Lactation Professional Articles
On completion of a Lactation Professional course, the one often asked question is, if it’s better to work in a private practice or a hospital. The answer to this question could not be simple. Lactation Professional courses are taken by students from different educational backgrounds, experiences and personal/ professional goals. Therefore, it is safe to say that the answer for each individual would be different. Let’s consider a few examples.
Practicing doctors For doctors in the fields of pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, neonatal care and other prenatal and perinatal care, a lactation credential is an added skill that supports their ongoing work in the medical field. The added certificate is beneficial, irrespective of whether they have a private practice or they work at a hospital. Quite often, doctors in private practice aren’t limited to work in their clinic only and are attached to one or more hospitals at the same time.
Front end caregivers For ASHA and Anganwadi workers, as well as nurses, a lactation certification is hugely beneficial for communities that they support as well as for their own skill development and career advancement. While anyone can start a private practice, being attached to a hospital will always offer a higher caseload and greater hands-on experience. They could also take up cases privately based on referrals.
Peer-to-peer support groups Parents coming from their breastfeeding challenges and the support that they received or did not receive during that period are often driven by their own experiences. The huge void that currently exists calls for many more to champion the cause of breastfeeding. When this group of people takes the next step and completes their Lactation Professional certification, they can start formally offering their services. However, it is recommended that they initially work with a practicing lactation professional at his/ her clinic or at a hospital where they can get exposed to higher caseloads and better hands-on experience. They could start as an intern and gain clinical hours. A mentorship works brilliantly in such cases. It is up to an individual when he/she feels confident to handle cases independently.
In any scenario, a Lactation Professional cannot work in isolation. Since the scope of practice states, that she/he must not diagnose or prescribe medications, he/ she always needs to work on a referral-based system closely attached to other medical care providers. A good Lactation Professional builds a steady support network of doctors, hospitals, families, and front-end health workers in the community to advance in his/ her profession.
