Welcome to Monterey County's CLS Course!

The Certified Lactation Specialist Course is designed for the aspiring lactation consultant or nurses, physicians, midwives, dieticians,  breastfeeding assistants or others desirous of improving their knowledge base and skills in working with the breastfeeding dyad. All areas included on the  IBLCE exam are addressed. The 5 day course provides half the needed number of continuing education hours in lactation to qualify to sit for the IBLCE exam. The other half can be obtained through LEC’s  home study courses, or attending other conferences. Lactation management skills are taught  through practical application of scientific principles. The course is  continuously updated in response to changes within the profession and the rapidly expanding body of scientific knowledge. Certification as a lactation specialist is achieved through attendance at the entire course, completion of assigned homework and readings during the course, and passing the of the end of course exam on the last day.

I loved the class! Before taking it I just wanted to learn more, always thought the IBCLC [credential] was too much to attain not being a nurse. I now believe it's worth it to continue on and am excited to start the process. Thank you for a great week of learning and sharing your experiences!!  
                    ~ Laura B.

It includes information and discussion specific to the  practice of lactation consulting. This would include documentation, developing  private, hospital, clinic, or public health practices, review of the Standards  of Practice as delineated by the professional association and ethical issues. Emphasis is placed on preparing you for practice as an IBCLC with a concentration of practical aspects of lactation  management. It also covers how to obtain clinical experience, and gives you  specifics on how to prepare to take the IBLCE exam as well as the exam at the end of the CLS course itself. The information will be valuable, even if you aren't sure you want to go "all  the way" to becoming an IBCLC.

This certification is a stepping stone to the IBCLC  credential. It is hoped that those who attend this course ultimately go on to  become board certified, although that is not a requirement. During this very  practical course, participants will be taught how to use appropriate counseling skills, how to teach mothers and families, and most importantly, how to function hands-on as a clinician.

Here are some more testimonials from recent students:

"Very practical info. I feel much more prepared counseling moms appropriately. I wish I took this course before"

I feel as though this training was comprehensive and that the information was very clearly communicated. I feel empowered myself to help educate moms and families that I work with at WIC to ensure they are aware of how powerful they and their bodies are, as they are able to produce the most perfect source of nutrition for their babies while protecting simultaneously themselves (and baby) from various diseases and conditions. I am so grateful for the presenters and their time ensuring we walked away with such critical information. Thank you! 

I took this course in 2019. I enjoyed it even more this time! (2024)

"Loved every minute"

"Thank you so much for your time to teach us about lactation. This course was amazing"

"You ladies are powerful and a great inspiration. Thank you for all you do."

"Continue with the skits and hands on tips and tricks"

"Love all of your energy. You make this fun and keep it real."

"I liked the role plays. really helped mix things up and keep attention"

"All 3 instructors are very knowledgeable and are interesting  and dynamic in their teaching style"

Class times: 8:00 to 5:30 each day. 

TUITION: You pay $320.00, Monterey County pays $400 (Tuition is all inclusive and includes course materials and exam fee). 

Four or more attendees attending from same institution – contact LEC for discount information.

 PLEASE CONTACT US BEFORE MAKING NON-REFUNDABLE TRAVEL PLANS I.E. FLIGHT/HOTEL AT OFFICE@LACTATIONEDUCATION.COM. 

 “Lactation Education Consultants has been accepted by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners® (IBLCE®) as a Preferred Provider for the listed Continuing Education Recognition Points (CERPs) programme. Determination of CERPs eligibility or CERPs Provider status does not imply IBLCE’s endorsement or assessment of education quality. As a Preferred Provider, Lactation Education Consultants attests that it complies with the WHO Code and subsequent WHA resolutions.”