Lactation University's Volunteer Support Program (LUVS) is an Approved Breastfeeding Counselor Program by IBLCE*
*LU is not affiliated with 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!
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Aspiring Lactation Consultants who attend a 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. |
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
- Accessible support and clear guidelines for hosting weekly or bi-weekly groups
- Modern, evidence-based breastfeeding curriculum provided
- Educational materials, suggested teaching methods and activities, ice breakers and agendas provided for meetings
- 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
- Choose from a variety of meeting topics and book titles
- 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 available for a special rate of $45 for LUV Leaders and included in the LU IBCLC Prep Course
- Minimal investment ($97) for Application Processing, LUV Training Curriculum, Website posting and social media graphics
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Qualifications for Participation
- Attend a CLE or the first three modules of the 96 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.
- Agree to the LU Code of Ethics.
- Attend the LUV 10 week series presented by a current facilitator.
- Complete the online Application ($97 fee waived for 2024). Wait for approval prior to completing steps 5-11
- Complete the 5-Hour Communication Course (Discounted $45 for LUV, L-Cerps provided) included in the LU IBCLC Prep Course
- Complete reading requirements.
- Commit a minimum of 2 hours weekly as a book club leader.
- Commit a minimum of 3 hours weekly as a LUV.
- Create Facebook Events and Leader page. Respond to client’s questions, emails, concerns within a timely manner.
- Document volunteer hours on the LU tracking tool and submit the form to Lactation University quarterly.
- Commit to being a LUV Leader for at least 2 yeas and be willing to offer support to upcoming LUV (Annual Membership currently $89 after the first year)
- Show proof of 15 L-CERPS every 3 years to maintain LUVS status.
Choose Your Meeting Model
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Want to know more about the LUVS Program-Watch the informational webinar or visit our FAQ Page
Recertifying International, Board-Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs)
Many current IBCLCs earned the credential by first taking the CLE 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 the discounted price of $45.
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 the discounted price of $45.
Approved leaders receive training, curriculum, marketing material clinical hour tracker and support from seasoned IBCLCs.