Becoming an IBCLC credited lactation consultant is an achievement that leads to many open doors, but how much effort and commitment does it require from applicants? The path followed by professionals in this field is not similar to other ordinary medical courses, like canceling or therapy. The regulation body offering IBCLC certificates, IBLCE, has requirements that applicants must meet before sitting for the exam.
The first and the most crucial educational requirement for IBCLC credited lactation consultant is health science education. The education level in this field varies from biology, human anatomy, infant child growth and development, nutrition, psychology, and sociology. The choices for taking these programs can either be a continuous course or as a specialty in a university. The body requires transcripts as proof of the organizations. It would be best if you worked with an accredited institution, but the mode of study, whether online or long-distance learning, does not matter in this situation.
Another factor of consideration by the IBCLC is a course in lactation education. You will require to prove that you undertook lessons amounting to 90 hours in a classroom. The learning mode can be through a one-time course or a combination of classes but summing up to the required duration. Before making settlements with institutions, check on the IBCLC website to establish if they are accredited or not. Additionally, a clinical requirement is essential. Prior engagement with breastfeeding mothers for a specific amount of time makes you competitive. Certified persons can establish timings. Nevertheless, medical personnel looking forward to becoming IBCLC credited lactation consultants can come from three different pathways regulated by the organization.
The first pathway includes health professionals like nurses and doctors who have worked directly with breastfeeding mothers in their duty line. Furthermore, volunteers who have a consistent record of offering relevant help also fall into this category. The second path includes university degree holders. However, the kind of course undertaken has to align with those in the governing bodies list. Pathway three is all about mentorship. Here, you have to look for an IBCLC accredited mentor to guide you through the process. You have to abide by the rules and restrictions required by the online application. A fee is also necessary. Your mentor will walk with you in every step until the completion of the training.
IBLCE offers exams twice every year. Conforming to the guidelines will ensure that you become an IBCLC credited lactation consultant.
