Lactation educators help women learn about breastfeeding and can work in various settings. They do not need to be in the medical profession and are often employed by the WIC program or companies that sell breastfeeding products. The requirements to become a lactation educator vary, but most take core courses and can continue their education to become certified lactation consultants.
A lactation educator or counselor works with women, helping them learn about best practices for breastfeeding their babies. People who become lactation educators do not have to be in the medical profession. Rather, they can come from any walk of life but have a deep interest in helping women breastfeed their children. This is an entry-level position, so practitioners almost always work in situations where no medical intervention is required during breastfeeding. A lactation educator may work with pregnant and lactating women in a classroom setting, commercial setting, or through an agency or medical facility that serves women and children.
In the United States, the federal Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program frequently employs lactation educators. Their role is to promote breastfeeding through education and support for women in the program. They can present group breastfeeding classes for women before and after childbirth. As part of its nutritional program, the WIC and its educators advocate exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a baby’s life. Supporting women by encouraging them to discuss their intention to breastfeed with their physician is another duty of a lactation educator.
Many companies that sell pumps and apparel for breastfeeding mothers also employ lactation educators. In addition, some lactation educators have their own businesses selling or renting breast pumps and educating working mothers who want to continue providing milk for their babies after returning to work. Most jobs for lactation educators are part-time, either through an agency, in private practice, or through a medical facility. As such, they are usually paid an hourly rate rather than a salary.
Varying terminology is used for different levels of lactation education providers. Becoming a lactation expert requires the least amount of courses. Healthcare professionals who care for women and newborns often take this course, adding an additional area to their professional experience. The terms lactation educator, lactation education counselor, and lactation counselor generally refer to the same level of education, with the terminology varying by university or program through which the course is offered. Lactation counselors have the highest level of education and clinical experience in lactation training.
The requirements to become a lactation educator vary based on a student’s educational background and the program they are considering. Most lactation educators take the core courses for lactation education and later can continue their education to become a certified lactation consultant. In addition to conducting courses focused on lactation education, consultants are often required to take university courses in human anatomy and physiology, child development, and other areas. Clinical hours, working under the supervision of a healthcare professional, is also a requirement for lactation consultants and educators.
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