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

Jan 18, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Being a lactation consultant can be a rewarding career, as it helps mothers and families learn how to properly feed their newborns and maintain a healthy breastfeeding relationship. The effects of this profession can be profound, as it can lead to improved infant health outcomes, reduce the risk of mother-infant bonding issues, and provide psychological and emotional support for mothers. In addition, lactation consultants are also instrumental in helping mothers make informed decisions regarding their breastfeeding journey, such as selecting the right breastfeeding products and understanding the benefits of breast milk for their babies. Furthermore, lactation consultants often work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals, such as pediatricians and obstetricians, to provide comprehensive care for mothers and babies.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. To become a Lactation Consultant, you must first obtain a bachelor's degree in nursing or a related field.
Earn a Master's Degree in Lactation. After completing a bachelor's degree, you must then obtain a master's degree in lactation. Most universities offer a Master of Science in Lactation (MSL) degree program.
Become Certified. Once you have earned your master's degree, you must become certified as a lactation consultant. The International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) administers the certification exam.
Obtain Clinical Experience. Depending on your state's regulations, you may need to obtain a certain amount of clinical experience prior to being certified. Check with your state board of nursing for specific requirements.
Keep Your Certification Current. Once you have obtained your certification, you must keep it current by taking continuing education courses and recertifying every 5 years.

The rise in popularity of lactation consultants has had a significant effect on the reliability and efficiency of breastfeeding for new parents. By providing education, advice and support to families on the importance of breastfeeding, lactation consultants are able to ensure that new mothers have the knowledge and confidence needed to successfully breastfeed their babies. lactation consultants are able to troubleshoot any problems that may arise, from latching issues to milk supply issues, meaning that parents can receive effective solutions quickly and easily.

Furthermore, lactation consultants often collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as pediatricians, midwives and physicians, to create a comprehensive breastfeeding plan for each family. This ensures that every parent receives tailored advice that meets their individual needs, thus maximizing the success of breastfeeding.

You may want to check Clinical Genetics Specialist, Doula, and Maternal-Infant Health Outreach Worker for alternative.

Job Description

Provide breastfeeding education and support to mothers and families
Assess and diagnose breastfeeding problems
Provide individualized breastfeeding assistance and advice
Develop breastfeeding management plans
Assist in the development of breastfeeding policies and procedures
Monitor the progress of mothers and babies during breastfeeding sessions
Educate health care professionals on breastfeeding practices
Advocate for mothers and babies in the health care system
Facilitate lactation support groups
Develop and review educational materials on breastfeeding

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of breastfeeding physiology, anatomy and development
Skill in assessing the physical, psychological and social needs of mothers and babies
Ability to troubleshoot and provide evidence-based solutions to breastfeeding problems
Ability to educate families on best practices and encourage them to make informed decisions
Knowledge of community resources and referral networks
Ability to develop individualized care plans
Ability to provide effective lactation counseling
Skill in providing hands-on assistance with positioning, latch and milk transfer
Understanding of the impact of cultural factors on infant feeding practices
Ability to promote positive body image and self-confidence in mothers
Ability to work collaboratively with other health care providers
Knowledge of relevant laws and regulations

Being a lactation consultant requires a range of skills, but the most important is the ability to provide accurate and compassionate support to breastfeeding mothers. It is essential for lactation consultants to understand the physical, psychological, and emotional aspects of breastfeeding and be able to provide education and support throughout the process. To do this effectively, they must possess strong communication and interpersonal skills, be organized and patient, and have a good understanding of breastfeeding anatomy and physiology.

they must have a solid understanding of cultural diversity, as many women come from different backgrounds and have different needs. Lastly, they need to be passionate about breastfeeding and committed to helping mothers reach their breastfeeding goals. By having these skills and attributes, lactation consultants can help mothers to overcome common challenges and make positive changes in their lives.

Childbirth Educator, Childbirth Educator/Doula/Lactation Consultant, and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI) Nurse are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have providing lactation consulting services?
How do you effectively motivate and support breastfeeding mothers?
What challenges have you faced in your past roles as a lactation consultant?
How have you been successful in resolving breastfeeding issues?
What strategies do you use to ensure that the mother is comfortable with breastfeeding?
How do you handle difficult conversations with mothers who are resistant to breastfeeding?
How do you ensure that you provide accurate, evidence-based information to breastfeeding mothers?
What techniques do you use to troubleshoot challenges related to breastfeeding?
How do you stay up-to-date on the latest research and trends in lactation consulting?
How do you collaborate with other health care professionals to ensure the best care for breastfeeding mothers?

Common Tools in Industry

Breastfeeding Pump. A device used to extract milk from the breasts for storage, either manually or with an electric motor. (eg: Medela Pump In Style Advanced Breast Pump)
Nursing Pillow. A specially designed pillow used to support a babys body and head during breastfeeding. (eg: Boppy Nursing Pillow)
Breastfeeding Scales. A device used to measure the amount of breast milk consumed by a baby during a feeding session. (eg: Munchkin Baby Scale)
Nursing Bras. A specially designed bra used to provide extra support when breastfeeding. (eg: Bravado Designs Body Silk Seamless Nursing Bra)
Nursing Pads. Disposable or reusable pads that absorb moisture and protect clothing while breastfeeding. (eg: Lansinoh Stay Dry Disposable Nursing Pads)
Nursing Covers. A cover or scarf used to provide privacy and modesty when breastfeeding in public. (eg: Bebe au Lait Nursing Cover)
Breastmilk Storage Bags. Reusable or disposable bags used to store and freeze breast milk. (eg: Kiinde Twist Breastmilk Storage Bags)
Lactation Supplements. Nutritional supplements used to promote milk production and increase energy levels for nursing mothers. (eg: Motherlove More Milk Plus Capsules)
Lactation Tea. Herbal teas used to support lactation and boost milk production. (eg: Earth Mama Organic Milkmaid Tea)

Professional Organizations to Know

International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA)
Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice (ALPP)
United States Lactation Consultant Association (USLCA)
United Kingdom Association of Breastfeeding Mothers (ABM)
Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA)
Canadian Lactation Consultants Association (CLCA)
International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE)
National Association of Professional and Peer Lactation Supporters (NAPPLS)
World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA)
La Leche League International (LLLI)

We also have Clinical Nurse Specialist in Womens Health Care (CNS), Genetic Counseling Assistant, and Postpartum Nurse jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Breastfeeding. The practice of feeding an infant or young child with breast milk directly from the mothers breast.
Galactagogues. Substances that can help a mother increase her milk supply.
Breast Pump. A device used to express milk from the breast.
Nursing. The practice of feeding a baby from the breast or bottle.
Postpartum Care. Care and support provided to a mother after childbirth, including breastfeeding support and education.
Tongue-Tie. A condition in which the tongue has a short, tight band of tissue connecting it to the floor of the mouth, which can interfere with breastfeeding.
Latch. The way a baby attaches to the breast while breastfeeding.
Weaning. Gradually decreasing the amount of breast milk given to an infant while transitioning to other forms of nutrition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Lactation Consultant do?

A Lactation Consultant is a health care professional who specializes in the promotion, protection, and support of breastfeeding. They provide evidence-based guidance and education to help parents and babies establish and maintain successful breastfeeding.

What qualifications do you need to become a Lactation Consultant?

To become a Lactation Consultant, you must complete at least 90 hours of lactation-specific coursework and have at least one year of clinical experience working with breastfeeding mothers. You must also pass an approved certification exam.

How long does it take to become a Lactation Consultant?

It typically takes between 6 months and 1 year to become a Lactation Consultant, depending on the amount of time dedicated to studying and gaining the necessary experience.

What types of services does a Lactation Consultant provide?

Lactation Consultants provide a range of services, including counseling, lactation assessment and support, prenatal breastfeeding education, and postpartum follow-up. They also provide guidance on how to use breast pumps and other breastfeeding equipment.

How much does a Lactation Consultant charge for their services?

The cost of a Lactation Consultant's services can vary greatly depending on their location, experience, and the type of services provided. Generally, the cost of an initial consultation can range from $50-$150, while follow-up visits are usually around $35-$75.

Web Resources

How to become a lactation consultant (IBCLC): An breastfeeding.cals.ncsu.edu
Lactation Consultant | NC State Online and Distance Education online-distance.ncsu.edu
Lactation Consultant: Pathway 2 - University of California, San extendedstudies.ucsd.edu