How to Be Lactation Consultant/Doula - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Feb 9, 2023 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The demand for lactation consultants and doulas has steadily increased over the past decade due to an increased awareness of the importance of breastfeeding and the physical and emotional support that a professional can provide. As a result, many mothers are turning to lactation consultants and doulas to help them through the breastfeeding process. These professionals can provide guidance on positioning, latching, and other technical aspects of breastfeeding, as well as emotional support during the challenging times of early motherhood.

Furthermore, they can provide assistance with pumping and storing breastmilk as well as introducing solid foods. In addition, lactation consultants and doulas can provide education on the health benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and child, which can lead to healthier babies and stronger parent-child relationships.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or GED. Many lactation consultant programs require students to have at least a high school diploma or GED.
Research and complete a lactation consultant program. Many colleges, universities, and healthcare organizations offer lactation consultant programs. Many of these programs are online and can be completed in as little as 18 months.
Obtain certification as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). The IBCLC credential is the gold standard for lactation consultants and requires passing a comprehensive exam.
Participate in a Doula training program. Doula training programs are available through various organizations, such as DONA International or Birth Arts International. These programs provide education and training in the role of the doula, which includes providing emotional and physical support to mothers during labor and delivery.
Obtain certification as a Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC). The CLC credential is offered by the Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice and requires passing an exam.
Consider additional certifications, such as Baby-Friendly Birth Practices or Postpartum Mood Disorders.
Develop a business plan and establish your practice. This may include renting office space, getting liability insurance, and marketing your services to potential clients.
Stay up-to-date on the latest information and research related to lactation and doula services. Attending conferences, taking continuing education courses, and joining professional organizations are all great ways to stay informed and connected in the field.

Becoming a skilled and efficient lactation consultant/doula requires a combination of education, experience, and training. Education typically involves taking courses in human lactation, breastfeeding management, and infant nutrition. Experience can be gained through working closely with breastfeeding mothers and infants, either in a clinical setting or as a volunteer.

Training includes courses in communication and counseling, as well as practice in facilitating support groups for breastfeeding mothers. With this combination of education, experience, and training, lactation consultants/doulas are well-equipped to provide quality support and guidance to mothers as they navigate the breastfeeding journey.

You may want to check Hospital Birth/Labor Support Doula, Infant Care Doula, and Pre-Birth Preparation and Postnatal Support Doula for alternative.

Job Description

Provide prenatal and postnatal breastfeeding education and support to new and expecting mothers.
Respond to questions about breastfeeding and lactation, including the use of pumps, and provide appropriate resources as needed.
Assist clients with establishing a successful breastfeeding relationship through proper positioning and latch.
Monitor infant weight gain and provide guidance on milk production and supplementation.
Develop individualized care plans for clients to address their unique needs.
Educate families on the importance of breastfeeding and the challenges associated with it.
Serve as an advocate for breastfeeding families and seek to increase access to breastfeeding support in the community.
Maintain accurate records and document client visits.
Create resources for breastfeeding families, such as brochures, handouts, and videos.
Conduct research on the latest lactation and breastfeeding trends.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of lactation
Understanding of the nutritional needs of breastfeeding mothers and babies
Ability to assess breastfeeding techniques and provide guidance
Ability to provide guidance in the selection and use of breastfeeding products and equipment
Knowledge of the benefits and risks associated with breastfeeding
Ability to recognize signs and symptoms of lactation problems and refer to appropriate healthcare providers
Knowledge of community resources available to breastfeeding families
Ability to provide education and support to breastfeeding mothers and their families
Ability to establish rapport with clients and build trusting relationships
Ability to provide emotional support to breastfeeding mothers
Knowledge of current research related to breastfeeding
Knowledge of relevant state and federal laws related to breastfeeding
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written

A successful lactation consultant or doula must possess a unique set of skills. These include being an excellent communicator, being knowledgeable about breastfeeding and infant care, possessing a compassionate and caring attitude, and having the ability to stay organized. Communication is key for providing support to mothers throughout their breastfeeding journey, as it is important to be able to explain the benefits of breastfeeding, answer questions, and provide encouragement.

Being knowledgeable about breastfeeding and infant care is also essential in order to provide mothers with the best possible advice. A doula or lactation consultant must also have a compassionate and caring attitude in order to empathize with mothers and provide support during difficult times. Finally, staying organized is essential to keep track of clients and their needs, as well as to be able to manage tasks efficiently.

All these skills are essential for a successful lactation consultant or doula.

Pre- and Post-Labor and Delivery Support Doula, Virtual Doula, and Private Prenatal/Postpartum Support Doula are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in lactation consulting and doula work?
What strategies do you use to assist mothers with breastfeeding and postpartum care?
How do you handle difficult situations that arise while working with clients?
In what ways do you stay current on lactation research and trends?
How do you assess the needs of a client and create a personalized plan to meet their needs?
What methods do you use to educate families on the various stages of lactation and breastfeeding?
How do you ensure that clients feel supported and respected during their lactation journey?
What techniques do you use to create a positive breastfeeding experience for mothers and babies?
How do you help empower mothers to make informed decisions about breastfeeding and postpartum care?
Describe a situation when you had to provide extra emotional support to a client and how did you handle it?

Common Tools in Industry

Breast Pump. A device used to extract milk from the breasts for storage and future use. (e. g. Medela Pump in Style Advanced)
Nursing Bras. A type of bra designed to make breastfeeding easier and more comfortable. (e. g. Bravado Designs Body Silk Seamless Nursing Bra)
Nursing Pillow. A specially designed pillow that provides support for the baby while being breastfed. (e. g. Boppy Nursing Pillow)
Nursing Tops. A type of clothing designed to provide easy access to the breasts while breastfeeding. (e. g. Kindred Bravely Sublime Nursing Top)
Breastfeeding Education Materials. Books, videos, and other materials to help educate new parents on breastfeeding and provide answers to common questions. (e. g. The Breastfeeding Book by Martha Sears)
Lactation Tea. A herbal tea designed to help increase breast milk production and support lactation. (e. g. Earth Mama Angel Baby Milkmaid Tea)
Lactation Supplements. Dietary supplements designed to support lactation and increase breast milk production. (e. g. UpSpring MilkFlow Fenugreek & Blessed Thistle Supplement)
Milk Storage Bags. Bags designed for storing expressed breast milk in the refrigerator or freezer. (e. g. Lansinoh Breastmilk Storage Bags)
Nipple Shields. Special shields designed to protect the nipple while nursing or pumping. (e. g. Medela Contact Nipple Shield)
Lactation Consultant Services. Professional services provided by a Lactation Consultant to help mothers identify and address any issues related to breastfeeding. (e. g. International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC))
Doula Services. Professional services provided by a Doula to provide physical, emotional, and informational support during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. (e. g. Certified Professional Doula (CPD))

Professional Organizations to Know

International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA)
Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM)
Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN)
La Leche League International (LLLI)
Doulas of North America (DONA)
International Childbirth Education Association (ICEA)
The Birth Partner (TBP)
Postpartum Support International (PSI)
International Center for Traditional Childbearing (ICTC)

We also have Pre- and Postnatal Comfort and Support Doula, Traveling Doula, and Pre- and Postnatal Holistic Care and Support Doula jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Breastfeeding. The process of providing milk to an infant or young child from the mother's breasts.
Lactation. The process of producing milk from the mammary glands.
Doula. A trained professional who provides physical, emotional and informational support to a woman and her family during pregnancy, labor, birth and the postpartum period.
Colostrum. The early milk produced by a woman's mammary glands during the first few days after birth.
Skin-to-Skin Contact. A practice of placing a newborn baby against the mother's bare chest for warmth, comfort and bonding.
Latching On. The process of an infant attaching to the mother's breast for breastfeeding.
Breast Pump. A device used to extract milk from the breasts.
Milk Let-Down. The reflexive release of milk from the breasts.
Milk Storage. The process of storing expressed breast milk for later use.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Lactation Consultant?

A Lactation Consultant is a health care professional who specializes in helping breastfeeding mothers, providing them with education, support, and guidance.

What qualifications do I need to become a Lactation Consultant?

To become a Lactation Consultant, you must complete the International Board of Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC) examination, which requires 90 hours of lactation-specific education and 1,000 hours of clinical experience.

What is a Doula?

A Doula is a trained professional who provides emotional, physical, and informational support to a pregnant person and their family during labor and delivery.

What qualifications do I need to become a Doula?

To become a Doula, you must complete a Doula training program, which typically includes basic childbirth education and labor support skills.

What is the difference between a Lactation Consultant and a Doula?

The primary difference between a Lactation Consultant and a Doula is that a Lactation Consultant is a health care professional who specializes in helping breastfeeding mothers, while a Doula is trained to provide emotional, physical, and informational support to a pregnant person and their family during labor and delivery.