Breastfeeding Counselor & Lactation Consultant Programs

Birthingway has developed a model of caring for women and families during the childbearing year. We refer to this as the biodynamic model, in which birth is not only a natural part of human life, it is a necessary part, and one that is intimately connected with what it is to be human. The “bio” in biodynamic reflects the centrality of biological processes while “dynamic” refers to the energy of relationships that ensures our model is very woman-centered and individual. A biodynamic birth will be one with the least amount of intervention while still protecting the well-being of mother and baby. Intervention takes on different meanings depending upon the type of care provider; therefore, each of our programs develops specific tools for the various types of services our students will be providing.

Taking the biodynamic model of birth to its natural next step, Birthingway's Breastfeeding Counselor and Lactation Consultant Training Programs approach breastfeeding support with the same emphasis on physiologic processes and low intervention.

The most up do date information about qualifying for the IBLCE certification exam is here.

Birthingway offers two options for those interested in supporting breastfeeding:

• Breastfeeding Counseling Certification, in which a student takes classes with some skills elements but does not go on to sit for the International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) exam, administered by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE). Students seeking this Birthingway credential may be interested in adding more breastfeeding knowledge to their labor or postpartum doula or childbirth educator business, or may want to teach breastfeeding classes or become a peer counselor for WIC or Le Leche League.
• Lactation Consultant Program, which prepares students to sit for the IBLCE exam via one of three pathways (Pathway 1, Pathway 2, Pathway 3), including coursework, academic counseling, and facilitation of accumulating lactation-specific clinical hours.

To support both of these programs, we offer an AARC approved course, containing 45 hours of breastfeeding education for 3 college semester credits. This means that in addition to the 45 contact hours, students will be doing approximately 90 hours of homework, including extensive reading, research, and case studies, covering all of the topics on the IBLCE Exam Blueprint.

Registration Fee (non-refundable) $ 50 per term
Tuition – Academic Credit – $490 per semester credit hour
3 Semester Credits for AARC approved course

Scholarship opportunity for students taking the IBLCE exam: MILCC Website