This program is specifically designed to support individuals pursuing IBCLC certification through IBLCE Pathway 1. The program provides structured monthly group check-ins over 12 months along with access to 1:1 support and coaching.

This program is designed to support Pathway 1 candidates as they pursue clinical hours independently. It does not provide supervision or formal mentorship. Participants are responsible for tracking and documenting their own hours. If assistance is needed in identifying clinical opportunities, we will collaborate to find appropriate solutions aligned with IBCLE Pathway 1.

• Support Clinical Experience: Guide Pathway 1 candidates as they complete clinical hours independently in an appropriate supervised setting.
• Promote Safe, Ethical Care: Encourage safe, ethical, and scope-appropriate lactation practice.
• Build Clinical Confidence: Strengthen reasoning and confidence through discussion, case reviews, and reference resources.
• Clarify Exam Eligibility: Explain IBCLC exam requirements and criteria.
• Assist with Exam Process: Guide candidates through the IBCLC exam application process.

• Actively pursuing IBCLC certification through the IBLCE Pathway 1
• Completed the required 95 lactation education hours
• Accruing lactation-specific clinical hours in an approved Pathway 1 setting or in search of clinical hours setting
• Holds an appropriate healthcare credential or role aligned with Pathway 1 eligibility, if not a recognized health profession, is in the process of completing the required health science coursework.
• Commits to practicing within their professional scope and setting policies, and attests to adherence to the Code of Professional Conduct for IBCLCs.

Monthly Group Check-Ins with BECOMING Program

Standing Monthly Group Experiences:

• Resource sharing aligned with evidence-based lactation care.
• Engages in networking and collaboration with other lactation professionals to foster a supportive, informed community and promote ongoing professional development

Monthly 1:1 Support As Requested

Between scheduled sessions, candidates may reach out for:

• Assistance with IBCLC exam requirements and application
• Discussion of the candidate’s de-identified cases
• Review of the scope of practice and professional boundaries
• Ethical considerations and referral decision-making
• Monthly goal setting and progress reflection

KBC Support Staff

• Holds current IBCLC credentials in good standing
• Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of IBLCE Pathway 1 requirements and scope-of-practice standards
• Provides consultative guidance without assuming clinical responsibility
• Available for monthly individual check-ins
• Facilitates monthly group support meetings

Candidate Responsibilities

• Schedule one-on-one meetings as needed.
• Attend monthly group check-ins.
• Prepare cases, questions, or reflections in advance.
• Practice within Pathway 1 eligibility and their professional credential
• Fully de-identify all cases discussed.
• Independently track and maintain documentation of clinical hours for IBLCE.

Disclaimers

This program is strictly educational and consultative and does not create a supervisory relationship.

This program:

• Does not supervise, observe, or evaluate clinical practice
• Does not verify, sign off on, or validate Pathway 1 clinical hours
• Does not provide competency assessments or skills check-offs

The program is specifically designed to support individuals pursuing IBCLC certification through IBLCE Pathway 3 who are accruing lactation-specific clinical hours through a mentorship. Pathway 3 clinical hours must be directly supervised by an IBCLC in good standing through a structured, three-phase supervision process.

This qualifies as a clinical placement or supervised clinical site under IBLCE guidelines.

• Be matched with an experienced IBCLC mentor for direct supervision and hands-on, one-on-one lactation care.
• Complete clinical placement and observations
• Participate in a small, supportive group that meets regularly for case review and peer support.
• Review expectations, complete paperwork, refresh core clinical skills, and create an individualized study plan.

• Actively pursuing IBCLC certification through IBLCE Pathway 3
• Completed the required 95 hours of lactation education hours
• Commits to practicing within their professional scope and setting policies, and attests to adherence to the Code of Professional Conduct for IBCLCs.

Only hours spent in directly supervised clinical practice with breastfeeding families count toward the required 500 hours. Hours completed before Pathway 3 Plan approval, outside the approved plan (including work or volunteer roles), through observation of non-mentor IBCLCs, or in alternative learning activities do not count toward Pathway 3 requirements.

KBC Support Staff

• Collaborate with the applicant to complete the Pathway 3 plan to submit to IBCLE.
• Secure approved sites for directly supervised clinical hours.
• Oversee mentors providing direct clinical supervision.
• Report each mentor’s supervision time to IBLCE for CERP credit.

Mentor

• Model the highest professional and ethical standards in clinical practice and mentorship.
• Be a currently certified IBCLC in good standing.
• Complete and submit a Pathway 3 Mentor Agreement.
• Supervision occurs in approved clinical sites and progresses in phases as outlined in Clinical Lactation Training Program Student Handbook 2022.pdf (observation → guided practice → increasing independence).
• Allow observation before permitting direct clinical practice, as specified on Pathway 3 Plan Guide – IBCLC Commission.
• Directly supervise clinical practice and assess the mentee’s skill mastery before independent practice.
• Document supervised hours on the Pathway 3 Time Sheet.
• Mentorship follows an approved IBLCE Pathway 3 Plan and Clinical Competencies.
• Mentors and students meet regularly for case review, feedback, and skill development.
• Assign supplemental learning as needed.
• Documentation of hours, supervision level, and competencies is maintained throughout the program.

Participation in this clinical placement is for educational purposes only and is conducted under the direct supervision of a qualified IBCLC mentor. All clinical hours must meet IBLCE Pathway 3 requirements to be eligible for credit. The mentor will determine the supervision level and scope of practice based on the participant’s demonstrated competencies. Completion of this placement does not guarantee certification, employment, or acceptance of hours by IBLCE. All participants are responsible for complying with applicable professional standards, policies, and confidentiality requirements.

• 6 Health Science Education Courses OR be a recognized health professional
• HIPPA training
• Universal Precautions & Infection Control
• Medical Documentation
• Medical Terminology
• Professional Ethics
• Basic Life Support (BLS)

• Criminal Background Check
• OIG Sanction Trace
• Health Screening/Clearance

• Proof of TB Screening
• Seasonal flu shot/declaration of religious exemption
• Immunization Records (MMR, Varicella, Hep B, TDaP)
• Waiver of Liability/COVID-19 Release Form
• Proof of Malpractice Insurance Coverage

• Healthcare Attire
• Face Shield (if required by facility)
• Identification/Badge
• Computer/Internet Access
• Ready for Clinical Site Placement!