Can you be a Lactation Consultant but not RN?

I have been trying to contact at least 5 area hospitals asking if I can start volunteering as a Breastfeeding Counselor so that I can collect my 2,000 hours needed to become an IBCLC. Does you facility employ lay IBCLC's or are they all RNs? I'm willing to take the specialized courses and do the time for volunteering, but I am getting no answers back from these hospitals! Please help! I've decided this is what I want to do, but if I can't get in a hospital as a volunteer, I will try for my Child Life Specialist Certification instead...

Rhonda
I can't speak specifically to what you are asking, BUT: even LPN's are not permitted to initiate teaching. That is a function reserved pretty much for RN's. We can reinforce only.What's an IBCLC?

Quote from SuesquatchI can't speak specifically to what you are asking, BUT: even LPN's are not permitted to initiate teaching. That is a function reserved pretty much for RN's. We can reinforce only.What's an IBCLC?

YOu might not be able to be IBCLC certified but you can contact your local WIC program if there is one in your area (not sure if its federal or state program). They have 'peer counselors' who help. Also you can call your local La Leche league. THey will help you get info and you might be able to help people thru their program.

Yes you can be! :-)If you need hours, you might try contacting a doula service and seeing if you can do some postpartum doula work as a volunteer with a certified doula, which would include breastfeeding support.

Quote from philosophicalThey can work in hospitals, for WIC, for LLL, clinics, etc. I know many RNs have this designation, so I'm afraid I will never be able to compete!

Philosophical,Are you putting this on your list of careers to explore? Have you figured out yet what you want to do for sure? GaaLee!

Here our lactation consu. is a young first time mom, just gave birth to second baby. She is not an RN> I know that many people get their pumps from county health dept. Why not contact yours, and see if they are interested. T

Quote from MIA-RNYOu might not be able to be IBCLC certified but you can contact your local WIC program if there is one in your area (not sure if its federal or state program). They have 'peer counselors' who help. Also you can call your local La Leche league. THey will help you get info and you might be able to help people thru their program.

Quote from ebearPhilosophical,Are you putting this on your list of careers to explore? Have you figured out yet what you want to do for sure? GaaLee!

Quote from philosophicalYes, I decided I want to become a Lactation Consultant. If that fails, a Child Life Specialist, and if THAT doesn't happen, I'll go back for my Master's in Counseling Whew!

Quote from SuesquatchYou're young and you have a plan.Sweet!

Quote from philosophicalI have been trying to contact at least 5 area hospitals asking if I can start volunteering as a Breastfeeding Counselor so that I can collect my 2,000 hours needed to become an IBCLC. Does you facility employ lay IBCLC's or are they all RNs? I'm willing to take the specialized courses and do the time for volunteering, but I am getting no answers back from these hospitals! Please help! I've decided this is what I want to do, but if I can't get in a hospital as a volunteer, I will try for my Child Life Specialist Certification instead...Rhonda