How it Works
The LCB Mentorship Journey
Participation in the mentorship program and progression through its phases are based on mentor availability, program capacity, and demonstrated clinical readiness, and are not guaranteed.
Our mentorship program is designed to help you build clinical skills, confidence, and a sustainable career in lactation care. The program progresses through several phases as you move from observation to independent practice.
Phase 1: Observation
During this phase, you will virtually observe your mentor(s) providing clinical care. This allows you to become familiar with the clinical setting, the mentor’s approach to care, and common breastfeeding challenges families face.
Observation hours do not count toward the required 500 clinical hours for IBCLC certification.
To complete this phase, you must fulfill 20 total observation hours, including at least 5 hours with LCB. Once both you and your mentor agree that you are ready, you will transition to Phase 2.
Participation in Phase 1 does not automatically guarantee progression into the clinical phases of the program. LCB mentors evaluate readiness, mentor availability, and overall program fit before advancing mentees.
Phase 2: Transition to Clinical Practice
In this phase, you will begin actively participating in patient care while your mentor provides direct virtual supervision.
You may begin leading classes or appointments and assisting with:
- Breastfeeding assessments
- Developing care plans
- Providing practical support to families
Your mentor will provide guidance and feedback as you gain experience and confidence in delivering lactation care.
Advancement through this part of the program depends on demonstrated clinical readiness and mentor availability.
Payment: $25 per class or visit.
Phase 3: Supervised Independent Practice
During this phase, you will begin seeing clients more independently while still working under your mentor’s supervision.
Your mentor will remain available for ongoing guidance, support, and consultation as needed by phone or email. This phase allows you to continue refining your clinical skills while building confidence in providing lactation care independently.
Payment:
You will continue receiving $25 per class or appointment billed under an EIN affiliated with your mentor.
In some cases, mentees may also be offered a contract with LCB that allows them to begin billing appointments under their own EIN. When services are billed under your EIN, payment will come directly from insurance payers, and compensation will follow the terms outlined in your contract with LCB.
Phase 4: Exam Preparation & Continued Practice
After completing your clinical hour requirements, there are typically the following periods of time before certification.
- 4–5 months between completing your requirements and taking the IBCLC exam
- 6–12 weeks to receive exam results
During this time, you may continue seeing patients independently and gaining valuable clinical experience.
Phase 5: IBCLC Certification
Congratulations — you passed! You are now an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).
If covered under your agreement with LCB, LCB may support you in securing IBCLC-only in-network insurance agreements so you can expand your practice and serve more families.
