Future Lactation Providers
Investing in you is investing in our future
Becoming an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant can feel overwhelming, scary, exciting, fun, and confusing all at the same time.
That is where we come in.
The Kentuckiana Lactation Improvement Coalition is focused on helping
to mentor and shape the future of lactation providers.
How to Become an IBCLC
Step 1
Every potential IBCLC must either complete
14 Health Science Courses
OR be an IBLCE
Recognised Health Care Professional.
Step 2
In addition each individual must also have 95+ hours of lactation specific education, including five hours focused on communication skills.
Step 3
Each individual must also agree to and adhere to the
Code of Conduct.
Step 4
Complete clinical hours via one of three pathways.
Pathway 1 - Recognized Health Professional
Minimum of 1000 hours of lactation specific clinical practice in an appropriate supervised setting within the five years immediately prior to examination application. Clinical practice hours can be earned through independent practice as a licensed/registered healthcare professional in non-healthcare settings. Clinical practice is to be obtained in an appropriate supervised setting, to include the following:
o Hospital
o Birth Centre
o Community Clinic
o Lactation Care Clinic/Practice
o Primary Care Practitioner’s Practice/Office.
For breastfeeding support counsellors from a Recognised Breastfeeding Support Counsellor Organisation, clinical hours must be earned in a delivery setting which meets the following criteria:
o Provide structured training programmes for their counsellors which include comprehensive education in breastfeeding and lactation management
o Have a Code of Ethics or Professional Conduct
o Provide structured supervision for counsellors, with an appropriate level of training
o Provide a continuing education programme for counsellors
Please note: Whether a Recognised Health Professional or a breastfeeding support counsellor from a Recognised Support Counsellor Organisation, the 1000 hours do not need to be directly supervised.
Pathway 2 - Academic Program
Pathway 2 IBCLC applicants must complete a comprehensive academic program in human lactation and breastfeeding that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or another accrediting body with equivalent accreditation standards for lactation academic programmes. The program must be accredited at the time of the candidate’s completion.
These comprehensive lactation academic programmes are university or college-based, include both didactic and clinical components, and require health sciences education, whether as a prerequisite or as education which must be earned concurrently, prior to completion of the academic programme.
Pathway 3 - Mentorship Program
Pathway 3 mentorship is a structured, defined relationship between an applicant and IBCLC(s) which must be preapproved. The mentorship must be developed according to the specifications found in the Pathway 3 Plan Guide, and the certification status of the IBCLCs serving as mentors must be verified prior to beginning the mentorship.
All Pathway 3 Plans MUST be verified through an application process (which includes a fee) PRIOR to earning clinical hours for this Pathway.
Minimum of 500 hours of directly supervised lactation specific clinical practice as described in the Pathway 3 Plan Guide and obtained within the five years immediately prior to examination.
The IBCLC(s) who provide the direct supervision must be currently certified IBCLCs in good standing.
Need help finding a mentor?
Check out our Mentorship Program by clicking the button below.
Common Questions
What qualifies as a Recognized Health Care Professional?
Great question! The International Board of Certified Lactation defines a Health Care Professional as the following:
- Dentist
- Dietician
- Midwife
- Nurse
- Occupational Therapist
- Pharmacist
- Physical Therapist or Physiotherapist
- Physician or Medical Doctor
- Speech Pathologist or Therapist
However, they also state that if you can provide evidence from a governmental authority that recognises your profession as a clinical health profession that will count as well.
What about the 14 Health Science Courses?
Generally speaking, if you have completed a health degree in college or a science based degree, you fulfill the requirements. But to double check, IBCLE has broken down what they accept here.
Where do I get the 95+ hours of lactation specific education?
IBCLE does have a 5 year deadline for completing the lactation specific education from when you apply for the exam. It is required to have a total of 95 hours or more of education, breaking it down into the following:
- 90 hours of lactation specific education
- including two (2) hours of education focused on the WHO Code
- five (5) hours of education focused on communication skills
Thankfully there are a lot of options for the lactation specific education within a variety of budgets to help you meet your goals. KLIC doesn't endorse any specific course or educational organization but you can find a list of some of the most popular here.
How do I find a mentor?
Finding a mentor can be tough, but it shouldn't be! Through a grant funded program, KLIC is proud to partner with Bonnie Knows Breast to offer a mentorship matching program. We are looking for mentors and mentees, and can offer financial assistance for certain situations. For more info, go here.
The Lactation World Can Feel Lonely
But it doesn't have to be. One of our core tenants is to help promote and provide lactation education.
Membership is open to all who support & promote breastfeeding or aspire to learn more & connect with colleagues, including lactation care providers, students and advocates. We welcome all care providers who specialize in lactation regardless of their professional designation (the IBCLC designation is not a requirement)
pROFESSIONAL Membership benefits
Why Choose Us
Earn CERPs and Stay Current
Professional growth shouldn't be a struggle. KLIC membership provides easy access to high-quality continuing education (CERPs) through quarterly meetings and our annual conference, ensuring you stay at the forefront of clinical practice.
A Powerful Professional Referral Network
Membership puts your practice on the map. By networking with other consultants and healthcare providers in the coalition, you create a reciprocal referral system that helps your business grow while ensuring families get the specialized care they need.
Mentorship and Peer Collaboration
Whether you are a seasoned IBCLC or an aspiring student, KLIC offers a unique space to "talk shop." You can troubleshoot difficult cases, share business tips, and find mentorship opportunities within a supportive, non-competitive community.
Collective Advocacy and Voice
Individual voices can be quiet, but a coalition is loud. KLIC members work together to influence state-level policies and insurance reimbursement issues, fighting for the professional recognition and legislative protections that lactation consultants deserve.
Scholarship and Diversity Initiatives
KLIC is dedicated to diversifying the lactation field. As a member, you contribute to (and can benefit from) scholarship funds that help remove financial barriers for those entering the profession, ensuring our field reflects the diverse communities we serve.
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About Us
KLIC is a registered 501-3c non profit organization committed to promoting, protecting, and advocating for breastfeeding in the Kentuckiana area.
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