96 Hour IBCLC Prep Course Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What prerequisites do I need to sign up for the IBCLC Prep course?
A: There are no prerequisites for the course.
Q: How many hours should I anticipate spending on this course per week?
A: Live, virtual classes meet for 4 hours bi-weekly and there are 4-8 hours of webinars, homework, reading and research between virtual classes. The entire course awards 96 hours of lactation-specific education, but some students will take more time to complete the self-study modules.
Q: Where are courses held?
A: Classes are attended from students' personal computers from anywhere in the world. Live, virtual classes are scheduled in the Pacific Time Zone.
Q: What technical equipment will I need for this course?
A: Students must have access to high-speed internet (At least 56.6kbps) and a computer, tablet or similar device with a larger screen than a cell phone. Students also need a camera, headset and speakers to participate in the course.
Q: What resources will I need for this course?
A: Required Text: Breastfeeding and Human Lactation, Sixth Edition & Counseling the Nursing Mother
Required Resource: The Breastfeeding Atlas. Purchase your textbooks at 30% off from Jones & Barlett Learning
Q: Who are the faculty?
A: The live sessions will be lead by Christy Jo Hendricks, IBCLC and Course Director. She has supported over 2,000 aspiring IBCLCs and created the successful, in-person, IBCLC Prep Course, Grow Our Own. Christy Jo is joined by over 20 well-known IBCLCs and breastfeeding advocates. These professionals add a unique perspective. Students are introduced to contributors through video presentations and interviews.
Q: Are there discounts or scholarships available?
A: Not at this time. We have decided to price our course as affordably as possible, Our low fee does not allow room for discounts. In order to help students budget for the course, we have provided a two-payment option of $550 (due December 31 and March 23), or a pay-in-full option of $975. On January 1, 2025, the tuition will be increased to the regular rate of $1100.
Q: I am already a health professional (RN, MD, OT, SLP, etc.), do I need this course to become an IBCLC?
A: As a health professional, you have likely already met the requirements for the health science college courses. You will need the course through Lactation University for the 95 lactation specific hours, and then you can get the clinical hours through our LUVS program or through your job if you provide direct services to breastfeeding clients.
Q: I have some lactation classes already, do I need all 95 hours? Is there an option for just the hours I still need?
A: No, the course must be completed in its entirety to receive the 96 hours of education. There are no partial credit options.
Q: The IBCLC exam requirements include college courses, are those included in this course?
A: No, the health science courses are a separate requirement than the lactation-specific education. If you have college courses, review your transcripts to see if your existing credits can be applied to the requirements. The course requirements can also be completed online for a minimum investment. Questions regarding this requirement should be addressed to IBLCE.
Q: The IBCLC exam includes specific hours of Communication Education, is that included?
A: Yes, we have the Communication Course built into our curriculum.
Q: There is a new WHO code requirement before taking the IBCLC exam, is that included in this course?
A. Yes, we include the 2 hours of instruction on the WHO Code.
Q: When the course is finished, will there be a certificate or other sign of completion?
A: Yes, each student who successfully complete the course will receive a Certificate of Attendance signifying 96 hours of lactation specific education.
Q: Will I be ready to take the IBLCE exam when I finish this course?
A: The prerequisites to take the exam include 95 hours of lactation-specific education (provided through LU), 300-1,000 clinical hours (depending on the pathway selected) and 14 college courses. Clinical hours can be earned through the LUVS Program. No one can tell a person when they are prepared and ready to sit the board exam, but they must meet all three requirements before they will be allowed to sit the board exam.
Q: How do I enroll for this course?
A: Follow this link.
Q: How can I earn clinical hours towards my test requirements?
A: After taking the first 3 modules of the prep course, you can become a LUVS facilitator. Lactation University provides the guidance and curriculum along with the social media posts for you to share in developing your own support group using the LUVS curriculum. You can host in person or virtual groups from anywhere in the world. You also have an opportunity to host book clubs and do follow ups for additional hours.
Q: What will happen if I miss a class, or cannot finish the program?
A: Students may miss up to 2 classes and watch the replay (providing the class was recorded), or must submit documentation for 4 hours covering the same topic from another education source. LU is not responsible for fees students take to make up missed material.
Q: Do my college, lactation education, or clinical hours expire?
A: College courses never expire. Lactation education and clinical hours must be completed within 5 years of applying to sit the board exam.
Q: I am an IBCLC but I let my certification lapse. Will this course let me recertify?
A: This would offer 95 lactation specific hours needed to take the exam. You would still need to verify your clinical hours, which can be accomplished through the LUVS Program.
Q: What are the steps for becoming an IBCLC?
A: The answers can be found at IBLCE.org or on our website.
Q: When and where can I sit for the IBLCE exam?
A: The key dates for the application window and testing dates are on the IBLCE Website.
A: There are no prerequisites for the course.
Q: How many hours should I anticipate spending on this course per week?
A: Live, virtual classes meet for 4 hours bi-weekly and there are 4-8 hours of webinars, homework, reading and research between virtual classes. The entire course awards 96 hours of lactation-specific education, but some students will take more time to complete the self-study modules.
Q: Where are courses held?
A: Classes are attended from students' personal computers from anywhere in the world. Live, virtual classes are scheduled in the Pacific Time Zone.
Q: What technical equipment will I need for this course?
A: Students must have access to high-speed internet (At least 56.6kbps) and a computer, tablet or similar device with a larger screen than a cell phone. Students also need a camera, headset and speakers to participate in the course.
Q: What resources will I need for this course?
A: Required Text: Breastfeeding and Human Lactation, Sixth Edition & Counseling the Nursing Mother
Required Resource: The Breastfeeding Atlas. Purchase your textbooks at 30% off from Jones & Barlett Learning
Q: Who are the faculty?
A: The live sessions will be lead by Christy Jo Hendricks, IBCLC and Course Director. She has supported over 2,000 aspiring IBCLCs and created the successful, in-person, IBCLC Prep Course, Grow Our Own. Christy Jo is joined by over 20 well-known IBCLCs and breastfeeding advocates. These professionals add a unique perspective. Students are introduced to contributors through video presentations and interviews.
Q: Are there discounts or scholarships available?
A: Not at this time. We have decided to price our course as affordably as possible, Our low fee does not allow room for discounts. In order to help students budget for the course, we have provided a two-payment option of $550 (due December 31 and March 23), or a pay-in-full option of $975. On January 1, 2025, the tuition will be increased to the regular rate of $1100.
Q: I am already a health professional (RN, MD, OT, SLP, etc.), do I need this course to become an IBCLC?
A: As a health professional, you have likely already met the requirements for the health science college courses. You will need the course through Lactation University for the 95 lactation specific hours, and then you can get the clinical hours through our LUVS program or through your job if you provide direct services to breastfeeding clients.
Q: I have some lactation classes already, do I need all 95 hours? Is there an option for just the hours I still need?
A: No, the course must be completed in its entirety to receive the 96 hours of education. There are no partial credit options.
Q: The IBCLC exam requirements include college courses, are those included in this course?
A: No, the health science courses are a separate requirement than the lactation-specific education. If you have college courses, review your transcripts to see if your existing credits can be applied to the requirements. The course requirements can also be completed online for a minimum investment. Questions regarding this requirement should be addressed to IBLCE.
Q: The IBCLC exam includes specific hours of Communication Education, is that included?
A: Yes, we have the Communication Course built into our curriculum.
Q: There is a new WHO code requirement before taking the IBCLC exam, is that included in this course?
A. Yes, we include the 2 hours of instruction on the WHO Code.
Q: When the course is finished, will there be a certificate or other sign of completion?
A: Yes, each student who successfully complete the course will receive a Certificate of Attendance signifying 96 hours of lactation specific education.
Q: Will I be ready to take the IBLCE exam when I finish this course?
A: The prerequisites to take the exam include 95 hours of lactation-specific education (provided through LU), 300-1,000 clinical hours (depending on the pathway selected) and 14 college courses. Clinical hours can be earned through the LUVS Program. No one can tell a person when they are prepared and ready to sit the board exam, but they must meet all three requirements before they will be allowed to sit the board exam.
Q: How do I enroll for this course?
A: Follow this link.
Q: How can I earn clinical hours towards my test requirements?
A: After taking the first 3 modules of the prep course, you can become a LUVS facilitator. Lactation University provides the guidance and curriculum along with the social media posts for you to share in developing your own support group using the LUVS curriculum. You can host in person or virtual groups from anywhere in the world. You also have an opportunity to host book clubs and do follow ups for additional hours.
Q: What will happen if I miss a class, or cannot finish the program?
A: Students may miss up to 2 classes and watch the replay (providing the class was recorded), or must submit documentation for 4 hours covering the same topic from another education source. LU is not responsible for fees students take to make up missed material.
- A cancellation or withdrawal request needs to be made in writing and within 48 hours of purchase. The request needs to be to the Lactation University Administrator. Please email info@lactationuniversity and place "withdraw" in the subject line if you need to make a request.
- A $50 administration fee will be applied.
- There are no refunds for withdrawal post 48 hours of purchase, though it may be possible to apply the funds to the next available course offering if case of private or personal emergencies/medical issues, pending approval from administration.
Q: Do my college, lactation education, or clinical hours expire?
A: College courses never expire. Lactation education and clinical hours must be completed within 5 years of applying to sit the board exam.
Q: I am an IBCLC but I let my certification lapse. Will this course let me recertify?
A: This would offer 95 lactation specific hours needed to take the exam. You would still need to verify your clinical hours, which can be accomplished through the LUVS Program.
Q: What are the steps for becoming an IBCLC?
A: The answers can be found at IBLCE.org or on our website.
Q: When and where can I sit for the IBLCE exam?
A: The key dates for the application window and testing dates are on the IBLCE Website.
LUVS Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the LUVS program?
A: The LUVS program is Lactation University's Volunteer Support program, It is an approved Breastfeeding Support Counselor Organization from IBLCE.
Q: What education is required to become a Lactation University Volunteer (LUV)?
A: Attend one of the following courses:
Q: Can I be accepted into the program to earn clinical hours if I received my education through another program or organization?
A. No, in order to be an Approved Recognized Breastfeeding Support Counselor Organization by IBLCE, we had to provide IBLCE with specifics on the training our volunteers receive and how the oversight is conducted. We had to share our program's curriculum and additional information specific to our training. We have only been approved to grant clinical hours to students who meet the criteria we submitted.
Q: Is the Communication Course recorded or live?
A: The Communication Course is available live and recorded. The course's live dates are announced on the website. When the date has been finalized, we provide a link to register.
Q: Can we facilitate breastfeeding support groups without the Communication Course?
A; No, communication is an essential skill for counseling and communication with families.
Q: Are there any requirements I must meet prior to facilitating a support group?
A: New leaders must complete the Application, agree to the Code of Ethics and attend a 10 week series by a current LUV prior to hosting their own support groups.
Q: How often should leaders schedule breastfeeding support groups?
A: Prenatal and postpartum breastfeeding support groups are presented in 5 or 10 week sessions. Leaders can offer every week or every-other week meetings. It's best to keep the week day consistent.
Q: Is there an application fee?
A: Yes, the application fee for 2025 is $97. (This fee is being waived for 2024 registrations)
Q: How do we document our hours?
A: Lactation University provides a tracking tool. Each hour facilitating a support group or hosting a Book Club can be documented. Anytime spent following up with attendees, answering their questions or checking in outside of group and club hours can also be documented.
Q: Can we count hours we provide education and support outside of LUVS endorsed meetings?
A: Yes. Once you meet the minimum commitment to the LUVS program, you can utilize your own practice/client lactation support and document any direct lactation hours you provide. Ethically, LUV cannot solicit from the LUV attendees. This would be a conflict of interest.
Q: What are the minimum volunteer hours required?
A: Facilitators who host support groups must meet a 3 hour weekly minimum. Facilitators who lead a book club must commit to 2 hours weekly.
Q: Can I charge for the LUVS meetings?
A: No. All LUVs meetings are offered free of charge to the community. However, you can charge for additional services you provide but cannot solicit to the LUVs audience.
Q: Can I say I am a "LUVs Leader" already as I'm sending out information for my meetings?
A: Yes, you can. We'll assist you in setting up your own LUVs Facebook Group to provide event details.
Q: Are there requirements to remain a LUV?
A: Yes, LUVS must earn a minimum of 5 CERPs annually and pay an $89 membership fee.
A: The LUVS program is Lactation University's Volunteer Support program, It is an approved Breastfeeding Support Counselor Organization from IBLCE.
Q: What education is required to become a Lactation University Volunteer (LUV)?
A: Attend one of the following courses:
- Lactation University's IBCLC Prep Course (includes Communication Course)
- Christy Jo's CLE Training and the Communication Course (discounted rate for students)
- LU Foundations of Lactation and the LU Communication Course (discounted rate for students).
Q: Can I be accepted into the program to earn clinical hours if I received my education through another program or organization?
A. No, in order to be an Approved Recognized Breastfeeding Support Counselor Organization by IBLCE, we had to provide IBLCE with specifics on the training our volunteers receive and how the oversight is conducted. We had to share our program's curriculum and additional information specific to our training. We have only been approved to grant clinical hours to students who meet the criteria we submitted.
Q: Is the Communication Course recorded or live?
A: The Communication Course is available live and recorded. The course's live dates are announced on the website. When the date has been finalized, we provide a link to register.
Q: Can we facilitate breastfeeding support groups without the Communication Course?
A; No, communication is an essential skill for counseling and communication with families.
Q: Are there any requirements I must meet prior to facilitating a support group?
A: New leaders must complete the Application, agree to the Code of Ethics and attend a 10 week series by a current LUV prior to hosting their own support groups.
Q: How often should leaders schedule breastfeeding support groups?
A: Prenatal and postpartum breastfeeding support groups are presented in 5 or 10 week sessions. Leaders can offer every week or every-other week meetings. It's best to keep the week day consistent.
Q: Is there an application fee?
A: Yes, the application fee for 2025 is $97. (This fee is being waived for 2024 registrations)
Q: How do we document our hours?
A: Lactation University provides a tracking tool. Each hour facilitating a support group or hosting a Book Club can be documented. Anytime spent following up with attendees, answering their questions or checking in outside of group and club hours can also be documented.
Q: Can we count hours we provide education and support outside of LUVS endorsed meetings?
A: Yes. Once you meet the minimum commitment to the LUVS program, you can utilize your own practice/client lactation support and document any direct lactation hours you provide. Ethically, LUV cannot solicit from the LUV attendees. This would be a conflict of interest.
Q: What are the minimum volunteer hours required?
A: Facilitators who host support groups must meet a 3 hour weekly minimum. Facilitators who lead a book club must commit to 2 hours weekly.
Q: Can I charge for the LUVS meetings?
A: No. All LUVs meetings are offered free of charge to the community. However, you can charge for additional services you provide but cannot solicit to the LUVs audience.
Q: Can I say I am a "LUVs Leader" already as I'm sending out information for my meetings?
A: Yes, you can. We'll assist you in setting up your own LUVs Facebook Group to provide event details.
Q: Are there requirements to remain a LUV?
A: Yes, LUVS must earn a minimum of 5 CERPs annually and pay an $89 membership fee.
LUVs serve as counselors on the official LUVs private Facebook groups and Instagram accounts. They also respond via email and offer phone support. Our volunteers provide evidence-based education and offer appropriate referrals.
Our highly-qualified volunteers have either completed the 24 hour Certified Lactation Educator (CLE) Training, or the 95 hour Lactation University IBCLC Preparatory Course. They have also attended a facilitator's training and a 5-hour communications course. Volunteers continue to pursue learning and growing by documenting a minimum of 15 CEUs every 3 years. Lactation University recognizes the IBCLC credential as the gold standard in lactation professionals, and our counselors provide referrals to International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants for assessments and clinical support when appropriate.
Our social media sites are also monitored by current International, Board-Certified Lactation Consultants. They serve as mentors and resources for our volunteers. Many of our volunteers are meeting clinical hours to qualify as candidates for the IBLCE Exam.
Our social media sites are also monitored by current International, Board-Certified Lactation Consultants. They serve as mentors and resources for our volunteers. Many of our volunteers are meeting clinical hours to qualify as candidates for the IBLCE Exam.