Lactation Management

What is it?

This course covers everything from the history of breastfeeding in different cultures to the anatomy of the breast to special breastfeeding challenges. Completion of all the classes will meet the 90-hour lactation training requirement established by IBLCE (International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners).

CLIMB's Lactation Management course is approved through the Accreditation and Approval Review Committee (AARC) on Education in Human Lactation and Breastfeeding. AARC Approval is voluntary and provides a reliable indicator of educational quality to employers, insurers, counselors, educators, government officials, and the public, based on the fact that the education program adheres to established criteria and standards of the profession. 

Free Information Session about Becoming a Lactation Consultant

PCC offers a free information session for students who would like to learn more about how to become a lactation consultant, and the PCC Lactation Management Course. The course instructor will present information and answer questions about the Lactation Management course and becoming a lactation consultant. No registration required. The next session will be held on:

In-person session
on Wednesday, July 24, from 7-8:30pm at the PCC CLIMB Center for Advancement located at 1626 SE Water Ave, Portland, OR 97214. Come and meet the course instructor in person.
Live webinar
on Tuesday, July 30, from 7-8:30pm. You can attend this session live, or request a link to the recorded webinar. To obtain a link to attend this live webinar, or obtain a link to the recording of this session, please email Dixie Whetsell.

Is it right for you?

If you are a health care professional who wants to improve their lactation knowledge or a student who wants to become a lactation consultant, this class is right for you.

If you are not a licensed/registered health professional, the IBLCE also requires that you complete a number of college credit courses, and continuing education courses. See the Steps to Become an IBCLC listed below for the specific general education requirements.

Please email Dixie Whetsell to obtain a link to a Live Webinar where she presents information and answers questions about the Lactation Management course and becoming a lactation consultant.

Summer 2013

Lactation Management (CLIMB CEU)

  • No courses are being offered this term.

Upcoming Courses

Spring 2013

Frequently asked questions about lactation consultation.

Are there required courses that I need to take before taking the PCC Lactation Management course?
All students enrolling in the PCC Lactation Management course series need to meet one of the following requirements prior to attending the course series:
  • Be recognized health professional - RN, RD, MD, DDS, PharmD, CNM, CPM, PT, OT, SLP. Students must bring a copy of license/registration/certification to the first day of class. If your profession is not on this list, contact IBLCE about whether your professional training will satisfy the general education requirements.
  • OR If you are not a recognized health professional, you need to take two prerequisite courses prior to the Lactation Management course series:
    • Medical Terminology - college level credit or non-credit class (minimum of 10 classroom hours)
    • Human Anatomy and Physiology - one college credit course (equivalent to one semester or minimum of 40 classroom hours)
    • If you have already completed these courses in your previous training, you do not have to take them again. Students must bring a copy of a transcript to the first day of class. Some other certifications/licenses that will be accepted as proof of meeting these pre-requisites include:
      • National or Oregon license/certification as:
        • Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
        • Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT)
        • Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
        • Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)
        • Certified Surgical Technician (CST) or (TS-C)

      Students must bring a copy of the license/certification on the first day of class.

Does PCC offer the General Education courses that are required to become an IBCLC for students who are not health professionals?

PCC offers most of the college credit courses and continuing education classes required by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners for certification as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).

You must complete one college credit course (equivalent to one semester/4 credits) in each of these eight health science subjects. Under each subject we have listed courses that PCC offers that meet the IBLCE General Education requirements:

  • Introduction to Research
    • MTH 243, MTH 244
  • Human anatomy—listed under Human physiology
  • Human physiology
    • BI 121, BI 122, BI 231, BI 232, BI 233, BI 241
  • Sociology or cultural sensitivity or cultural anthropology
    • SOC 204, SOC 205, SOC 206, SOC 213, SOC 215
    • ATH 103, ATH 207
  • Nutrition
    • FN 225
  • Psychology, or counseling, or communication skills
    • PSY 101, PSY 201, PSY 201A, PSY 215, PSY 222
    • MSD 105, MSD 110, MSD 119A, MSD 150, MSD 160A, MSD 176, MSD 176A, MSD 198A
  • Infant and child growth and development
    • HEC 226
  • Biology
    • BI 101, BI 112, BI 211

You must complete continuing education (not for credit) in each of these six topics. Under each subject we have listed courses that PCC offers that meet the IBLCE General Education requirements. The listed courses may be credit or non-credit:

  • Basic life support (CPR)
    • CEU 936I, HE 113
  • Medical documentation
  • Medical terminology
    • MP 109, MP 111
  • Occupational safety, including security for health professionals
  • Professional ethics for health professionals
    • CG 130H, MP 199, PHL 205
  • Universal safety precautions and infection control

Use the class title to search for available sections in the PCC Class Schedule.

What is a Lactation Consultant?
An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) is knowledgeable and experienced in breastfeeding management and care. An IBCLC has to complete college courses, lactation training, clinical experience, and successfully pass a rigorous certification exam in order to earn this international credential. The International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) sets the certification standards for this profession. Lactation consulting is an exciting and expanding allied health field.
What are the steps to become an international board certified lactation consultant (IBCLC)?

The current IBLCE requirements listed here for becoming an IBCLC apply to applicants taking the certification exam in 2012 or later. In order to become an IBCLC you must complete the following steps.

Step 1: Complete recommended or required college education and continuing education courses.

If you are not a recognized health professional, you must complete at least one college credit course (equivalent to one semester) in each of these eight subjects:

  • Introduction to Research
  • Human anatomy
  • Human physiology
  • Sociology or cultural sensitivity or cultural anthropology
  • Nutrition
  • Psychology, or counseling, or communication skills
  • Infant and child growth and development
  • Biology


If you are not a recognized health care professional, you must complete continuing education in 6 subjects:

  • Basic life support (CPR)
  • Medical documentation
  • Medical terminology
  • Occupational safety, including security for health professionals
  • Professional ethics for health professionals
  • Universal safety precautions and infection control


Step 2: Education in Human Lactation and Breastfeeding
You must complete 90 hours of education in human lactation and breastfeeding in the 5 years prior to taking the exam, so you will want to plan this carefully. The PCC Lactation Management course meets this requirement.

Step 3: Lactation Specific Clinical Experience
IBLCE requires that all exam candidates complete a certain number of hours of lactation specific clinical experience providing assistance to breastfeeding mothers and babies in the 5 years prior to taking the exam. The number of clinical hours required depends on the pathway you qualify for. Clinical experience can include face to face support, phone and email support, and breastfeeding education in a class setting.

Step 4: Certification Exam
After you have completed the above requirements, you are ready to apply to take the certification exam. The exam is given once a year at the end of July. You must complete the exam with a passing grade to become certified. Once you are certified, you must be recertified every five years. 

Because exam applicants come from many different backgrounds, there are three different pathways you can use to meet these requirements.

Which pathway is best for me based on my background?
Answer: Information on the IBLCE website will help you decide which pathway is best for you. Visit the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners' website to learn more about which pathway to certification would be best for you.
Don't you have to be a nurse to become a lactation consultant?
Answer: No, you have to meet the certification requirements for an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). There are many nurses that have become IBCLCs, but being a nurse is not a prerequisite.

For additional information about lactation consulting, contact the International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA). This is a professional association for lactation consultants and other breastfeeding advocates. Visit their web site at www.ilca.org.

Next Steps:

For more information on this program contact CLIMB: 971-722-6633 | climbhealth@pcc.edu

To Register:

  1. View the current schedule of classes for Lactation Management and write down your CRN.
  2. Visit Non-Credit Registration and create a new account. Returning PCC Students can skip this step.
  3. Register for your course online using MyPCC.

Or, learn about setting up this training for your entire team.