Journey to Becoming an IBCLC
My love for lactation began when I was pregnant with my first baby in 2011. By the spring of 2012, I attended my first La Leche League (LLL) meeting, a decision that would profoundly shape my life. Walking into that room, I felt like an imposter. I was pregnant and knew next to nothing about breastfeeding, but I was curious—could I really do it? To my relief, the dozen mothers and their babies were warm and welcoming, openly sharing their experiences.
The group leader, Austin, who later became my mentor, was calm, gracious, and understanding. She created a space where I felt truly comfortable, a rare experience for me. Growing up as a tomboy, I’d avoided traditionally "girly" activities and found relationships with girls untrustworthy. Yet, here I was, embraced by a circle of women who showed me the power of support and solidarity. It was at this meeting that I began my journey into vulnerability and discovered my passion for women supporting one another and my deep respect for lactation.
At that first meeting, I met Brenda, who became one of my best friends and a key member of our "triple mama group." Month after month, I eagerly attended LLL meetings, soaking in the learning, sharing, and growing. When my first baby arrived, I quickly realized I had no idea what I was doing. Admitting my cluelessness was hard, but I leaned into the support of the group. Determined and encouraged, I got the hang of breastfeeding. My baby thrived, my confidence grew, and I began a deep dive into the world of lactation.
Nine months into my breastfeeding journey, I started training to become a La Leche League leader. I ran meetings, hosted events, and organized community gatherings. Helping mothers, babies, and families became a calling. I also worked with fathers, teaching them how to support their growing families. With each interaction, my passion deepened. By the time our second baby arrived, I had gained valuable experience and a profound sense of purpose. My heart swelled with pride as I supported families and witnessed their growth.
When our youngest child reached school age, I decided to take the next step: becoming an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). The path was far from easy. One of my biggest hurdles was Statistics (honestly it was the self doubt), a class I had failed twice in college. Facing it again was daunting, but I pushed through. Adapting to online learning platforms and navigating digital textbooks added another layer of challenge. There were moments when I felt completely overwhelmed, questioning whether I could keep going.
Then came 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic turned our world upside down. Our kids began remote learning, and life became incredibly stressful. My dreams of pursuing lactation work had to be put on hold. A year later, I picked up where I left off. Over 100 hours of lactation courses, 1,000 clinical hours supporting mothers and babies, and countless college and graduate classes later, I was ready to sit for the IBCLC exam.
As the exam approached, self-doubt crept in. On the day of the test in March 2023, I sat for the three-hour exam feeling panicked. In the months that followed, I convinced myself that I had failed. I tried to be patient and not dwell on it, but deep down, I worried. I didn’t have a backup plan. All the time, money, resources, and sleepless nights spent studying after my kids went to bed weighed heavily on my mind.
Finally, in July, the results arrived. I opened the letter from the certifying board and stared in shock: I had passed. It was official. I was an IBCLC. I couldn’t believe it. I immediately called my sister and my two best friends from La Leche League to share the news. I had doubted myself so many times, but I did it.
Looking back, I’m amazed by how far I’ve come. Those women at my first La Leche League meeting held me up when I needed it most. Leading meetings and hearing mothers share their stories of doubt, worry, and triumph inspired me to keep going, even when the path was hard. Along the way, I grew into a new version of myself—more confident, open-hearted, and vulnerable.
Becoming an IBCLC is just the beginning. The opportunities to serve families and support mothers are endless, and my heart is full of gratitude for this work. I am so proud of the shy, uncertain, pregnant woman I was at that first meeting. This career allows me to give back and help others, and I couldn’t be happier.
-cue me currently crying on the couch in the dark whilst my kiddos are fast asleep- many years ago this sweatshirt was soaked with milk and now its tears of joy :)