"How do I become a breastfeeding professional?" you ask?!
Myths People Will Tell You
About the IBCLC Profession
About the IBCLC Profession
Dearest Breastfriends,
As a very busy private practice International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, I'm reached out to weekly by women from everywhere looking to do what I do (can't blame them...seriously, I don't "work" a day in my life...this truly is my passion and life mission). I'm reached out to to either help support women enter in to the profession, or to mentor existing IBCLCs in becoming successful private practice providers.
Although my friendship extends to all women with a heart for helping families, one outcome I pray for is to be a venue and example for women like who I am and was (of color, and low income) to see that it's possible to make ends meet meanwhile passionately enjoying your daily work.
When the seed of passion for this work was planted in to my heart, like you, I looked in every corner of the Internet and my local community for support and guidance in navigating my way in. My goal was to be the resource I didn't have with any mom who reached out to me. Similarly, in typing this page up, my goal is to be the professional resource to you that I also didn't have early on--so that you aren't alone in your journey.
When I sought support in embarking on this journey, I would have done anything for just a conversation (a truthful one) about the ups/downs of becoming an IBCLC (and later, one who practices privately), perspective on the "political" issues in the profession, and so many other reality checks...none of which would have been a deterrent to me to reach my goal of providing expert breastfeeding support, anyway--but would've been helpful to know.
By being the resource to you, I mean that I'm here to listen and to give some direction, not to formalize a plan for entry in to the profession. This invitation to reach out is meant to give you a starting point, to pick my brain, but not as a full-planner of a career in lactation...although I promise to orient you objectively regarding resources for you to explore (where to gain hours, venues for internships, confidence in approaching practicum possibilities, etc.).
As my practice gets busier, it difficult for me to justify carving time away from paying clients for coffee dates or text/email conversations with prospective breastfeeding professionals. To help justify my time away from clients, to ensure you have enough of my time and head-space to chat, and to help me spend time with women who are absolutely serious about pursuing thei IBCLC, I charge for these conversations...and I hope that when you are where I am you also charge for your valuable time (there's my first lesson for you--to know your worth).
If you'd like to schedule a time to chat, please visit my scheduler and "reserve me".
I look forward to getting to know all about you and your goals!
💜,
Laura
