Lactation Consultant Schools in Idaho - ID

Idaho is an ideal place to begin a career as a lactation consultant partially because of its rapidly growing health care industry. In fact, the Idaho Department of Labor claims that 5,737 residents were employed in health care support occupations in 2006. However, as more research continues to indicate the health benefits of natural breastfeeding for infants and advocacy groups continue to popularize and promote modern breastfeeding techniques, the number of lactation consultants in Idaho is expected to increase. By 2016, more than 7,771 professionals are expected to find employment in the health care support industry. Lactation consultants operating in major cities like Boise, Idaho Falls, Pocatello, and Baton Rouge are encouraged to research job positions through the Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center, Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center, and St. Luke’s Boise Medical Center.

Right now mainly the International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA) determines the industry standards for lactation consultants. The ILCA along with the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) suggests that lactation consultants in Idaho begin a career by first acquiring a strong occupational foundation by completing formal education classes or earning post-secondary degrees in health care related fields. Once general education is gained, students need to locate programs or courses that are particularly designed to instruct in lactation consulting for breastfeeding families. Theory-based education should eventually lead to hands-on clinical training in a health care setting where students and volunteers can actively engage with breastfeeding mothers and infants that need assistance.

Through campus based and online programs, aspiring Lactation Consultants in Boise, Idaho Falls, Pocatello and Meridian, Idaho may be able to prepare themselves for the possibility of employment in some of the largest hospitals and healthcare facilities in the state including Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center, Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center, and St. Luke's Boise Medical Center.