Mentorship
IBCLC Pathway 3 Mentorship
There are three recognized pathways to becoming an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). Pathway 1 is typically completed through employment in a clinical setting, and Pathway 2 is completed through structured academic programs. Pathway 3 allows aspiring IBCLCs to work directly with an approved mentor while gaining the clinical hours required for certification.
LCB proudly supports Pathway 3 mentorship, providing a structured, supportive environment where aspiring lactation consultants can develop real-world clinical skills under experienced guidance.
At LCB, we believe the path to becoming an IBCLC should be defined by your passion, dedication, and clinical skill – not by financial or geographic limitations. We understand that completing mentorship hours can be challenging, especially when many programs require trainees to work without compensation. Once you demonstrate a strong level of clinical readiness, LCB begins compensating you for time spent working with patients.
Our mentorship program is designed with flexibility in mind. Many learning experiences are conducted virtually, allowing you to train with us no matter where you live while gaining meaningful clinical exposure.
In addition, LCB offers unique marketing and referral capabilities that help you begin building a client base in your own community. As you progress through the mentorship, you may have opportunities to connect with patients in your geographic area, helping you transition from trainee to practicing lactation consultant with real-world experience and local visibility.
Our goal is not just to help you complete your required hours. We aim to help you launch a sustainable and fulfilling career in lactation care.
Applicants to LCB’s Mentorship Program will be considered on a case-by-case basis. To be admitted into the program, you must:
Have 90 hours of lactation-specific education completed
Have all of the 14 health science requirements completed
Be ready to begin your clinical hours
We guide you through five distinct phases of professional growth:
Phase 1: Clinical Observation: Learn by watching lactation specialists in action.
Phase 2: Transition to Clinical Practice: Lead consultations with direct oversight. Start creating your private practice business plan.
Phase 3: Supervised Independent Practice: Take consultations independently with mentor guidance available as needed while you earn your 500 clinical hours; LCB will apply you for in-network insurance contracts and start phasing you into their provider billing model.
Phase 4: Exam Preparation & Continued Practice: Continue practicing while you apply for the IBLCE board exam, and wait for the exam date and results (about five months).
Phase 5: IBCLC Certification: Celebrate your new credentials, obtain additional IBCLC-only insurance contracts, and launch your career.
Why Mentee with LCB?
Beyond clinical hours, we provide the toolkit for success:
Support Network: Group messaging platform with other mentees and our IBCLC network.
Supply List: Comprehensive list of the products you’ll need to get started and be successful.
Instant Client Base: Prenatal breastfeeding class teaching opportunities. Appointments marketed for you through our active lactation practices.
Scheduling Support: We handle scheduling for you from day one until you complete your 500 hours.
No-Fuss Billing: We manage insurance verification and billing on your behalf so you can begin seeing in-network clients right away.
Tech Support: One-on-one assistance building your professional practice website.
Attentive Progress Tracking: Monthly 1:1 calls with the Mentorship Director.
Hybrid Model: Benefit from the in-person clinical experience, the flexibility of virtual appointments and classes, and a virtual network of peers and expert mentors.
Earn While You Learn: We provide competitive pay for clinical hours rather than making you pay to earn your hours.
Tiered Growth: Your compensation increases with each phase you complete. As you build skills and confidence, your growth deserves recognition!
What You’ll Do
Clinical Excellence
- Assessments: Perform maternal breast/nipple and infant oral anatomy evaluations.
- Feeding Support: Provide support with latching, positioning, low milk supply, slow weight gain, etc.
- Weighted Feeds: Conduct accurate weighted feeds.
- Tool Mastery: Educate families on pumps, nipple shields, SNS, etc.
- Care Plans: Develop evidence-based, culturally sensitive care plans to fit each family’s needs.
- Virtual Care: Learn skills for success in virtual assessments, monitoring, and education.
Documentation
- Charting: Maintain HIPAA-compliant records and clear SOAP notes.
- Practice Management: Manage claims with LCB for each appointment completed.