How to Become a Certified Lactation Educator (CLE)
A certified lactation educator (CLE) is a person who has been certified to teach breastfeeding classes. Becoming a CLE is a great career move for health educators, especially childbirth educators as they work with expectant couples. It's also a necessary step if you wish to become an IBCLC or an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant to work with breastfeeding women.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Do your research. Many places offer CLE programs including the University of San Diego, the Lactation Institute, and CAPPA (Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association).
-
2
Decide what path you want to take. Many certification programs offer distance programs, so you don't have to take a scheduled class or seminar to complete your certification. While distance programs may be a little more time invasive, the distance programs are wonderful for mothers of small children or for busy health educators.
-
-
3
Purchase your books, once you've decide what program you want. Many of the required books can be found used on eBay and Amazon, saving you a great deal of money.
-
4
Attend your class or complete your distance program class, completing all the requirements to become a certified lactation educator.
-
5
Write any necessary papers such as book reports, essays and analysis of relevant breastfeeding studies. You may also have to create a curriculum, a networking document and attend La Leche League meetings. In addition, you'll probably have to find an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) so you can observe her working with breastfeeding mothers. If you're having difficulty finding an IBCLC, contact local hospitals and birthing facilities; many employ IBCLCs.
-
6
Take your test. The tests are open book, and you have to pass with an 85% average score.
-
7
Turn your paperwork in and be patient. It may take several weeks to receive your official certification as lactation educator. For an extra fee, some programs will allow you to speed up the processing of the paperwork.
-
1
Resources
More Like This
Comments
-
very helpful, thanks for the info, but the photo should be of a woman breastfeeding, no?
-
You do not need to be a CLE to become a IBCLC.
-
This is AWFUL! Why would you have a photo of a woman bottle feeding on a site about becoming CLEs!
