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Do You Have to Be a Nurse to be a Lactation Consultant?

Becoming a certified lactation consultant (CLC) is a great way to help others and provide critical care to mothers and babies. Whether you are an existing health care professional or a new entry to the field, you can become a CLC. But do you need to be a nurse to become a lactation consultant?

In this blog post, we’ll answer all the questions you may have about training for and working as a lactation consultant. We’ll explore the background and qualifications needed to become a CLC, job responsibilities and duties, salary potential, and more.

What Is a Lactation Consultant?

A lactation consultant is a healthcare professional who’s trained to help breastfeeding mothers and their families. They use their knowledge of nutrition and infant health, as well as their counseling skills, to help families develop their breastfeeding plan. Lactation consultants also serve as a resource to mothers and the health care facility they are in by providing current evidence-based research about lactation.

What Qualifications Are Needed?

To become a certified lactation consultant, you must meet the requirements set forth by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE). These credentials include:

  • A healthcare degree from an accredited institution
  • Completion of an approved lactation consultant program
  • A minimum of 90 hours of lactation education
  • 30 hours of hands-on experience under supervision
  • An active membership in a professional organization
  • A minimum of 15 hours of continuing education in lactation in each three years
  • Passing of the IBLCE exam

Do You Have to Be a Nurse to Become a Lactation Consultant?

No, you don’t have to be a nurse to become a lactation consultant. The qualifications and credentials for becoming a CLC are highly varied, offering opportunities for any healthcare-related field.

For example, if you are a physical therapist or occupational therapist, you may qualify for a shorter path to becoming a CLC. Certain nursing degrees may qualify you too.

What Are the Job Responsibilities?

A lactation consultant will typically have a variety of duties and responsibilities, both in one-on-one consultations and providing education and support in a larger format. The job will involve:

  • Working with mothers and babies to assess physical and emotional needs
  • Assessing breastfeeding techniques, such as positioning, to ensure mother and baby comfort and successful feeding
  • Identifying potential health problems in mothers or babies
  • Providing breastfeeding support, such as helping new mothers with safe pumping and bottle-feeding techniques
  • Educating mothers, families, and healthcare providers about breastfeeding
  • Following up with care and offering resources, such as breastfeeding support groups
  • Maintaining records and filing paperwork
  • Working with a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals

Salary and Job Outlook

The salary of a lactation consultant will vary based on qualifications, experience, and location. On average, the median annual salary for a CLC is approximately $57,000, according to PayScale.

The job outlook for lactation consultants is healthy, thanks to the ever-growing need for lactation support. A lactation consultant can also work in a variety of settings, from hospitals to private practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need a nursing degree to become a CLC?

A: No, you don’t need a nursing degree to become a CLC. However, you may qualify based on the nursing program you are enrolled in.

Q: What other healthcare degrees can I use to qualify?

A: Other healthcare degrees that may qualify you to become a CLC include physical therapy, occupational therapy, nutrition, and social work.

Q: How long does it take to become a CLC?

A: The time it takes to become a CLC can vary based on qualifications and experience. Generally, it takes about one to two years to become certified.

If you’re still wondering if you have to be a nurse to become a lactation consultant, here are a few more FAQs that may help:

Conclusion

Becoming a certified lactation consultant is a great way to help mothers and babies and to make a difference in the health care field. If you’re interested in becoming a CLC, you don’t need to be a nurse. But you do need an appropriate healthcare degree and experience to qualify.

Are you ready to become a lactation consultant? Start by finding an IBLCE-certified program to enroll in today!

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