5 things I wish I knew before becoming a lactation consultant

if you're thinking about becoming a lactation consultant but haven't put toooo much thought into what goes on behind the scenes, this is a great video for you!
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if you're looking to become a lactation consultant, check out my course on the steps that I took:
masterclass.th...

[@crystalcooper8509]

This is a very honest video. Yes! Being an IBCLC is both fulfilling and frustrating. The lactation consultant hate is real. Most of us are highly empathetic people who care deeply for other moms and just want to help make their experience better, whatever that experience is. Some people can be judgemental towards us and think that we have an agenda. Some will not respect your authority over a doctor or a nurse even though you are the one with lactation specific training and the other healthcare professionals have little to no lactation training. If you are quickly able to fix a problem they love you, but if there is too much struggle trying to get things worked out, people get frustrated with you, not just the situation. Being an IBCLC is simultaneously one of the best things I've done with my life and one that takes a big emotional toll on me. So many of us try so hard to be kind and non-judgemental, understanding that the women we work with have been through labor, are exhausted, are having pain or discomfort, etc... but you can't expect that the client, who is in a vulnerable position, with be in a place where they can do that for you.

[@HolaQuirks]

Thank you for sharing so transparently your feelings and experiences, it's so real. I was a nurse home visitor for parents from pregnancy through toddler, and now looking into IBCLC. I felt that "imposter syndrome" or felt super inadequate when I couldn't be that "fixer". It was so validating to hear others go through that too. I can now plan to pack those feels in my luggage on my LC journey too.

[@themilkmanual]

im glad to know im not alone too! good luck on your LC journey 🫶🏾

[@tendaichinhenzva7052]

There have been times where I just sit in the office after coming out a room exhausted. Being in a room 1hr plus😅 or me wanting it more than the parent

[@themilkmanual]

omgsh yes. i know this exact feeling!!

[@MerinoQK]

This video was so relatable, thank you for sharing and being so honest!

[@themilkmanual]

Thank YOU for your kind words and support :)

[@anamarcelo6506]

Thank you for this video. I am actually looking into becoming a clc

[@themilkmanual]

ooh awesome! you got this 🫶🏾

[@ellobogallo9796]

For a long time now. The thought of a male lactation consultant seemed kind of weird to me, but I've seen where men have become very successful in the field. I, too have an interest in becoming one and have many questions that you've answered. Thank you for the information

[@aishaortiz2641]

This video was so helpful! I've been going back and forth with starting lactation training! Really leaning towards doing it though.

[@themilkmanual]

good luck! I'm excited to see where you end up! :)

[@victoriaoshea4865]

Thank you🎉

[@salimatasore3735]

thank you so much for this video it's helping on my career choosing path. it also be nice if you could share how you became a lactation consultant , when did you know? and etc ❤

[@themilkmanual]

for sure! this one was popular demand so i made a video on another platform! you can find that video here: masterclass.themilkmanual.com/how-to-become-an-ibclc-tips-tricks-and-more and let me know if you have any other questions or want to see any other videos!

[@rainy1091]

Thank you so much for making this video! Would you say that the load of information you need to learn worth becoming an IBCLC? Would you do it again if you knew those 5 things beforehand?

[@themilkmanual]

this is a really question! i think i still would but only because i’ve realized that there are specialists who can cover those other specific areas. and i just need to stay in my lane and stay focused on the milk making aspect of everything.

[@sherrieberrie8122]

Hello goodnight. I’m a midwife in Jamaica and I’ve been interested in becoming a lactation consultant. I don’t know if you are able to guide me on starting this journey but I would love any advise given.

[@themilkmanual]

theres more info on how to become an IBCLC here: masterclass.themilkmanual.com/how-to-become-an-ibclc-tips-tricks-and-more thanks for watching 🫶🏾

[@fladgerc]

Thank you so much for the helpful videos but I have a question do you have to have a nursing background or can you just take courses to become lactation specialist?

[@themilkmanual]

you don’t have to have a nursing background! 🙂

[@sultrybabe08]

These are my concerns exactly!I just had my first baby and my lactation consultant was a god send after a traumatic labor/ birth! I had a successful bf journey and I want to be that person for other mothers and I m just doing research before I get started! Thanks for your transparency ❤

[@themilkmanual]

I'm so glad you had a positive experience after a traumatic beginning! Your experience and compassion will definitely motivate other families going through any feeding journey! I'm excited to see where it takes you!!

[@meghanfain4037]

Is finding clients and working with insurance difficult with a private practice? Do you find it can be flexible? Do you feel like you get paid well with private practice?

[@themilkmanual]

it was incredibly flexible when i was doing it. but that also had its pros and cons. as for finding clients, i worked with a group and a lot of that was managed by the admin team so i can’t speak to it (hopefully i’ll know more soon). and the pay was iffy for me because i was with a group. i make more in a hospital currently.