Over the years heard plenty of myths about becoming a lactation consultant. Some are understandable; others are outlandish. From people all over the world, here are some myths I want to dispel about becoming a lactation consultant. 1. You have to be a nurse to become an IBCLC No, no, […]
Have you been making plans for a career change? Are you looking for something new, something rewarding? Is it time for you to start a career in lactation? Did you enjoy breastfeeding your child? Are you passionate about the importance of breastfeeding? Has it been a life-changing event for you? […]
A resounding NO to that one! No, you do not need to be a nurse to become an IBCLC. As a nurse, it’s hard for me to imagine how a non-nurse could possibly acquire the knowledge and skills to become an IBCLC. However, just recently we heard from one of […]
Aspiring lactation consultants often ask me, “Should I take my comprehensive lactation course now? I haven’t had any clinical experience.” I stop, dead in my tracks. I wrestle with whether I should tell them the IBLCE’s requirements, or my personal recommendation for the order of completion. IBLCE’s “rules” and requirements […]
Lactation consultants—especially those without a healthcare license or a college degree—often feel that they will be looked down upon because they lack those “initials after their name.” I understand the concern, but credibility is much bigger than that. Anyone who has ever been a “new hire” has felt the need […]
Undertaking the process of being designated as a Baby-Friendly facility can cause a case of nerves at the best of times. But in the case of any number of common last-minute issues, it can make you feel downright queasy, wondering how you and everyone else at the hospital will “prove” your worthiness to achieve […]
I admit it. The first time I ever heard about “emergency preparedness” in the context of breastfeeding – years ago, before Harvey, before Irma, and before Katrina – my immediate reaction was a smart-alecky: “Just tell mothers to go ahead and breastfeed! After all, breasts don’t require any electrical power!” […]
People often ask “I haven’t had any clinical experience. Am I too early to take the Comprehensive Lactation Course?” The truth is, there’s no simple “yes” or “no” answer. Are they asking about the IBLCE’s requirements, or asking for my personal recommendation? Those are two different things—two very different things. […]
When seeking a new position, many nurses, lactation consultants, dietitians, and countless others rely on an “updated” version of their original years-old (or decades-old) resume. When I say “updated” I mean that they have taken their old resume and added any jobs they’ve had since creating it. The result is […]
For the past week, I’ve been teaching my Comprehensive Lactation Course and Picture Perfect seminar in sunny Orlando, Florida. It was an exhilarating week! Course attendees were exceptionally smart, hard-working, and appreciative. I was inspired by them. The teaching room was full of energy and—more importantly—synergy—for the entire week. This morning, […]