The CLP is an All-Inclusive IBCLC Prep Course. Get Your education, clinical hours, study group, and exam prep in one place!
November 2026 Cohort — Now Enrolling Live virtual classes | Limited to 30 students 

​Certified Lactation Professional (CLP) distinction awarded for successfully completing Lactation University's 95+ Hour IBCLC Prep/CLP Course.

You do not have to figure out the process yourself. We have a program that takes you from start to certified--and supports you every step of the way.

Lactation University offers an unique, advanced lactation course that prepares students to sit for and pass the IBLCE Exam. Our hybrid training  covers every part of the IBLCE Detailed Content Outline, and prepares professionals to pursue a successful community, hospital or private practice career as a Lactation Consultant.

Lactation University's CLP Program meets the lactation-specific education  required to pursue Pathways 1 and 3 to become an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).

Registered students who complete the first 3 Modules can apply to be a Lactation University Volunteer (LUVS) and begin earning the required clinical hours. ​
The CLP program gave me the clinical confidence I was missing. The instructors and incredibly knowledgeable and the support staff at LU are very helpful and accessible.
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Receive a digital CLP Certificate upon completion

$1,395 one-time or payment plans available

Tuition and Investment
Registration: $1,395 or a deposit of $530 and 2 payments of $440
  • Course access for an extended 6 months following the end of the course
  • Live, interactive courses and Q & A sessions 
  • Endorsed by LEAARC and accepted by IBLCE
​​Required Text: Breastfeeding and Human Lactation, 7th Edition
Required Resource: The Breastfeeding Atlas 7th Edition
Recommended Additional Text: Counseling the Nursing Mother 6th Edition
​ 
Purchase your textbooks at 40% off from Jones & Barlett Learning ​
Our program is more than a prep course—it’s a comprehensive academic experience. The curriculum includes guest lectures, book reviews, photo assessments, advocacy activities, policy reviews, case studies, and more. It provides a cohesive review of the IBLCE Blueprint, reinforced by supplemental lectures and interviews. Lactation University creates an engaging, rigorous learning environment that equips students with knowledge and connects them to leaders shaping the future of lactation consulting.

Why Discerning Students Choose Lactation University's IBCLC Prep Program

​Unlike many fully self-paced programs, Lactation University provides live instruction, mentorship, accountability, clinical opportunities, and interactive learning designed to build confident, practice-ready lactation professionals.
  1. Attend live, interactive virtual classes from anywhere in the world
  2. Hybrid learning model combining live instruction with flexible self-study
  3. Bi-monthly meetings with classmates and instructors for mentorship, discussion and collaboration
  4. Real-world clinical thinking skills developed through case studies, charting, photo evaluations, and practice questions
  5. Quizzes, assignments, and guided learning activities to reinforce understanding
  6. Covers all aspects of the IBLCE Detailed Content Outline and offers additional learning opportunities evaluating pictures, answering test questions, charting and much more
  7. Endorsed by Lactation Education Accreditation and Approval Review Committee (LEAARC), for excellence in lactation education
  8. Earn the trademarked Certified Lactation Professional (CLP) distinction upon successful completion
  9. Primary award-winning faculty with 25+ years of teaching experience, a degree in Communication and creator of an IBCLC Prep Couse with one of the highest passing rates (page 11)
  10. Learn from over 20 experienced IBCLCs, physicians, nurses, dentists, and perinatal experts
  11. 96 Continuing Educational Hours for RNs (additional $20 application and submission fee for the nursing board)
  12. Clear pathway to gain clinical hours as a Lactation University Volunteer through an approved breastfeeding counselor program from IBLCE. Learn more about earning clinical hours through the LUVS Program.
At Lactation University our goal is to support and develop the next generation of IBCLCs. We are preparing students to excel in a profession not just pass a test. Find answers to our commonly asked questions on our FAQ Page.

Meet Our Dynamic Contributors
Our professional contributors are deeply committed to education and generously share their research, expertise, and clinical insights with aspiring IBCLCs.

Each 4-hour live session is led by our core faculty, ensuring continuity and comprehensive coverage of the IBLCE Blueprint. Guest experts then provide in-depth exploration of specialized topics in which they have extensive experience.

​Our unique structure introduces students to some of the most respected lactation leaders and educators in the field—offering both foundational knowledge and advanced learning from the best in the profession.

November 2026 Cohort - Now Enrolling

Below is our tentative schedule for our Fall LU Course. Live sessions will be every two weeks. Students can enroll in either the Wednesday or Friday live sessions (refer to the posted dates)
Wednesday Schedule
9:00AM-1:00PM PST
​Module 1A: November 4
Module 2A: November 18
Module 3A: December 2
Module 4A: December 16 - Holiday Break
Module 5A: January 13
​Module 6A: January 27
​Module 7A: February 10
Module 8A: February 24
Module 9A: March 10
Module 10A: March 24
Module 11A: April 7
​Module 12A: April 21
Friday Schedule 
9:00AM-1:00PM PST
​Module 1B: November 6
Module 2B: November 20
Module 3B: December 4
Module 4B: December 18 - Holiday Break
Module 5B: January 15
​Module 6B: January 29
​Module 7B: February 12
Module 8B: February 26
Module 9B: March 12
Module 10B: March 26
Module 11B: April 9
​Module 12B: April 23
** If any schedule modification is required, students will be notified. Final Grades will be available late May, after annual conference.
​IBLCE Application Date for 2027 Exams: 4 to 5 months prior to Exam Dates
​Each 8-hour module has 4 hours of in-person instruction every other week, and a minimum of 4 hours of recorded presentations and coursework. Classes consist of lectures, discussions, quizzes, exams, videos, activities, projects, picture reviews, homework and reading assignments. In addition to regular weekly assignments, students will be responsible for three projects.
Project 1: Research Paper
Project 2: Book Review
Project 3: Breastfeeding Conference
Course completion results in 96 hours of lactation-specific education.
Below is a sample, tentative agenda for Module 1. Each Module has the same categories. Registered students will receive the complete syllabus with additional class information.
*Endorsement by IBLCE not implied
Module 1 Example Syllabus
​Education & Communication
Live Class Agenda
1. Active listening
2. Anticipatory guidance
3. Care plan development and sharing
4. Educating mothers and families
5. Educating professionals, peers, and students (research project)
6. Emotional support
7. Empowerment
8. Group support
Part II: Recorded Webinars and Assignments
​Guest Lecture:
​Communication for the Lactation Professional
Understanding and Implementing the WHO Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes​
​​Application Worksheets:
Motivational Interviewing Activities 1-5
​Discussion Topic: 
What should be included in
​a client's care plan?
How to evaluate photos
https://ibclcprep.com/ibclc-exam-pictures/
Breastfeeding Atlas pp. 1-9
Breastfeeding and Human Lactation photos
​Group Project:
What makes a great Breastfeeding Awareness Campaign or Lactation Conference
​HW: 
Add one new resource to the first 5 prenatal breastfeeding classes provided
​Required Reading:
B&H Ch 22; pp. 713-734
Required Reading (30 min):   Breastfeeding and Human Lactation, Ch 22 (pp. 713-734)

1. In which year did USBC develop Core Competencies for HCP?
a. 2009    b. 2010    c. 2011 
2. Which organization was created to ensure consistency among breastfeeding and human lactation education programs?
a. IBCLC    b. UCLA    c. LEEARC 
3. How many health science subjects are required to sit the IBLCE exam?
a. 90    b. 14    c. 8 
4. What is one recommended topic for a late pregnancy breastfeeding class?
a. labor and birth practices    b. cons and pros of formula feeding
c. mother-to-mother support groups 
5. The modalities of learning expressed by Lauwers and Shinski include
a. visual, oral and tactile    b. auditory, kinesthetic and psychological    c. visual, auditory and kinesthetic 
 
Suggested Reading: Counseling the Nursing Mother Ch 4, 5 & 6
​​Heads up: 
Student Presentations begin Module 6
Select a book for the Book Review
Additional module information is available to registered students. Enroll to receive the Class Syllabus, and begin your journey to become proficient in lactation consulting.
Future Classes 
  • Class is limited to the first 30 registered students. If you are not ready to register today, complete the contact form to receive notification on future start dates.
  • ​​Sessions offered in Spring and Fall. 
  • ​​Regular Registration closes 2 weeks prior to the first day of class or when the course fills.  

    LU IBCLC Prep Course Interest - Be first to learn when the next cohort registration is open.