Lactation Consultant Schools in Iowa - IA

The Iowa State Department of Health has found that the number of infants that are breastfeed following birth has been steadily climbing at a consistent rate in the last decade. Therefore, although lactation consultants (sometimes referred to as breastfeeding counselors) are relatively new professionals in the health care industry, as more mothers in Iowa continue to learn the proper techniques and benefits of breastfeeding, the more lactation consultants will be relied on to assist breastfeeding families.

To obtain lactation consultant training in Iowa, start researching universities, colleges, vocational and technical institutes, and community colleges and enroll in and complete an educational degree program in an allied health related field. A few examples of the type of degree options available for students in Iowa include: Associate of Applied Science in Human Services, Bachelor in Human Services, Bachelor of Science in Communication, and Associate of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies. Students that prefer an educational alternative to classroom-based instruction should check the even widen selection of health care discipline degrees offered by several online and distance programs in Iowa.

After acquiring a strong foundation in general health care education, students must seek further education that directly pertains to human lactation and breastfeeding. Contact organizations such as the Iowa Lactation Taskforce, the Iowa Department of Public Health Bureau of Nutrition and Health Promotion, and the Iowa Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program to learn about current events, activities, classes, and volunteer positions where lactation specific education is available.

Through campus based and online programs, aspiring Lactation Consultants in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids and Davenport, Iowa may be able to prepare themselves for the possibility of employment in some of the largest hospitals and healthcare facilities in the state including the Iowa Methodist Medical Center, Saint Luke's Hospital, and Genesis Medical Center East.