How To Become Lactation Consultant | SkillsAnTech

Breastfeeding is one of the most natural things a woman can do. It allows her to provide her baby with essential nutrients and health, while also bonding with her child in a special way. Unfortunately, not all women are able to breastfeed.

This leaves countless mothers out in the cold, searching for ways to provide breast milk for their infants. If you find yourself in this predicament, it may be time to consider becoming a lactation consultant. As a lactation consultant, you would help mothers breastfeed by providing advice, support, and resources.

There is no doubt that breastfeeding is the best way to feed your infant, but it takes effort and dedication on both the mother’s and lactation consultant’s part for it to work. If this sounds like something you would be interested in, get started on your lactation consultant career today!

What is lactation consultation?

Lactation consultation is a unique and important service that breastfeeding mothers can utilize to help improve their breastfeeding experience. Lactation consultants are skilled professionals who can provide mothers with advice on how to breastfeed effectively, troubleshoot common issues, and support them through the early stages of lactation.

Many women feel that lactation consultation is an invaluable resource for improving their breastfeeding experience. According to the World Health Organization, lactation consultant services are one of the most effective interventions to promote breastfeeding. The benefits of lactation consultation include:

• Increased comfort breastfeeding due to improved communication and support.
• Optimized breastfeeding by addressing common problems and providing solutions.
• Reduced rates of supplementation with formula or other forms of supplementary feeding.
• Improved outcomes for infants – including increased weight gain, better sleep patterns, and reduced incidence of jaundice – due to more frequent nursing sessions.

Types of lactation consultation

There are several types of lactation consulting that a lactation consultant can offer. These consultations can include teaching breastfeeding techniques, helping to troubleshoot common breastfeeding issues, and providing nutrition counseling.

A lactation consultant may also be able to provide other services such as helping to establish breastfeeding goals, working with insurance companies, and providing consultation for employers who want to establish breastfeeding policies.

The availability of lactation consultants varies depending on where someone lives, but typically they can be found in hospitals, health clinics, and pediatric offices.

What to expect during lactation consultation

If you are considering becoming a lactation consultant, there are a few things that you should expect during your consultation.

Your doctor or lactation consultant will ask about your medical history, breastfeeding experience and goals. They will also want to know the frequency of your milk production and how long it has been since you last breastfed. Once they have gathered all of this information, they will be able to create an individualized lactation plan for you.

Conclusion

If you’re interested in becoming a lactation consultant, there are a few things you’ll need to do.

• First, you’ll need to have some experience working with breastfeeding women and be familiar with the different types of latch that work best for them.
• Second, you’ll need to have a good understanding of how human milk production works and be able to teach others about it.
• Third, and most importantly, you’ll need to develop a strong rapport with your clients so that they feel comfortable opening up to you about their breastfeeding challenges.
• If all of these things sound like something you’d be interested in doing, then take the time to read more about becoming a lactation consultant and see if this is something that interests you.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Question)

What does a Lactation Consultant do ?

A lactation consultant is a professional who specializes in helping women breastfeed their babies. They can provide breastfeeding education and support, help with latch difficulties, and offer other breastfeeding assistance. In some cases, they may also perform milk ejection therapy (MET).

How much do Lactation Consultant make ?

To become a lactation consultant, you will need to have at least a bachelor’s degree in nursing, preferably with a specialization in lactation.

Additionally, you will need to complete an accredited lactation program and pass the National Board for Certification in Lactation (NBCL). After completing all of these requirements, you will be able to apply for certification from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). The average salary for a lactation consultant is $80,000 per year.

How much does it cost to be a Lactation Consultant?

The average yearly salary for a lactation consultant is $71,840. However, this varies based on experience, location, and other factors.

The required education and licensure also varies depending on the state in which the practitioner resides. Generally speaking, however, lactation consultants need at least an associate’s degree in nursing or another related field and must pass an exam to obtain their license.

How long does it take to become a Lactation Consultant?

Becoming a lactation consultant (LC) is a long and grueling process that can take years of training and experience. There are many requirements and qualifications that must be met before someone can become an LC, including certification from the International Board Lactation Consultants (IBLC).

Even with all of the necessary qualifications, becoming an LC is not easy. The field is highly competitive and there are few jobs available. In addition to the required education, experience, and certification, many applicants also need to have strong networking skills and be able to work independently.

Despite the challenges, becoming an LC is a rewarding career. Many LCs enjoy helping new mothers breastfeeding successfully and providing them with practical advice on how to improve their breastfeeding relationship.

How many hours of Lactation Consultant Work ?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the amount of time necessary to become a lactation consultant will vary depending on your experience, education and certification.

However, according to the National Association of Lactation Consultants (NALC), a lactation consultant typically spends about 2,000 hours working in the field. This includes attending workshops, reading scientific literature and clinical studies, conducting interviews and monitoring lactating women.