A Comprehensive Lactation Management CourseThe didactic/classroom instruction a student lactation consultant receives should be part of a comprehensive lactation management course that is preparing you for the profession, not just as an educator or a counselor. It should include information on how to counsel and educate parents, but go further to prepare you to be a professional hands-on lactation consultant.
The program should include information and discussion specific to the practice of lactation consulting. This would include documentation, developing private, hospital, clinic, or public health practices, review of the Standards of Practice as delineated by the professional association and ethical issues. Emphasis should be placed on preparing you for practice as an IBCLC with a concentration of practical aspects of lactation management. It should also cover how to obtain clinical experience. The information will be valuable, even if you aren't sure you want to go "all the way" to IBCLC. There are many lactation and breastfeeding management courses available, ranging from 18 hours to over 120. How will you know which one is best for you based on your specific needs? Although you may consider location, cost, and length of program to be the most important factors, there are numerous other considerations. See Questions to ask when Comparing Courses |
Steps to Becoming an LC
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