consultant,

1. High School or undergraduate certifications
2. Bachelor’s Degree with specialization in health sciences, nursing, or public health
3. Master’s Degree with specialization in health sciences, nursing, or public health
4. Additional lactation consultant certificate accompanying the degree programs

Once the above degrees are attained, one needs to obtain the following,

1. Certification granted by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners or IBLCE
2. The title of a Registered Lactation Consultant or RLC

There are additional certifications provided by the IBLCE related to health sciences, public health, and nursing, which one can undertake for increasing the chances of recruitment. You must complete the degrees and certifications mentioned above before applying for the certified lactation counselor jobs.

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How to become a lactation consultant

In this section, we will highlight the steps that you need to undertake to fulfill the requirements of being a lactation consultant. It demands acquiring specialized educational degrees, certifications, training, interpersonal attributes, and experience.

How long does it take to become a lactation consultant? You must consider the 1 to 5 years range. So if you are wondering how to become a breastfeeding consultant, keep the number of years in mind before arriving at the final decision.

1. Lactation consultant requirements

The key academic and interpersonal requirements are,

1. Education degrees in clinical sciences involving 14 subjects like biology, nutrition, psychology, anatomy, and other subjects
2. Enrollment into a nursing program to obtain the educational degrees
3. Join a volunteering program and undergo training programs
4. 1000 working hours with breastfeeding mothers within the 5 years before appearing for the certification

2. Preparations for a certified lactation specialist

To become a certified lactation specialist, you can avail the following resources,

1. Avail the LEAARC (Lactation Education Accreditation and Approval Review Committee) approved courses
2. Avail ILCA (International Lactation Consultant Association) resources and lactation consultant class
3. Contact IBLCE (International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners) for any queries related to certifications.

3. Study the lactation consultant job outlook

An important activity before being one is to know the job outlook.

1. Understand the job skills required like communication, interpersonal, consultation, etc.
2. Understand the academic qualifications required like the lactation consultant degree, lactation specialist certification, lactation specialist training needs, etc.
3. Understand the pay scale being almost USD 85K per annum as per the US Bureau of Labor Statistics

4. Pre-requisites for becoming an IBCLC

How to become an IBCLC? The pre-requisites for becoming an IBLCC are,

1. Health science credits of 14 hours
2. 90 hours of education specific to lactation
3. 1000 working hours with breastfeeding mothers within the 5 years before appearing for the certification
4. Alternatively 300 hours under the supervision of working with breastfeeding mothers

5. Attain the experience of a breastfeeding specialist

To gain the experience and expertise of a breastfeeding specialist, you can,

1. Attend helper training courses of 2 hours duration
2. Attend supporter training courses for advanced skills
3. Involve in healthcare centers, hospitals, and nursing homes as a trainee or a temporary assistant to gain more experience.

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What is involved in lactation consultant training?

A lactation consultant training program is focused on providing the guidance and resources to attain the educational degree and certifications. It is mandatory to clear the IBLCE conducted exams to obtain the IBCLC certifications for an aspiring lactation expert. This section will provide the requisite guidance for licensed lactation consultant training courses.

1. Training to become a lactation consultant

To become one, you can attend the following training programs,

1. 90 to 95 hours of Lactation focused education
2. 45 to 50 hours of learning courses designed for breastfeeding specialists
3. Training on communication and interpersonal skills

2. IBCLC training for certifications

IBCLC training courses that you need to attend or avail of for the lactation consultant certification are,

1. Development and Nutrition
2. Physiology and Endocrinology
3. Pathology
4. Pharmacology and Toxicology
5. Psychology, Sociology, and Anthropology
6. Techniques
7. Clinical Skills

3. Other lactation consultant programs

The lactation consultant programs that you can attend for building up your knowledge,

1. Lactation Consultant training programs and attend the Certified Breastfeeding Specialist certificate
2. Core Lactation Consultant course, a basic training program recognized by LEAARC
3. Lactation Consultant Bridge Course with credits for IBLCE

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Lactation consultant certification

In this section, we will mention the various certification details. The certifications will be beneficial while applying for jobs. You need to attend the relevant training courses and learning resources before appearing for the certifications.

1. Lactation certification

A lactation certification is granted by several institutes but the mandatory one is the IBCLC granted by IBLCE. Here are key ones,

1. International Board Certified Lactation Consultant or IBCLC
2. Certified Lactation Counselor or CLC by the Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice

2. Lactationist certification

Other than IBCLC, there are few other lactationist certification programs conducted. You can obtain them to test your knowledge and be eligible for the IBCLC exams.

1. Certified Breastfeeding Specialist certificate
2. Certified Lactation Counselor certificate
3. Certified Lactation Educator

3. Lactation nurse certification

If you do not wish to be a registered consultant, you can attend the lactation nurse certificate programs. Some of which are,

1. Certificates granted after attending helper training programs
2. Certificates granted after attending supporter training programs
3. Obtain a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or licensed vocational nurse (LVN) certifications

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Lactation consultant salary

How much does a lactation consultant make. The salary varies between 40K to 100K per year depending on your educational qualifications and number of years of experience. The salary without RN (registered nurse) is on the lower side. Whereas a lactation nurse salary with the appropriate registrations can rise to 60K to 70K per annum.

1. Lactation specialist salary

What is a certified lactation expert’s salary? A lactation specialist salary shall be as follows,

1. Usually varies between 75K and 100K per year
2. Depends on the academic degrees, number of years of experience, certifications, and number of training or learning courses attended
3. Additional bonus can be achieved if you have been part of an internship program

2. Certified lactation counselor salary

A certified lactation counselor salary is as follows,

1. Usually varies between 40K and 70K per annum
2. Depends on the states in the US where the professionals are hired for
3. Some companies do pay bonuses as additional compensation

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3 best lactation consultant schools

In this section, we will discuss the 3 best lactation specialist schools in the US. Each of them offers degree programs and courses to become a lactation expert. So if you want to know how to become a lactation consultant in Texas, CA, NC, or in NYC; this section will guide you.

They help to become an IBCLC consultant, lactation technician, lactating nurse, or a lactation consultation specialist.

1. Lactation consultant schooling

The below are the places you should consider,

1. Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA
2. Offers Bachelors, Masters, Certificates and Doctorate degrees in Healthcare
3. 2385 Healthcare graduates have passed out

2. Schools that offer lactation consultant degrees

The below are the places you should consider,

1. Portland State University at Portland, OR. Offers Associates, Bachelors, Masters, Certificates and Doctorate degrees in Healthcare
2. Georgia Northwestern Technical College at Rome, GA. Offers Associates, Bachelors, Masters, Certificates and Doctorate degrees in Healthcare

3. Schools for lactation education consultants

Schools for lactation education consultants are,

1. Birthingway College of Midwifery at Portland, OR. Offers Associates, Bachelors, and Certificates in Healthcare
2. Edson College of Nursing and Health innovation is a good school. Offers undergraduate and graduate degrees, nursing programs, health programs, and online programs.