If you’re passionate about supporting families through pregnancy, birth, and the journey of breastfeeding, becoming a lactation consultant can be one of the most rewarding career paths you’ll ever take. Lactation consultants help parents overcome feeding challenges, promote healthy infant growth, and provide emotional support during one of the most important times in a family’s life.
But with so many pathways and requirements, you may be wondering: How do I actually become a lactation consultant in 2025? This guide breaks it down clearly.
Step 1: Understand the Role of a Lactation Consultant
Lactation consultants are healthcare professionals trained to help parents with every aspect of infant feeding. From assisting with latching issues and teaching hand-expression, to supporting pumping schedules and guiding families through special medical circumstances, these specialists play a crucial role in maternal and child health.
Many lactation consultants hold the IBCLC credential (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant), the gold standard in this field. To sit for the IBCLC exam, candidates must complete a series of academic, clinical, and ethics requirements set by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE).
Step 2: Choose a Pathway Toward IBCLC
IBLCE currently offers three pathways to qualify for the IBCLC exam:
- Pathway 1: For health professionals or peer counselors with relevant clinical experience.
- Pathway 2: For those who complete an academic program in human lactation and breastfeeding.
- Pathway 3: A structured mentorship with an IBCLC supervisor.
Regardless of which pathway you choose, all candidates must complete 95+ hours of lactation-specific education within the five years prior to applying for the exam.
Step 3: Start with an Entry-Level Certification
Before committing to hundreds of clinical hours, most aspiring consultants begin with an entry-level lactation certification to gain foundational knowledge and practical skills. This not only helps you feel confident when supporting families, but also fulfills the required lactation-specific education hours for the IBCLC exam.
That’s where the DNT Network’s Lactation Specialist Certification Course comes in.
Why Choose the DNT Network Lactation Specialist Certification Course?
Ideal for doulas, birth workers, newborn care specialists, peer counselors, physicians, nurses, and other providers, this affordable and comprehensive program is designed with IBCLC exam prep in mind.
Here’s what sets it apart:
- Meets IBCLC exam requirements — includes 95+ hours of Core Lactation Consultant training, with 5 hours of Communication Skills and 2 hours of WHO Codes required by IBLCE.
- One-time investment: $199 — no renewal, no expiration, no hidden fees.
- Flexible learning — 100% online, self-paced, with dedicated teacher support. Most learners finish in as little as 5 weeks.
- Accessible — open to all education levels and ages, making it possible for anyone with passion to get started.
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Trusted credential — graduates earn the Certified Lactation Specialist (CLS) credential, showcasing their expertise to families, employers, and healthcare teams.
Step 4: Build Clinical Experience
Once you’ve earned your CLS credential and gained core knowledge, your next step is to gather the clinical hours required by IBLCE (ranging from 300–1000 hours depending on your pathway). These hours can be completed through hospital work, community health settings, or mentorship programs.
Step 5: Apply for and Pass the IBCLC Exam
With your education and clinical hours completed, you’ll be eligible to apply for the IBCLC exam, which is offered twice a year around the world. Passing this exam allows you to join the ranks of IBCLCs — the most recognized and respected professionals in lactation care.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a lactation consultant doesn’t happen overnight, but the journey is clear and achievable when you break it into steps. By starting with the DNT Network’s Lactation Specialist Certification Course, you’ll gain the foundation, credential, and confidence to move forward on the IBCLC pathway.
With just a $199 investment, lifetime access, and the flexibility to study at your own pace, there has never been a more accessible way to take the first step toward becoming a lactation consultant.