Along My Journey to Becoming an IBCLC

In Western cultures, breastfeeding is under supported, often stigmatized, under appreciated and often full of barriers. In a fast-paced world where hyper-independence, capitalism and individualism are prioritized over the true needs of babies/families, facts and truth are replaced with convenience and profiteering. And I want to be part of a solution to this unsettling societal problem.

Nursing is innately a beautiful way to deeply bond and connect with one's child while nourishing them, physically and emotionally. For me personally, it has been my go-to way to mother my kids in that first year or two. I had some hiccups along the way but have been privileged to have had the right support as well as personal education and time to get the right help and information. Many out there cannot say the same. To be sure, some simply cannot nurse their babies. And also to be sure, the many simply do not have the right support or correct information. 

My hope in becoming an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) is to be a gentle, empathetic and knowledgeable resource for any nursing parent needing support, to be there no matter what someone's nursing journey looks like. It's not all or nothing, it's not exactly one thing or another. Each journey is different and each nursing parent deserves the best support with all the information available to help them make the best decisions for their families and achieve their own nursing goals. 

Becoming an IBCLC is a journey that will likely take me a few years. There are 3 pathways one can take to get there. I'm following Pathway 3 - finding an internship/mentorship alongside my lactation education. I'm finishing up some required health science and continuing education courses right now. After that I'll find a lactation education course that is a good fit for me and then obtain the clinical hours needed before sitting for the IBCLE exam. I'm learning so much and I've only just begun!

I plan to use this website here and there along my journey to share in my process, share helpful resources, share encouragement one nursing parent to another, and one day share my private practice as an IBCLC :-)