Jordan Ellis
Lactation consultants are healthcare professionals who provide support and guidance to new mothers on their breastfeeding journey. They are an important part of the maternal-child health team and work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices. To become a lactation consultant, individuals must complete specialized education and training, such as the International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) certification, which is recognized as the gold standard in lactation care. This certification requires completing college-level health science courses, lactation-specific education, and gaining clinical experience. Lactation consultants with additional qualifications, such as registered nurses, may have better job prospects in hospital settings.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Role | To help mothers and families with the course of breastfeeding and any challenges that arise. |
| Qualifications | IBCLC is the most comprehensive lactation certification. Other certifications include CLC, CBC, and CBS. |
| Training | IBCLC candidates must complete 90-95+ hours of lactation-specific education and college-level health science courses. |
| Examination | Candidates must pass the IBLCE exam to become an IBCLC. |
| Recertification | IBCLCs must recertify every five years through continuing education or by retaking the exam. |
| Work Setting | Lactation consultants work in hospitals, clinics, private practices, or independently. |
| Job Prospects | Lactation consultants who are also registered nurses have better job prospects, especially in hospitals. |
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What You'll Learn
The role of a lactation consultant
Lactation consultants are healthcare professionals who provide support and guidance to new mothers throughout their breastfeeding journey. They are specially trained to help mothers and their babies learn how to breastfeed and overcome any challenges they may encounter. Lactation consultants work with prenatal and postpartum providers to assist new families in achieving their breastfeeding goals. They offer education, advice, and hands-on assistance to ensure a successful breastfeeding experience.
Lactation consultants act as advocates for breastfeeding mothers, promoting breastfeeding-friendly policies in hospitals and healthcare facilities. They work towards educating staff, encouraging early initiation of breastfeeding, and supporting mothers throughout their breastfeeding journey. Lactation consultants empower mothers, children, and families by providing expert advice and ensuring a strong mother-baby bond through successful breastfeeding.
Additionally, lactation consultants come from diverse backgrounds and may have previous experience as nurses, dieticians, physicians, doulas, midwives, or other healthcare professions. They may work independently, part-time, or full-time in hospitals, clinics, or private practices. The demand for lactation consultants is growing, and they are recognised as trusted members of the maternal-child health team, specialising in breastfeeding care and advancing global public health.
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Qualifications and certifications
To become a hospital lactation consultant, you will need to obtain the necessary qualifications and certifications. The specific requirements may vary depending on your location and the employer's expectations. However, here is some general information about the certifications and qualifications commonly sought after in the field of lactation consulting:
Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC)
The Certified Lactation Counselor certification is a widely recognised entry-level credential in the field of lactation consulting. It identifies professionals who have the necessary skills, knowledge, and attitudes to provide clinical breastfeeding counselling and management support to families. This certification is often seen as a stepping stone towards becoming an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant.
Certified Breastfeeding Counselor (CBC)
The Certified Breastfeeding Counselor certification is a specialty credential designed for individuals who recognise the unique role of the nurse as both a counsellor and educator in lactation management. This certification equips individuals with the knowledge and skills to support mothers and families throughout the breastfeeding journey.
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)
The IBCLC certification is considered the gold standard in lactation care and is recognised worldwide as the premier global credential. To become an IBCLC, you must meet rigorous eligibility requirements set by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE). This includes completing college-level health science courses, lactation-specific education, and gaining clinical experience as a hands-on lactation helper. Prospective IBCLCs must also pass an examination that assesses their knowledge in breastfeeding management.
Additional Qualifications for Hospital Settings
If you specifically want to work in a hospital setting, some employers may prefer candidates with additional qualifications or certifications beyond lactation consulting. For example, registered nurses with lactation consulting certifications may have better job prospects in hospitals. This is because they already possess a strong medical background and can provide comprehensive care to new mothers and their infants.
It is important to research the specific requirements and preferences of the hospitals or healthcare facilities you aim to work in. This will help you tailor your qualifications and certifications to meet their expectations and increase your chances of securing a position as a hospital lactation consultant.
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Training and education
There are several certifications and qualifications available for aspiring lactation consultants, with the International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) being the most comprehensive and prestigious. The IBCLC is recognised worldwide as the premier credential in lactation care and is offered by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE). To be eligible to take the IBLCE certification exam, candidates must meet rigorous standards in health sciences education, lactation education, and clinical experience. Specifically, prospective IBCLCs must complete 90 to 95+ hours of lactation-specific education, earn clinical hours, and pass college-level health science courses in biology, human anatomy, human physiology, infant and child growth and development, nutrition, research, sociology, and psychology. They must also complete courses in CPR, medical documentation, medical terminology, ethics, and safety precautions for infectious diseases.
The Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) certification is another credential that demonstrates the necessary skills and knowledge to provide clinical breastfeeding support. It is often seen as a stepping stone to the IBCLC certification. Other certifications include the Certified Breastfeeding Specialist (CBS) and the Certified Breastfeeding Counselor (CBC).
In addition to these certifications, some employers may require additional qualifications, such as a nursing degree, for lactation consultants working in hospitals or other healthcare settings. Lactation consultants who are also registered nurses may have better job prospects and opportunities for career advancement in hospital settings.
It is important to note that the specific training and education requirements may vary depending on the country and the certifying body. It is recommended to consult with professional organisations like the International Lactation Consultant Association and its US affiliate, the United States Lactation Consultant Association (USLCA), to learn more about the profession and stay up-to-date with the latest research and developments in lactation consulting.
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Career prospects
Lactation consultants can work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, private practices, and independently or part-time. Some consultants may choose to build a successful private practice, attracting clients through referrals and community connections. Those who are also registered nurses or have additional qualifications, especially International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC), tend to have better job prospects, particularly in hospital settings. IBCLC is the most comprehensive lactation certification and is recognised as the premier global credential in the profession. It demonstrates that the consultant has met rigorous eligibility requirements and passed a examination assessing knowledge in breastfeeding management.
To become an IBCLC, candidates must complete specific educational requirements, including college-level health science courses, lactation-specific education, and clinical experience. They must also pass the IBCLC examination. Maintaining the IBCLC credential requires recertification every five years through continuing education or retaking the exam.
Lactation consultants who are also doctors or nurses can further advance their careers by pursuing leadership positions in their hospitals or practices through additional education and training. The career path for lactation consultants offers flexibility, the opportunity to work independently, and the ability to provide crucial support to new families during the initial mother-baby bond of breastfeeding.
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Day-to-day work
The day-to-day work of a hospital lactation consultant involves supporting mothers, especially first-time mothers, throughout their breastfeeding journey. Lactation consultants are specially trained healthcare professionals who help new mothers learn how to breastfeed and offer guidance and support for any challenges that may arise. They work with prenatal and postpartum providers to help new families meet their breastfeeding goals.
Lactation consultants may visit mothers within the first few days of giving birth if they are staying in a hospital. They review the mother's health history and the baby's health record, observe feedings, and provide coaching as the mother and baby learn to breastfeed. They give pointers on positioning and how to become more comfortable breastfeeding, and help with the proper use of a breast pump. They also answer any questions and troubleshoot issues unique to the mother and baby. For example, they may teach new mothers how to know if their baby is getting enough breast milk and gaining enough weight.
In addition to their work with individual mothers and families, lactation consultants are also advocates for breastfeeding-friendly policies within hospitals and healthcare facilities. This includes educating staff and helping mothers initiate breastfeeding within an hour of birth. Their advocacy work also extends beyond the immediate postpartum period, as they promote public acceptance and accommodation for breastfeeding.
Lactation consultants come from a variety of backgrounds and professions, including nursing, dietetics, medicine, and midwifery. Some employers may require additional qualifications beyond a lactation consultant certification, such as registration as a nurse. Lactation consultants who are also registered nurses may have better job prospects, especially in hospital settings.
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Frequently asked questions
To become a hospital lactation consultant, you will need to complete lactation-specific education and training. This includes 90-95+ hours of lactation training, college-level health science courses, and clinical experience as a hands-on lactation helper. You will also need to pass the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) exam to become an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).
A hospital lactation consultant is a healthcare professional who helps new mothers with the clinical management of breastfeeding. They provide support and guidance to ensure mothers and their babies can learn to breastfeed comfortably. This includes providing coaching, pointers on positioning, and helping with equipment such as breast pumps.
Lactation consultants can work full-time in hospitals, clinics, or private practices, or they can work independently or part-time. Lactation consultants who are also registered nurses tend to have better job prospects, especially in hospital settings. Self-employed consultants can build a successful private practice by attracting clients through referrals.
