Are you a registered nurse (RN) looking to specialize in maternal and infant care? Becoming an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) is a rewarding career path that allows you to support breastfeeding mothers and newborns. With rising demand for lactation support, this certification can open doors to higher-paying roles in hospitals, clinics, and private practice.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the education, clinical hours, and exam requirements to become a lactation consultant as an RN—plus salary expectations and career growth tips.
What Does a Lactation Consultant Do?
Role & Responsibilities
Lactation consultants (IBCLCs) help mothers with:
✔ Breastfeeding techniques (latch, positioning)
✔ Low milk supply issues
✔ Painful nursing (mastitis, engorgement)
✔ Premature infant feeding
✔ Pumping & returning to work
Where Do Lactation Consultants Work?
- Hospitals (NICU, maternity wards)
- Pediatric clinics
- Private practice
- Public health programs
- Telehealth services
Steps to Become a Lactation Consultant as an RN
1. Meet the Prerequisites
Since you’re already an RN, you have a head start! The International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) requires:
- A health science degree (your nursing diploma counts)
- 90 hours of lactation-specific education (completed within 5 years of exam)
- Clinical practice hours (500-1,000 hours, depending on pathway)
2. Complete Lactation Education (90 Hours)
You must take accredited courses covering:
- Anatomy & physiology of lactation
- Infant feeding challenges
- Ethics & counseling skills
Where to Get Certified Training:
- Lactation Education Resources
- Healthy Children Project
- University programs (e.g., UC San Diego Extension)
3. Gain Clinical Experience (500-1,000 Hours)
There are three pathways to meet IBLCE’s requirements:
Pathway 1 (For RNs with Direct Lactation Experience)
✔ 1,000 hours of lactation-specific care within 5 years
✔ Must be supervised by an IBCLC
Pathway 2 (Structured Lactation Education Program)
✔ 500 clinical hours + 300 additional education hours
✔ Ideal for RNs new to lactation
Pathway 3 (Academic Program in Human Lactation)
✔ For those completing a university lactation degree (rare for RNs)
4. Apply for the IBCLC Exam
- Submit proof of education & clinical hours
- Pay the application fee (~$660)
- Schedule your exam (offered twice yearly)
5. Pass the IBCLC Exam
- 175 multiple-choice questions
- Covers breastfeeding support, medical conditions, ethics
- Pass rate: ~75% (studying is key!)
Best Study Resources:
- Lactation Exam Prep
- IBCLC Exam Secrets
- Practice tests from IBLCE
How Much Do Lactation Consultants Make?
- Average Salary (U.S.): $70,000–$100,000/year
- Hospital-based IBCLCs: $35–$50/hour
- Private Practice: $100–$200 per consultation
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Maintaining Your IBCLC Certification
- Recertify every 5 years (via exam or continuing education)
- Complete 75+ hours of lactation education
- Stay updated with ILCA guidelines
Career Growth for RN Lactation Consultants
✔ Certified Breastfeeding Specialist (CBS) – Entry-level option
✔ Lactation Director – Manage hospital lactation programs
✔ Entrepreneurship – Start a private practice or online coaching
As an RN, you’re already well-positioned to become a lactation consultant. By completing 90 hours of education, 500-1,000 clinical hours, and passing the IBCLC exam, you can boost your career while making a real difference for mothers and babies.