Lactation Consultant Pathway 3

Pathway 3: Mentorship
These courses are not available on-line.

You must complete an approved lactation education plan under the supervision of one or more IBCLCs, all of whom have re-certified at least once to qualify for this pathway. The plan must be approved by IBLCE before the candidate begins the clinical practice component.

Who would benefit? Students who are not currently in the health professions or working as a peer counselor and who have significant academic background (such as a Bachelor’s Degree or other college or university experience) and who are interested in creating a personalized plan for their supervised clinical experience.

Required Minimum Lactation Specific Clinical Hours
500 hours directly supervised by the recertified IBCLCs who are the plan supervisors and accumulated within the 5 years immediately prior to exam application. We are establishing working relationships with IBCLCs throughout the Metro Area in both hospital and independent practice settings who are willing to work with students in our program. For now, each plan must be developed individually, and we will work with students to complete this application process and provide institutional support, including documentation paperwork etc. while they are completing their clinical experience.

Education in Human Lactation and Breastfeeding
45 hours minimum required; 80-150 hours recommended, based on the IBLCE Exam Blueprint and completed within the 5 years immediately prior to exam application.

Birthingway’s AARC approved Lactation Consultant Course (Breastfeeding I, II, and III sequence) meets the 45 hour requirement. We will also be offering Breastfeeding IV, V, and VI in the 2010-2011 academic year, which will provide additional hours if the student chooses to take them.

Health Disciplines Education
Recommended for candidates who have not already studied these subjects as part of their university education.