For Aspiring Lactation Consultants
Join us as we build a network of IBCLC mentors and aspiring IBCLCs.
As advocates for the profession, the Massachusetts Lactation Consultant Association recognizes that we urgently need to increase access to mentorship opportunities for aspiring IBCLCs. In particular, we recognize that we must build mentorship programs that support members of under-represented communities to join our field.
Education + Clinical Hours + Exam = Certification
Learn more about the requirements to become an IBCLC.
Exciting news! MLCA has donated lactation textbooks to the Massachusetts interlibrary loan system! You may now request these textbooks from your local library!
Books in the public library system:
Making More Milk: The Breastfeeding Guide to Increasing Your Milk Production, by Lisa Marasco and Diana West
Breastfeeding Answers: A Guide for Helping Families, by Nancy Mohrbacher
Breastfeeding and Human Lactation, by Karen Wambach and Becky Spencer
The Breastfeeding Atlas, by Barbara Wilson-Clay and Kay Hoover
Supporting Sucking Skills in Breastfeeding Infants, by Catherine Watson Genna
Comprehensive Lactation Consultant Exam Review, by Linda J. Smith
Please support MLCA’s strategic goal to increase access to the IBCLC profession. Your donation to the mentorship fund will support our mentor program and provide financial aid to assist aspiring IBCLCs with the costs of certifying as an IBCLC.
Now Announcing the MLCA IBLCE Exam Scholarships!
The Massachusetts Lactation Consultant Association strives to support the aspiring IBCLCs of Massachusetts! We are offering scholarships to cover the costs of the September 2024 IBLCE Exam and also the April 2025 IBLCE Exam!
Not taking the exam but want to support aspiring IBCLCs? Donate to MLCA’s scholarship fund! Thank you!
April 2025 IBLCE Application window: Mid-November 2024.
IBLCE Examination administration: April 1-10, 2025.
Recipients will receive:
-$660 for the cost of exam
-One year of MLCA membership with a directory listing
-MLCA Swag
Criteria:
-Applicant must be a resident of Massachusetts who sat for the September 2024 IBCLC exam or will be taking the April 2025 IBCLC exam (applicant will need to provide proof of registration and payment)
-Applicant must be a MLCA Member (student tier fee is $15; join at www.masslca.org)
-Applicant must intend to work with IBCLC certification within MA for the next 2 years
-Applicant will commit to joining one of MLCA’s committees for the 2025 year (Mentorship, Member Support, Communications, and Access committees)
-Applicant will be taking the exam to become an IBCLC (not an IBCLC recertifying by exam)
-Applicant will complete this application questionnaire by November 30, 2024, 11:59 pm
-We will announce the winners of the two scholarships at our annual meeting on Dec. 10. 2024
Questionnaire (send your answers to these questions in an email to info@masslca.org):
Tell us a little bit about yourself (personal, professional, training, pathway, etc…)
What made you decide to pursue your IBCLC?
Will IBCLC be your primary role, or will it be in addition to another credential?
In what setting do you see yourself providing IBCLC care after passing the exam?
Do you participate in any community events or volunteer work? Please describe.
Which MLCA committee would you consider joining if you were to receive this scholarship, and what draws you to that committee?
Please keep your word count to under 1500 words total.
Help us help aspiring IBCLCs by answering the following questions:
What were some key challenges in terms of requirements for the IBLCE exam that you encountered while preparing to test?
Can you describe how IBCLC mentorship has had an impact on your ability to prepare for the exam, and prepare for work in the IBCLC field?
How can MLCA help aspiring IBCLCs?
Please submit your application by November 30, 2024, 11:59 pm to: info@masslca.org
We will announce the winners of the two scholarships at our annual meeting on Dec. 10. 2024
Good luck!
The MLCA Board of Directors
Email us at mentorship@masslca.org for more information!