Are any of you lactation consultants?

OntheWater · May 2014

So, I am having a moment in my career when I am not overly happy (to say the least). During these moments, I always wonder about what careers I would feel content with and often times I come back to the idea of being a lactation consultant. My issue is, I am an attorney. I have no medical background whatsoever and other than biology classes I took almost 20 years ago for my environmental science degree (I'm an env'l atty) in college, I satisfy no requirements other than my experiences being an EP'er for DD1 and nursing DD2. I have thoroughly enjoyed supporting my friends through their journeys, teaching them what I have learned as they have needed help, etc. and always think that it would be such a gratifying career for me. It's not really a good time though for me to just stop and start my college education all over again.

If you're a LC, have any of you had sort of untraditional methods for becoming one? How do you feel about your career? (such a generic question, I know!)

inluv4life2 · May 2014

I'm not an LC but I love helping and supporting my friends, too. I also EP with my first and am nursing my second so I have lots of varies experiences to share.

My LC has been encouraging me to consider a career change. At minimum she suggested starting as a LLL leader and I'm exploring that option but a not sure I'll have time once I return to work in a couple weeks.

I'm interested in the responses to your questions!

vvvvvfee · May 2014

i did some brief research on this a while ago as well. apparently it's really difficult to get enough clinical hours to become certified unless you're already a nurse. here's a link with more info: https://www.breastfeedingbasics.com/qa/becoming-a-lactation-consultant

NeenyW · May 2014

I am currently on the IBCLC path, using pathway 2, which is what you would do if you aren't already a healthcare professional. You will need a number of college prereqs (bio, sociology, etc), in addition to nutrition, anatomy and physiology, infection control, ethics, occupational safety, etc. If you are not already a healthcare provider, you can do pathway 2 and enroll in a lactation course that will match you up with a site so you can get the clinical hours. It takes a while to rack up those hours, though.

There is some good information here (this is the program I am doing) - https://breastfeeding-education.com/lactation-consultant/

All in all it will take me about 2 years from the time I started to sitting for the IBLCE exam. Testing is offered only one time a year in the summer. In terms of a career change, getting employed as an IBCLC without an RN can be very difficult, as most hospitals and health systems want you to be double duty and have other credentials. Most IBCLCs without previous healthcare credentials go into private practice.

Hope that helps.

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