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Any lactation consultants?



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amother
Ruby


 

Post Thu, Aug 03 2017, 5:20 pm
I'm interested in becoming a certified lactation consultant. However, I'd like to get more info if there are anyone over here that works as one or knows one.

I looked into the IBLCE website and read about the requirements. So I'm already exempt from the 15 Health Science Courses because I have a BA in one of the areas listed that can be exempt. I'm just wondering now how exactly to get the clinical hours and how to get the lactation education hours? Should I just look online for courses? any recommendations? Should I just start as a volunteer and work with a lactation consultant? how did you get the clinical experience hours?

Also, I noticed that in many places, especially hospitals, they look for lactation consultants that are also nurses. Would it be difficult for me to find a job as a lactation consultant that isn't a nurse? what's the salary base for one who's not a nurse (in NYC)?
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mha3484




 
 
    
 

Post Thu, Aug 03 2017, 5:27 pm
I can only answer your last question but we had a woman in our community who was a lactation consultant who had rave reviews until she moved last year. She was not a nurse but so many people I know used her and loved her. She had her own practice. I used my pediatrician's lactation specialists and was not that impressed so I don't think being a medical practitioner means you will be any better.
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amother
Ruby


 

Post Sun, Aug 06 2017, 8:36 pm
Yes, I also knew one great lactation consultant that wasn't a nurse. I live in NYC and when I was doing a lactation consultant job search, I noticed that many places (especially hospitals) are looking for lactation consultants that are RNs. I just want to make sure that I'll have job opportunities if I'll decide to be certified, but not a nurse. I wonder what's the salary. Also, I'm finding it hard to find any programs or internships that will give me the "clinical hours" and "lactation education" in order for me to take the exam. If anyone could help please?
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Hashem_Yaazor




 
 
    
 

Post Sun, Aug 06 2017, 8:57 pm
A lot depends on which pathway you go through, and if you need an IBCLC mentor or anyone who is an IBCLC. There are some online colleges that will let you get credits through them, and then you do clinical hours in person with local lactation consultants or individuals, but you will need to do a lot of networking....call up any IBCLCs in the area and ask if you can shadow them (be prepared to pay, of course) as well as hospitals. Even if you're not an RN, once you've passed the IBCLE you can work in various capacities as an IBCLC. It may or may not be in a hospital, but various pediatrician practices, OB/GYN or midwife practices, WIC offices, etc all hire lactation consultants and credentials like this make a difference in salary. Many IBCLCs work privately as well. Not being an RN shouldn't stop you from pursuing this path if it's your dream.
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amother
Ruby


 

Post Wed, Aug 09 2017, 3:21 pm
OP here:

I was thinking of just going back to school for nursing program, but my prerequisite courses are over 10 years ago and GPA is a little less than 3.0 so I was getting discouraged just reading the requirements for nursing programs in my area. I was actually thinking it would be a great field for me but I don't know if it's worth the time and effort to apply. I know it's also intensive. However, I feel like being an RN would get me many other job opportunities and if I could then go for RN lactation consultant and get more job opportunities. I know the easiest thing for me is to just go ahead and be a lactation consultant, but I just don't want to be stuck without a job (or not enough pay).
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mha3484




 
 
    
 

Post Wed, Aug 09 2017, 3:35 pm
I looked at the list my MW gave out and a few of the LC's were speech therapists. Is that more appealing to you over nursing? I think its also two years for a masters?
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amother
Ruby


 

Post Wed, Aug 09 2017, 6:59 pm
mha3484 wrote:
I looked at the list my MW gave out and a few of the LC's were speech therapists. Is that more appealing to you over nursing? I think its also two years for a masters?


I think that it would take me longer than 2 years because I don't have a BA in speech therapy or anything related to this field.
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