Becoming a Lactation Consultant in Vermont – VT

Currently, the State of Vermont does not yet require lactation consultants to become licensed, registered, or certified to legally practice. However, professionals will find it difficult to secure a job without first gaining formal education in breastfeeding or lactation education and clinical training while working with breastfeeding infants, mothers, and families in a health care setting. Therefore, lactation consultants in Vermont are advised to begin a career by first enrolling in a higher education program that covers subjects such as child growth and development, human anatomy and physiology, nutrition, biology, counseling, and medical terminology.

Thankfully, many educational programs in Vermont also provide hands-on clinical training in performing nursing duties including breastfeeding and lactation assistance. However, if a desired program does not provide supervised training, lactation consultants should consider getting involved in nearby professional associations that work with breastfeeding families and educators. For example, the Vermont Department of Health District Offices, Children’s Integrated Services, Vermont La Leche League, and Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) of Vermont may all have volunteer, apprenticeship, job shadowing, paid positions, and mentoring opportunities available for lactation consultants looking for additional training.  

Although optional, most students will want to find an educational and training pathway that leads to lactation consultant certification in Vermont because it demonstrates the kind of occupational aptitude that employers generally prefer. To get certified, professionals need to contact the International Board of Certified Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBCLCE) and meet the eligibility requirements needed to become an international board certified lactation consultant (IBCLC).