I've made a decision

The_Spanish_Inquisition

Once I decide to go back to work, I'm going to start on the path to becoming a IBCLC lactation consultant.

If you had asked me this time last year, I'd have told you that I wasn't remotely interested in helping other women breastfeed. But nursing over the past year and just generally living the breastfeeding "lifestyle" has really opened my eyes to how much work it is, and how difficult it is to maintain without a good support system. I am so grateful to have had a supportive family and DH, and I really, really hope I can be a small part of that system for another woman.

And, really, I can thank The Bump for some of it - not a day goes by that I'm not disappointed by the lack of support some women receive.

Traycee1242

That's fantastic! Good Luck to you!

e_b_r

GL! that's a wonderful plan. the world needs more fantastic LCs. i'm constantly grateful for mine.

kat.in.the.hat

absolutely awesome.  this world needs some kick arse LCs.

cubits

That's great.  I know what you mean, the breastfeeding board makes me sad sometimes.

Hippinski

Woo Hoo!  We need more good LCs.

webMistress0609

That's great! You're definitely right about the need for knowledgeable LCs.

DarcyLongfellow

I've thought about the same thing.  I feel like I type the same things over and over on the breastfeeding board, and it just makes me sad that so many women have so little support.

Have you thought about where you'd work as a LC?  I imagine getting a job at a hospital is very competitive.  Are there private LC?  What is the training process like?

ncbelle

That's great!!

Since kiddo was born, I've thought numerous times about doing something in the "mama" field.  My lastest daydream has been to open on of those nursing mama cafes where women can come for free advice and support (and of course babywearing would be involved!).

Good luck to you and keep us posted on the process - I'm very curious!