Lactation Professional Articles

  • How do I BEGIN the journey to become a Lactation Professional?

Becoming a Lactation Professional is a rewarding career for any individual who is passionate about the cause of breastfeeding. While breastfeeding may seem natural, there are often many challenges due to physiological, medical, societal, and cultural factors. Therefore, breastfeeding support is essential for communities as breastfeeding reduces infant mortality everywhere.

To BEGIN the journey of becoming a Lactation Professional, we recommend taking a professional course followed by clinical hands-on experience. Here are some course options available from Begin Ed India: 

  • ACLP: Advanced Certified Lactation Professional Course (100 Hours)
  • CLP Core I: Certified Lactation Professional Course (50 Hours)
  • CLSP: Certified Lactation Support Professional Course (25 Hours)

All courses above are suitable for individuals with different personal and professional goals. One may choose a course based on the following criteria:

  • Time available
  • Scope of practice
  • Career aspirations
  • Personal goals
  • Community impact goals

After passing the final exam, the relevant certificate is awarded to the student. This new lactation credential can be used by the student immediately. We encourage students to use the exact credentials that appear on the certificate and adhere to the Lactation Professional Scope of Practice.  A new Lactation Professional must get clinical experience in the field which can be done in many ways. Begin Ed India and ALPI (Association of Lactation Professionals India) can help. 

Lactation Professionals come from all backgrounds but share a passion for great breastfeeding journeys for babies, mothers, and families. Here are a few types of people who become Lactation Professionals.

Practicing doctors in pediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, neonatal care, and other prenatal and perinatal care, usually see patients who need breastfeeding support. These courses are great options to continue the learning process to better support clients with lactation challenges. 

For those in related medical fields, lactation education provides helpful new skills to support their clients better. These include physiotherapists, nutritionists, psychologists, and other allied health fields.

For individuals from non-medical backgrounds, gaining clinical experience before embarking on a full-fledged Lactation Professional career is crucial. A mentorship/ internship with an experienced Lactation Professional, or a newborn specialist at a hospital offers various situations of breastfeeding challenges and thereby many learning opportunities. It is also worth considering offering volunteering services at local clinics in the community and in “Anganwadis.”

A Lactation Professional cannot practice alone. He/ she cannot diagnose, prescribe medication, or implement medical procedures. Therefore, in either case, a Lactation Professional needs to work in sync with a referral-based system of healthcare providers and community supporters. A referral-based system is ideal for both a growing Lactation Professional as well as a seasoned one, to thrive in this profession. 

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