Pathway Wizards
Are you having difficulty deciding which IBLCE exam eligibility pathway is best for you to follow? Are you wanting to enter the lactation consulting field but are not sure how best to proceed?
This webpage is designed to help you reach some conclusions about how to proceed. You will be given an opportunity to complete questionnaires called "Pathway Wizards." Your responses to these questionnaires will enable IBLCE staff to assist you more effectively and in a more timely manner than can be accomplished over the telephone.
On a regular basis, IBLCE will review the responses to the Wizards and send follow-up emails to everyone who requested additional information. You can use the Wizards without providing your name and contact information; however, if you want IBLCE staff to contact you, your personal information must be providedl. We hope you find the Wizards helpful.
Pathways Summary
Pathway 1 is the way that most candidates qualify for the IBLCE exam. It involves using appropriately supervised clinical experience obtained through paid or volunteer employment as a health professional or mother support counselor. The kind of supervision that is considered appropriate depends upon the candidate's professional background and scope of practice.
Under Pathway 2 and Pathway 3, the candidate completes clinical practice in lactation care under the direct supervision of experienced IBCLCs. Individuals with no on-the-job experience in providing care to breastfeeding families, or those who desire a more structured way of learning the lactation care clinical skills necessary to become an IBCLC, may choose to follow one of these pathways.
Please scroll down to begin using the Pathways Wizard.
- Chiropractor
- Dentist/Dental Hygienist
- Dietitian/Nutritionist
- Midwife
- Nurse
- Occupational Therapist
- Pharmacist
- Psychologist/Social Worker
- Physical Therapist/Physiotherapist
- Physician/Medical Doctor
- Physician’s Assistant
- Speech Pathologist/Therapist
Health Professionals with Experience in Lactation and Breastfeeding Care
If you have experience in a job in which you provided care to breastfeeding families as part of your role in one of the health professions listed above, you may be able to use this experience to qualify through Pathway 1. Use the Pathway Wizard for Recognized Health Professionals to assist in determining if Pathway 1 is the best option for you.
Accredited, volunteer mother support counselors and breastfeeding peer counselors are among the non-health professionals who most often qualify through Pathway 1. To be recognized by IBLCE, mother support counselors must be employed by or volunteer with an organization that requires its counselors to:
- Complete a structured training program that includes comprehensive education in breastfeeding management.
- Work within a supervision structure that is appropriate to their training.
- Adhere to defined ethical standards for conduct.
- Remain up-to-date by participating in continuing education.
Volunteer, accredited mother support counselors must report to their appointed organizational supervisor and they can receive maxium credit of 500 clinical practice hours for each year of active service.
Mother support counselors who are not volunteer, accredited mother support counselors must work in a health care delivery organization and be supervised by an IBCLC or other health professional who works in the same location where they work and can provide assistance if needed.
Use the Pathway Wizard for Mother Support Counselors to determine if Pathway 1 is the best option for you. No Experience in Lactation and Breastfeeding Care
Your professional background will be a major determining factor with regard to which pathway will be best for you.
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If you are one of the health professional listed above, finding paid or volunteer employment that includes providing care to breastfeeding families is a viable option and would allow you to qualify through Pathway 1.
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If you are not one of the health professionals listed above, it may be more difficult for you to find paid or volunteer employment in breastfeeding and lactation care.
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If finding paid or volunteer employment that involves providing lactation and breastfeeding care proves to be too challenging, Pathway 2 or Pathway 3 may work best for you.
- Another reason to consider Pathway 2 or Pathway 3 is that these pathways include completing clinical instruction under the direct supervision of experienced IBCLCs--an excellent way to learn the clinical skills that lactation consultants need.
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If finding paid or volunteer employment that involves providing lactation and breastfeeding care proves to be too challenging, Pathway 2 or Pathway 3 may work best for you.
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If you are not one of the health professionals listed above, it may be more difficult for you to find paid or volunteer employment in breastfeeding and lactation care.
Use the Pathway Wizard for Individuals with No Lactation Care Experience to determine which Pathway is the best option for you.
Last updated December 8, 2011
