How to Become a Lactation Nurse

A lactation nurse, also called a lactation consultant, helps new mothers learn how to breastfeed their babies. A lactation nurse's duties include demonstrating proper breastfeeding technique and helping new mothers deal with any breastfeeding problems. Breastfeeding may be one of the most natural of human activities, but becoming a lactation consultant requires some education. Lactation nurses become certified by taking an exam through the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners.

Instructions

Pathway 1

1

Follow one of three pathways to get the necessary skills and education to qualify to take the ILBCE exam. The first pathway is for health care professionals (nurses, doctors or counselors) who have experience working with new mothers as they nurse their infants.

2

Spend 1,000 hours helping new mothers with breastfeeding issues in a clinical setting.

3

Complete your education. If you haven't taken the following subjects in college, you'll need to pass classes in them before you can become a lactation consultant: anatomy, counseling, nutrition, cultural awareness and sensitivity, medical terms and child development.

4

Take an IBLCE-approved 45-hour class on becoming a lactation consultant. This class will give you the knowledge you need to pass the exam. The IBLCE recommends you take 80 to 150 hours worth of classes, but 45 is the minimum.

Pathway 2

5

Enroll in a college or university. Students should take classes that will allow them to graduate from a year-long academic program that teaches them about human lactation and breastfeeding. You will need to take extra clinical courses in the program, as well.

6

Spend 300 hours working with nursing mothers in a clinical setting. During this time, you will be supervised by another lactation consultant who is already certified.

7

Pass classes that cover each of the following subjects: anatomy, counseling, nutrition, cultural awareness and sensitivity, medical terms and child development.

8

Take 90 hours of courses that cover material found on the IBLCE exam.

Pathway 3

9

Go through an apprenticeship program. Meet with other certified lactation nurses to come with an educational plan that will give you the knowledge you need. Then have the plan approved by the IBLCE.

10

Spend 500 hours in a clinical setting helping nursing mothers. You must be supervised during this time by experienced, certified lactation nurses.

11

Take 45 hours of courses that cover material found on the IBLCE exam. Although only 45 hours of courses are required, the IBLCE recommends you take 80 to 150 hours.

12

Pass classes that cover anatomy, counseling, nutrition, cultural awareness and sensitivity, medical terms and child development.

Getting Certified

13

Apply to take the IBLCE exam after you have completed the other requirements of your chosen pathway. You can download the application for the exam from the IBLCE website (see Resources).

14

Start studying for the exam as soon as you are approved to take it.

15

Pass the exam to receive your IBLCE certification and become a certified lactation nurse.