Earn the 1,000 Clinical Hours Required to Become an IBCLC as a LUV
Do you aspire to become an IBCLC? Lactation University's LUVS Program received approval as a Recognized Breastfeeding Support Counselor Organization by IBLCE in 2022, and we strive to help breastfeeding advocates become breastfeeding professionals. IBCLC candidates can use LUVS hours for Pathway 1. The volunteer hours do NOT have to be directly supervised. Volunteers will reach out to their online or in-person audiences with high-quality lactation education and support. Lactation University is not affiliated with IBLCE.
LUV Role
Lactation University Volunteers function as trained, skilled lactation counselors. They have completed extensive lactation education and are prepared to offer support, education and referrals. LUV are advocates for human milk and strive to use effective counseling skills to support a person's feeding decision. LUV provide a safe, confidential space for individuals to share concerns and ask questions.
Each approved applicant will have the opportunity to host a weekly or bi-weekly meeting virtually or in-person and gain additional clinical hours through follow-up. Leaders have the option of providing prenatal only, postpartum only, prenatal/postpartum combination or book clubs. Meeting times range from 2-3 hours. LUV must agree to read the books assigned, attend the training for facilitators and complete the required course work prior to offering community meetings. LU will promote the book clubs and meetings and post approved facilitators, along with their contact information and the meeting times and locations. It is the responsibility of the LUV to contact those who reach out for additional information and to document number of attendees and volunteer hours. LU will provide a template for documentation (hour tracker) and agenda for meetings.
Each approved applicant will have the opportunity to host a weekly or bi-weekly meeting virtually or in-person and gain additional clinical hours through follow-up. Leaders have the option of providing prenatal only, postpartum only, prenatal/postpartum combination or book clubs. Meeting times range from 2-3 hours. LUV must agree to read the books assigned, attend the training for facilitators and complete the required course work prior to offering community meetings. LU will promote the book clubs and meetings and post approved facilitators, along with their contact information and the meeting times and locations. It is the responsibility of the LUV to contact those who reach out for additional information and to document number of attendees and volunteer hours. LU will provide a template for documentation (hour tracker) and agenda for meetings.
Qualifications & Investment
Thank you for your interest in serving as a Lactation University Support Volunteer. This is a crucial role providing community support and resources as well as individual counseling and recommendations. We understand that many applicants will be using this program to serve others, grow in the profession and earn hours to qualify to take the IBLCE Board Exam. Due to the nature of the position, many necessary requirements have been established. You are invited to apply to the LUV position if you have completed the CAPPA CLE Training or IBCLC Prep Course facilitated by Christy Jo Hendricks and are willing to complete the additional steps below.
Are You Ready to Become a LUV?
- Attended a CAPPA 24 hour Certified Lactation Training within the past 3 years, be a current CAPPA CLE or have completed the Lactation University IBCLC Prep Course*. (all options must have been facilitated by Christy Jo Hendricks)
- Agree to and sign the LUV Code of Ethics Statement
- Complete the 5 Hour LUV Communication Course ($45 investment) 5 Hours awarded by IBLCE
- Agree to attend the LUV 4-Hour Facilitator Training ($89 investment-limited partial scholarships available-prices subject to change)
- Read Counseling the Nursing Mother or Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (textbook)
- Read Why Breastfeeding Grief and Trauma Matter and Making More Milk
- Read additional books for LUVS Book Clubs (for facilitators)
- Be willing to commit a minimum of 2-3 hours weekly for meetings or to lead a Book Club
- Create Facebook Events and a Leader page for promotion and communication (guidelines provided)
- Document volunteer hours on the LU Tracking Tool and submit the form to LU quarterly
- Maintain membership as a LUVS facilitator ($89 annual fee after the first year-limited partial scholarships available)
- Commit to providing LUVS for a minimum of 2 years from the date application is approved