Lactation University's Volunteer Support Program (LUVS) is an Approved Breastfeeding Counselor Program by IBLCE*

Have you been stopped in your tracks from pursuing the IBCLC Credential because you cannot meet the 1,000 clinical hours required to sit the IBLCE Exam? Obtaining clinical hours is the biggest hurdle (for most people) to becoming Lactation Consultants. In a bold, deliberate move to eliminate this insurmountable barrier, Lactation University has established the LUVS Program. ​Leaders are in control of their own schedule and can earn their 1,000 clinical hours at their own pace. Take charge of your destiny and become a LUV!
*LU is not affiliated with IBLCE
Aspiring Lactation Consultants who attend a FLE, CLE or the LU IBCLC Prep Course taught by Christy Jo Hendricks can now apply to be a Lactation University Volunteer (LUV).
​LUV are building strong community support while growing confident families. Leaders host book clubs, prenatal and postpartum support groups, foster relationships, provide evidence-based referrals and answer questions. New parents receive one-one-one support through phone calls, texts and video conferencing. 
Leaders who meet the minimum requirements of volunteer hours as a LUV, can also document their own additional clinical hours when they are providing direct client services in lactation through their own practice. As students, Lactation University endorses the additional hours tracked.

Advantages of the LUVS Program

  • ​Approved as an International Pathway 1 Breastfeeding Counselor Program by IBLCE since 2022
  • A clear, concise way to earn and track clinical hours without being in the medical field
  • No personal breastfeeding experience required
  • Choose from a variety of meeting topics and book titles 
  • Modern, evidence-based breastfeeding curriculum and guidelines for hosting groups provided. Materials include suggested teaching methods and activities, ice breakers and agendas
  • Earn experience working with a variety lactating families and helping them reach their feeding goals
  • Improve counseling and research skills through personal case studies
  • Flexible schedule-no limit on number of hours that can be earned
  • Receive support and mentoring from seasoned IBCLCs (as pathway 1 candidates, not 3)
  • Promotion of meetings and events through Lactation University's extensive social media sites and email marketing campaigns
  • Communication Course approved for 5-L or R-CERPS by IBLCE  (included in the FLE and LU IBCLC Prep Course)
  • Minimal annual membership investment of $65 (membership included the first year) 

Steps to Becoming a Lactation University Volunteer

  1. ​Attend a FLE, CLE or the first 3 modules of the 95+ Hour LU IBCLC Prep Course taught by Christy Jo Hendricks within the past 3 years OR have attended a CLE or IBCLC Prep Course taught by Christy Jo Hendricks and kept up certification. 
  2. Complete the LU 5-Hour Communication Course included in the FLE and LU IBCLC Prep Course ($65 for non-students).
  3. Attend the LUV 10 week series presented by a current facilitator (LUV can begin their own groups after attending the first 5). 
  4. Complete reading requirements (Breastfeeding and Human Lactation or Counseling the Nursing Mother and books for the Book Club for those leading Book Clubs).
  5. Agree to the LU Code of Ethics.
  6. Complete the online Application (fee waived for FLE and LU IBCLC Prep Course). After Applications are accepted, LUV will be notified and can complete the remaining steps.
  7. Create a private Facebook Page to share events and communicate with attendees (guidelines and support provided). Respond to client’s questions, emails, concerns within a timely manner.
  8. Be ready to commit a minimum of 2 hours weekly as a Book Club leader or a minimum of 3 hours weekly as a LUV (time includes instruction, follow up, tracking hours, emailing, Facebook posts, etc. Only hours with clients can be counted on the Hours Tracker).
  9. Document volunteer hours on the LU tracking tool and submit the form to Lactation University quarterly and also keep for your records.
  10. Commit to being a LUV Leader for at least 2 years and be willing to offer support to upcoming LUV
If you have completed steps 1-4, click the link below to read the Code of Ethics and Apply to be a LUV

Maintaining the LUV Role

  1. Show proof of 15 L-CERPS every 3 years to maintain LUVS status.
  2. Renew annual Membership $65 after the first year (some scholarships available)
  3. Continue to be a LUV in good standing, honoring the Code of Ethics and protecting proprietary materials

Want to know more about the LUVS Program-
​Watch the informational webinar or visit our FAQ Page

Choose Your Meeting Model

  • ​Prenatal Support Groups
  • Postpartum Support Groups
  • Combo Prenatal and Postpartum Groups
  • Book Clubs
    • Why Breastfeeding Grief and Trauma Matter
    • The Positive Breastfeeding Book
    • Making More Milk
    • Breastfeeding Made Simple

Recertifying International, Board-Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs)

Many current IBCLCs earned the credential by first taking the FLE training as a stepping-stone credential. IBCLCs also take the CLE training to receive the 21.25 L-Cerps towards recertification and learn important principles of adult learning, different learning styles and new teaching methods. If you have attended Christy Jo's CLE or IBCLC Prep Course, and are a current IBCLC, consider mentoring the next generation. Mentors who commit to supporting leaders for a minimum of 1-2 hours a week will have the application and annual membership fees waived.

Seasoned IBCLCs can gain the 250 clinical hours required for recertification as a Lactation University Volunteer by answering Leader's questions via phone calls, texts, emails or facetime. IBCLCs can also earn clinical hours by hosting weekly or bi-weekly meetings with the LUVS Curriculum. Mentors who are in private practice will be added to our referral list for families.

IBCLCs who participate in the LUVS program can also receive the 5-Hour Communication Course (5 L or R-Cerps) for a discounted price.
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Approved leaders receive training, curriculum, marketing material clinical hour tracker and support from seasoned IBCLCs.