Human Lactation Clinical may be taken in 1-6 credit increments. This clinical experience provides students with practical, hands-on training and is a required component, along with Human Lactation 1 and Human Lactation 2, to meet the 95 hours of didactic education required for individuals preparing to sit for the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners
{IBLCE) certification exam. Human Lactation 1 is a prerequisite for the Human Lactation Clinical experience.
Building on the foundational content of Human Lactation 1, this clinical experience strengthens the advanced skills required of International Board Certified Lactation Consultants to manage the complex and specialized lactation needs of many families. Clinical experiences may include but is not limited to working with infants experiencing poor weight gain and growth, supporting breastfeeding for premature or medically complex infants, managing complications associated with Neonatal Intensive Care Unit {NICU) care, and assisting families breastfeeding multiples. Students will further develop documentation, communication, and counseling skills while exploring ethical considerations in lactation practice. They will also critically evaluate current research and build advocacy skills to support policies that protect and promote lactation in public settings and the workplace.