Diversifying Lactation Support in Kansas
Becoming
Becoming
This program for aspiring lactation support providers aims to increase the number of breastfeeding peer counselors, certified breastfeeding counselors, and International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC) available to provide culturally congruent breastfeeding support and clinical care. The Becoming program offers individual scholarships for all levels, coaching, and mentorship and clinical hours for aspiring IBCLCs.
Purpose – to become a lactation support provider, such as:
- Breastfeeding Peer Counselor
- Breastfeeding or lactation educator or counselor with a certification (CLC, CBS, etc.). Certification must be listed HERE.
- International Board Certified Lactation Consultant
The 2026 scholarship application will open onJune 15, 2026.
Program services:
- Funding for courses, training, exam fees, books, etc.
- Individualize learning plans
- Access to a Program Manager and Chief Mentor (IBCLC candidates only)
- Facebook support group administered by a Program Manager and Chief Mentor
- Monthly group meetings for support, sharing, and supplemental learning
Scholarship recipients agree to:
- Create a written individual plan to meet their lactation career goals, with assistance from KBC staff.
- Participate in monthly meetings with KBC staff for learning, networking, and to make progress on their lactation career goals.
- Provide the KBC with a written report with the following:
- An accounting of how funds were used with receipts included;
- A summary of compliance with the overall goal of the fund to address disparities in breastfeeding and progress toward personal lactation professional goals;
- The return of any unused funds.
What type of lactation support provider would you like to become?
Clinical Training Program
The Clinical Training program provides hands-on experience in clinical lactation management. Once admitted to the program, students will be paired with an experienced IBCLC mentor at local healthcare facilities, health departments, and private practice settings in Kansas. Through the program, students will have the opportunity to gain exposure to and experience with the clinical competencies set forth by IBLCE, mastering skills and gaining the hands-on experience required to sit for the IBCLC exam.
Funding for this project was provided by:
- United Methodist Health Ministry Fund, a philanthropy based in Hutchinson
- Kansas Department of Health and Environment with funding through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under the Maternal and Child Health Service Block Grant [Award B04MC45217; CFDA 93.994] AND/OR provided by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment with funding through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Women, Infants, Children Nutrition Program [CFDA No. 10.557].
Further lactation training from KBC
Breastfeeding 101
Our introductory course covers the basics of making milk, latching, and positioning. Lactation supporters will learn everything they need to know about effective breastfeeding from birth, and how to return to work or school.
Breastfeeding 201
This course goes into more detail about overcoming common breastfeeding hurdles, how to identify them, and possible solutions. Designed to meet the needs of a broad spectrum of staff, this course builds on the basics of breastfeeding health education in Kansas.
Breastfeeding 301: Lactation Skills Day
This in-person course covers advanced topics such as milk supply, pump flange evaluation, breastfeeding aids, alternative feeding methods, back-to-work plans, hand expression, and more. Attendees are required to have previous breastfeeding training.
Who We Serve
Join a section to get more involved with the KBC
Through our coalition sections, we advance change to create a Kansas where breastfeeding is not only normalized but celebrated. Each section meets regularly to discuss issues that impact breastfeeding families in Kansas, including legal policy, accessible healthcare, and building communities that support breastfeeding.
We welcome and encourage participation from anyone interested in making breastfeeding and human milk feeding more accessible and equitable in Kansas through advocacy and leadership.
Get connected with the Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition
The Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition regularly advocates for necessary support through breastfeeding resources and lactation support in Kansas!