You are not here by chance. ​You are the missing piece to a strong, diverse IBCLC mentor collective. Our program is growing and so must our support.

We have such a passionate group of aspiring IBCLCs that are eager to learn from you. Currently a few IBCLCs are providing volunteer support for our cohorts, but as we grow, we need to grow our resources. Our LUVS leaders are gaining some of their clinical hours from the IBLCE-approved breastfeeding counselor program. If you are available and can commit to jumping in on weekly meetings, we would appreciate your time. You can attend as many or as few as you desire. 

Lactation University is welcoming new and experienced IBCLC volunteers to help prepare the next generation of Lactation Consultants. We are seeking individuals to:

  • Observe and provide feedback for our LUVS Support Groups and Book Clubs
  • Join CLPs on phone consultations and ZOOM meetings
  • Discuss case studies and complicated questions that were asked in group
  • Present "Mini Educational Sessions"
  • Serve as an additional Pathway 3 Mentor for students who have a chief mentor but want to count their support group hours  
  • Advise CLPs in their own clinical practice (SLP, Chiropractors, Midwives, etc.) with lactation-specific information

We are seeking both informal/observational roles and Pathway 3 Mentor roles. IBCLCs are welcome to chose one or both options. You only need to fill out the form for the program(s) that interests you. 

Our informal IBCLC role simply means attending a group or club and providing feedback. Additionally, we invite IBCLCs to discuss case studies and provide advice to our facilitators. This is in addition to the support they receive from LU faculty and administration. Lactation University provides support to the students and mentors. Please reach out with any questions [email protected]

    Option 1
    ​IBCLC Support and Feedback
    ​Complete this form for the IBCLC Informal Mentorship
    In addition to our 95+ Hour Course we welcome IBCLCs to share their expertise during our bimonthly Collectives. These meetings are open to the public. Lactation University supports the speaker's visibility by highlighting the session and the speaker's website in class, on social media sites, and to over 7,000 subscribers to our newsletter.

    ​As an IBCLC, you can earn clinical hours towards recertification. Your 60 minute LU Collective Presentation earns 2 hours towards recertification. This is a great opportunity to "practice" for a conference, receive feedback on your presentation, share your unique idea, get comfortable presenting, and add "speaker" to your resume. We strive to bring community together and provide exposure to presenters that have a message to share. 

Option 2
​Volunteer Pathway 3 Mentors

Pathway 3 clinical practise hours must be directly supervised by mentors who are currently certified IBCLCs in good standing. Direct supervision is defined as a gradual, three-phase process:
  • Phase 1: Observation of IBCLC Mentor(s) - Begins with line of sight observation of the IBCLC mentor engaged in practice AND/OR direct observation through use of a secure technology platform which facilitates synchronous two-way audio and visual communication.
  • Phase 2: Transition to Clinical Practice - Includes clinical practice experience under the direct observation and guidance of the IBCLC mentor who is physically in the room with the applicant OR through the use of a secure technology platform which facilitates synchronous two-way audio and visual communication until the skill is mastered.
  • Phase 3: Supervised Independent Practice - Culminates with independent practice by the applicant, with the IBCLC mentor either physically nearby to assist if needed OR available via a secure technology platform which facilitates synchronous two-way audio and visual communication. Only those hours spent completing directly supervised clinical practice that involves interaction with breastfeeding families may be counted toward the required 500 hours

    Are you interested in volunteering as the chief or additional IBCLC mentor?

    If you are a new IBCLC or are new to mentoring, we are here to help with the entire process. We desire to see this profession grow and create a community of professionals for support, discussions, advocacy and advancement. Please reach out with any questions or suggestions [email protected]

    ​Currently, we are seeking IBCLC volunteers for our students who currently see clients and have a private practice or access to clients. This is a volunteer position, but if you accept insurance, you may be able to bill the insurance company as the LC for the appointments you are overseeing. We also encourage our students to provide 2-3 hours weekly of administrative support as a symbiotic relationship. IBCLCs who serve as mentors can earn hours towards recertification.
    The mentees are valuable assets and have met the following requirements:
    • 95+ hours of lactation-specific education
    • Personal liability insurance
    • HIPAA Training
    • 5 hour communication course
    • 3 hour WHO Code Training
    • Support group facilitator training
    • Teaching experience
    • Parent/educational handout development

    Complete this form for the Pathway 3 Mentorship Program