Earn the Required 1,000 Clinical Hours as a LUVS

Lactation University's LUVS Program received approval as a Recognized Breastfeeding Support Counselor Organization by IBLCE March, 2022. IBCLC Candidates can use LUVS volunteer 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. 
Qualifications
  1. Attend a Certified Lactation Educator (CLE) Training facilitated by Christy Jo Hendricks, IBCLC, RLC, CLE, CCCE
  2. Attend a special LUVS Training
  3. Volunteer as a counselor, respond to phone calls, emails and texts, or facilitate a LUVS Book Club
  4. Document your volunteer time and report it to Lactation University 

LUV Role

​A Lactation University Volunteer functions as a trained, skilled lactation counselor. They have completed extensive lactation education and are prepared to offer support, education and referrals. LUVS are advocates for human milk and strive to use effective counseling skills to support a person's feeding decision. LUVS provide a safe, confidential space for individuals to share concerns and ask questions.

Each approved applicant will have the opportunity to host a 1-2 hour weekly meeting virtually or in-person, and/or facilitate a 1-2 hour book club week, bi-weekly or monthly. 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 and agenda for meetings.

Advantages of the LUVS Program

  • Modern, evidence-based breastfeeding counseling organization
  • No personal breastfeeding experience required
  • Structured support and clear guidelines and goals
  • Earn crucial clinical hours required for Pathway 1 to become an IBCLC
  • Gain experience working with lactating families
  • Support families in reaching their feeding goals
  • Improve professional counseling skills
  • Receive training and mentoring from IBCLCs (as pathway 1 candidates, not 3)
  • Minimum investment required 
  • All material provided for meetings
  • The organization promotes and markets all LUVS events

Qualifications & Investment

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​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 facilitated by Christy Jo Hendricks and are willing to complete the additional steps below.
  1. ​​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)
  2. Complete the 5 Hour LUV Communication Course ($25 investment) or similar communication course that focusses on lactation
  3. Read Counseling the Nursing Mother
  4. Read Why Breastfeeding Grief and Trauma Matter
  5. Read Making More Milk
  6. Agree to attend the LUV Facilitator Training ($50 investment-limited scholarships available)
  7. Maintain membership as a LUVS facilitator ($35 after the first year-limited scholarships available)
  8. Be willing to commit a minimum of 2 hours weekly or run a Book Club 
  9. Commit to providing LUVS for a minimum of 2 years from the date application is approved
  10. Agree to and sign the LUV Ethics Statement

    LUV Application

    Applicants must have been completed training with Christy Jo within the past 3 years or be a current CLE. Please upload CLE or Prep Course 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 Tracs and Book Club meetings
    • I agree to protect the intellectual property of LU and not copy or distribute any LU property understanding it is copywrite material
    • 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 one week of their reaching out for meeting/book club information
    • 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 LUVS
    • I agree to resign my position as a LUV if I cannot support the goals and philosophy of LU​