The Lactation Consultant major is designed to prepare students to become experts in the field of human lactation and to provide support to breastfeeding mothers. The program provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become certified lactation consultants. The major coursework covers topics such as human anatomy and physiology, milk production, breastfeeding management, and counseling. The major also provides students with the opportunity to complete an internship in a hospital or other healthcare setting.
The Lactation Consultant major studies the process and management of breastfeeding. It is a multi-disciplinary field that looks at the physiology of lactation, the psychology of mother-infant relations, and the social support systems necessary for successful breastfeeding. The major provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become certified lactation consultants.
The Lactation Consultant major expects students to complete a total of 120 academic credits. The Lactation Consultant major has a clinical component that must be completed in addition to the academic credits. The Lactation Consultant major is designed to be completed in four years of full-time study, though some students may need five years to complete the program.
The Lactation Consultant job market is expected to grow by 3.2% from 2016 to 2026. This is slower than the average for all occupations. The main reason for this slow growth is that most hospitals already have one or more lactation consultants on staff. There will be some job openings created by the need to replace consultants who retire or leave the field.
There is a lack of full-time lactation consultants. The average lactation consultant works part-time, which can lead to inconsistency in care and fewer opportunities to build relationships with patients. There is also a lack of lactation consultants in rural and underserved areas. This can make it difficult for new mothers to get the support they need. Additionally, lactation consultants are often not covered by insurance, which can make them out of reach for many families.
The Lactation Consultant projected to grow rapidly in the next five years. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the number of Lactation Consultants will grow by 21 percent between 2016 and 2026. This is much faster than the average for all occupations. The number of Lactation Consultants is expected to grow from about 2,200 in 2016 to 2,700 in 2026.
If you are passionate about working with mothers and babies, then a career as a Lactation Consultant may be the right choice for you. Lactation Consultants provide education and support to mothers who are breastfeeding, and play an important role in ensuring that mothers and babies have a positive breastfeeding experience.
To become a Lactation Consultant, you will need to complete a degree in a relevant field, such as human nutrition, nursing, or midwifery. Once you have completed your degree, you will need to register with the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) and pass the IBLCE examination. After you have obtained your IBLCE certification, you will be able to work as a Lactation Consultant in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, clinics, or private practice.
To be a good lactation consultant, you must be patient, have good people skills, and be able to effectively teach breastfeeding techniques. You must be able to work with a variety of people, as each mother and baby are unique and may have different challenges. Good lactation consultants are able to troubleshoot problems and offer individualized advice. They also keep up to date on the latest research and information in the field.
If you are thinking about becoming a lactation consultant, there are a few things you should know. First, you should become knowledgeable about breastfeeding. You can do this by reading books, taking classes, and attending conferences. Second, you should get experience working with mothers and babies. This can be done by working as a doula, a breastfeeding peer counselor, or a lactation consultant. Third, you should get certified by taking a lactation consultant certification course. This will give you the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful lactation consultant.
The most important factor when seeking a lactation consultant is to find one who is certified. Certification by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) is voluntary, but it ensures that the consultant has completed a rigorous academic and clinical program. The IBLCE also requires lactation consultants to recertify every five years.
In addition to certification, look for a lactation consultant who has experience working with mothers who have your particular breastfeeding concern. Also, ask about the consultant's fees and whether she or he accepts your insurance.
