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 meetings 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 LUB Clubs and meetings. 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

  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​
There are no refunds provided for individuals who do not start the program or end the program early

    LUV Application
    *only complete if you have attended the CLE or IBCLC Prep Course by Christy Jo Hendricks.

    Applicants who completed a FLE or CLE training with Christy Jo, please upload your Certificate
    Max file size: 20MB
    The role of the LUVS is to provide support, education and referrals. Many students are preparing to become IBCLCs and we strive to mentor the next generation of Lactation Consultants. This work will prepare candidates for an important aspect of the profession. We have several current IBCLCs that will help answer questions and offer services within the scope of an IBCLC. LUVS are required to refer for any situations outside of their SOP.

    Read the following statements and type your name in the box below to signify your understanding and compliance.
    • I have read and agree to the LU CODE of ETHICS
    • I agree to follow the meeting agenda and guidelines for LU Tracks and Book Club meetings
    • I agree to protect the intellectual property of LU and not copy or distribute any LU property understanding it is proprietary material and understand that I will be removed from my position as a LUV if I share Lactation University's proprietary curriculum
    • I agree to operate within my Scope of Practice as a Lactation Educator and make appropriate referrals to qualified professionals
    • I agree to contact all individuals within 4 days of their reaching out for meeting/book club information (sooner if necessary)
    • I agree to notify participants if meetings must be postponed or cancelled
    • I agree to reach out to the administrator if I need a sabbatical or additional support with my LUV responsibilities
    • I agree to follow the LU grievance policy and not speak poorly about the program or other LUV
    • I agree to resign my position as a LUV if I cannot support the goals and philosophy of LU​ and will destroy any LU material that I was issued