Lactation Consulting
About Lactation Consulting
Lactation consultants care for breastfeeding families by recognizing and solving breastfeeding difficulties. They work in settings including hospitals, public health clinics, maternal and child health services, community and workplace settings, and in private practice.
Note: UW-Madison does not offer a lactation consultant program. While this field is not among CPHA’s primary areas of advising expertise, we are here to support you in exploring the field and building helpful experiences. Talk with us if you have questions!
Degree/Certification Paths
Lactation consultants are trained through one of three pathways: trade school or undergraduate certificate programs; bachelor’s degree programs in nursing, health sciences, or public health with a lactation consultant certificate; or a master’s degree in nursing, health sciences, or public health with a lactation consultant certificate.
Explore Your Interest in Lactation Consulting
Shadowing & Informational Interviews
An excellent way to explore your interest in the field is by shadowing and talking with lactation consultants. Look for lactation consultants on LinkedIn, Instagram, or TikTok to see if they are willing to talk about their career.
Reach out to UW-Madison alumni and lactation consultant Kelly Sijapati (kelly@cygnuslactation.com) to learn more about a career as a lactation consultant.
Jobs & Certifications
Getting a job in a clinical setting is a great way to learn about the practical aspects of the field. Consider aide, tech, or assistant positions at hospitals or clinics. Confirm that this work is something you enjoy!
Additional Resources
- Breastfeeding Medicine Podcast
- Subscribe to LactFacts, the Weekly Breastfeeding Clinical Question Blog
- Breastfeeding Education by IABLE Youtube channel
- Lactation consultant video from Marshfield Clinic
Career Resources
For more information on lactation consultancy and how to become a lactation consultant, see the Institute for the Advancement of Breastfeeding & Lactation Education.
Aspiring lactation consultants can pursue board certification through the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners.