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. Lactation University is not affiliated with IBLCE.
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.
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 and 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 applicates 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 steps below.
- Attended a CAPPA 24 hour Certified Lactation Training within the past 3 years, be a current CAPPA CLE (Students who attended the IBCLC Prep Course taught by Christy Jo Hendricks in 2019 will be grandfathered into the program) or have completed the Lactation University IBCLC Prep Course.
- Complete the 5 Hour LUV Communication Course ($25 investment) or similar communication course that focusses on lactation
- Read Counseling the Nursing Mother
- Read Why Breastfeeding Grief and Trauma Matter
- Read Making More Milk
- Agree to attend the LUV Facilitator Training ($50 investment)
- Maintain membership as a LUVS facilitator ($35 after the first year)
- Be willing to commit a minimum of 2 hours weekly or run a Book Club
- Commit to providing LUVS for a minimum of 2 years from the date application is approved
- Agree to and sign the LUV Ethics Statement