Next Gen Lactation
Fostering a diverse medical lactation workforce in Minnesota
The Minnesota Breastfeeding Coalition has established an ongoing project called Next Gen Lactation.
Next Gen Lactation aligns with the core strategy to co-create inclusive lactation workforce representative of Minnesota’s diversity.
Next Gen Lactation furthers the MBC mission of working collaboratively to create environments where breastfeeding is valued and supported to achieve natural infant feeding equity in all Minnesota communities.
Next Gen Lactation Core Activities
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MBC will support a cohort of 10-15 IBCLC candidates from 3 pilot projects with:
Peer support, expert guidance, relationship building with IBCLC leaders in Minnesota, financial offset for prerequisites as funding is available, creating internship opportunities throughout the state, support in preparing for the IBCLC board exam. -
As cohort members complete their trainings and hours, MBC will gather feedback and assesss the criteria to accept new cohort members of Next Gen Lactation.
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In order to make this experience self-sustaining and to continue providing this supportive IBCLC candidate environment, MBC will seek funding opportunities to maintain this project.
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MBC understands the necessary work it takes to become an IBCLC through Pathway 2. MBC intends to work collaboratively to plan for a Pathway 2 Program in Minnesota.
What is an IBCLC?
An International Board Certified Lactation Counselor (IBCLC) is a healthcare professional that specializes in the clinical management of breastfeeding and lactation care.
Why become an IBCLC?
IBCLC training and credentials acknowledge the expertise of breastfeeding management and care. Become an independent IBCLC to support lactating families work towards their breastfeeding goals or work as a professional member of healthcare teams.
IBCLCs also advocate and educate about breastfeeding for leadership or policymakers, build supportive environments for breastfeeding, and manage challenges in lactation. Become a source of breastfeeding knowledge and practices for your community members!
How do I become an IBCLC?
There are specific courses, training requirements, and clinical hours to complete that prepare you for the exam to become an IBCLC. You must also agree to the Code of Professional Conduct for IBCLCs.
There are three different pathways you can choose from to begin your IBCLC journey. Once you have completed the requirements and passed the examination, you must recertify as an IBCLC every 5 years. Read more below for more information on the requirements to complete before taking the IBCLC exam.
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Biology
Anatomy
Physiology
Infant Development *can include development psychology
Clinical Research
Nutrition
Psychology, Counseling, or Communication skills
Sociology, Cultural Sensitivity, or Cultural Anthropology
Basic Life support
Medical Terminology
Medical Documentation
Occupational Safety for Health Professionals
Ethics for Health Professionals
Universal Safety Precautions and Infection Control
Minnesota Colleges that offer required Health Science Coursework
St. Kate’s
St. Paul College
Metro State
Normandale Community College
Hennepin County Technical College
Distance learning
Bemidji State University
Alexandria Tech & Community College
Northland Community & Technical College
Northwest Technical College
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Separate from the Health Science Courses
Complete 90 hours of lactation education (must be in addition to coursework)
Includes at least 5 hours focused on communication skills, preference of skills related to lactation (must be in addition to coursework)
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Direct oversight by an approved mentor in a clinical setting
Each pathway requires a set number of clinical lactation hours directly supervised by a mentor. The use of technology for these hours is permitted, however, more coordination and sensitive health data shared virtually need to be thoroughly discussed and considered. The purpose of these clinical lactation hours are to provide an IBCLC candidate with experience supporting families with lactation.
IBCLC Pathways
There are 3 different pathways you can choose from to become an IBCLC. Each have varied and required clinical hours to prepare you for the exam. Hours completed must be specific to the pathway you choose. They cannot be accumulated across pathways or across coursework or training.
See the descriptions below for the requirements of each pathway.
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This pathway is for you if…
You are practicing as a health science professional and have taken the required courses prior to taking the exam
You currently provide or can locate a nearby clinical setting to provide lactation care and education (paid or unpaid)
Your care or education is in a supervised setting or listed on the IBCLE’s Recognized Breastfeeding Support Organization list
You complete 90 hrs lactation education
You complete 5hrs communication skills
You are committed to completing 1,000 clinical mentored hours in an approved clinical or peer support setting within 5 years of applying to become an IBCLC
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This pathway is for you if…
You are interesting in working towards an academic-based program in lactation counseling (i.e. at a university or college)
Complete 90 hrs of lactation education
Complete 5 hrs of communications skills
You are able to get approved to be mentored by an IBCLC through the university’s lactation program to complete 300 clinical lactation hours
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This pathway is for you if…
You already completed all of the required coursework but are not currently a practicing health science professional or want an academic-based education in lactation
You have an IBCLC mentor supervise your lactation care or education OR your clinical lactation hours in an approved setting
Complete 90hrs of lactation education
Complete 5hrs communication skills
You are committed to completing 500 hours of direct clinical supervision by an IBCLC mentor
Internship with support from MBC
Minnesota Breastfeeding Coalition has experience developing internship sites and has created or adapted documents to support hospitals wanting to serve as internship sites for candidates. Please reach out to our team for more information about IBCLC internship sites.
IBCLC Exam
The IBCLC exam in a computer-based test that can be done worldwide and remotely with an approved Live Remote Proctoring (LRP) upon review. The International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners develop the exam each year. Below are highlights of the exam.
Up to 4hrs to complete the exam
Split into 2 parts, 5 minute break in between Part One and Part Two
175 Multiple Choice questions
No penalty for wrong answers
Candidates can express milk, breast/chestfeed during the exam, however, no additional time is given to complete the exam
$660 USD for initial examination fee
$330 USD for retest fee
IBCLC Resources and Documents
See the resources below for more information about prep to become an IBCLC, Pathway 3 documents, and topics covered in the IBCLC exam.