The Lactation Consultant Launchpad Podcast: Your Guide to Successfully Becoming a Lactation Consultant

Are you a nurse, doula, or birth worker thinking about becoming an IBCLC but wondering what your career could actually look like? In this episode, I’m sharing my real story...from labor & delivery nurse and hospital IBCLC to building my own private practice and scaling a mentorship program for aspiring lactation consultants. I’m talking about workplace challenges, imposter syndrome, and the mo...

What if becoming an IBCLC didn’t mean waiting years to start making an impact? In this episode, I’m sharing the heart behind the Lactation Consultant Launchpad and how we are transforming lactation support by training the next generation of IBCLCs while simultaneously serving families in real time. After receiving a powerful message from a family who was supported by a student still in training, I...

What does it really take to become an IBCLC? People see the credential. They see the expertise and confidence. But they rarely see the transformation behind the journey. In this special IBCLC Day episode, registered nurse and IBCLC Leslie Owens shares the personal story behind her path to becoming an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and why she believes the future of lactation ca...

Are RN IBCLCs less qualified… or just misunderstood? After a spicyl post about hospital IBCLCs deserving an apology sparked  debate, we’re talking about the growing RN vs. non RN tension inside the lactation field. In this episode, we cover: The reality of hospital lactation support Why RN training strengthens IBCLC practice Clinical reasoning in breastfeeding care And how pathway shaming is damag...

Hospital IBCLCs are getting dragged. “They didn’t help.” “They pushed formula.” “They missed the tie.” “They were in the room five minutes.” But what if we’re blaming the wrong person? In this episode, I’m calling out the growing frustration and misinformation surrounding hospital lactation consultants. We’re unpacking what a hospital IBCLC shift actually looks like, the structural constraints the...

If you’re becoming an IBCLC and you think your only option is working in a hospital, we need to talk. In this episode, I break down the real differences between working as a hospital lactation consultant and building a private lactation practice. I’m talking schedule control, income potential, autonomy, burnout, leadership, and what your day-to-day actually feels like. This conversation is especia...

Thinking about becoming an IBCLC but feeling overwhelmed by pathways, hours, and “where do I even start”? In this episode, I’m sharing exactly what I would do if I were starting the IBCLC journey today, knowing what I know now. I break down the first steps that actually matter, the mistakes I see people make all the time, and what you can stop stressing about for now. If you’re curious about becom...

In this episode of the Lactation Consultant Launchpad Podcast, Leslie shares a behind the scenes, full circle moment from her journey to becoming an IBCLC and building an international lactation consultant training program. Recorded while traveling to the 2026 Birth Worker Retreat in Clearwater Beach, this candid episode reflects on growth, gratitude, and what it really looks like to build a busin...

Thinking about becoming an IBCLC but feeling overwhelmed by conflicting information online? In this episode, I’m breaking down the top 3 myths aspiring IBCLCs Google the most and sharing what’s actually true in 2026. We’re covering: • The myth that you must have a medical background to pursue IBCLC Pathway 1 • Why your 95 breastfeeding-specific education hours do not have to come from one expensiv...

What if the thing holding you back from becoming an IBCLC isn’t a lack of education or discipline, but an identity shift you haven’t been given permission to make yet? In this episode, Leslie talks about the hidden fears many aspiring IBCLCs carry, why preparation can become a form of self-protection, and how confidence actually develops over time. We cover: Why over-preparing can keep you stuck F...

It’s the day before Christmas Eve, it’s late, and this is a real-time pep talk.   Someone just completed my entire (breastfeeding counselor training + all clinical hours needed) program in nine months and applied to sit for the IBCLC exam. No shortcuts. No hustle culture. Just consistent effort, support, and permission to move forward without waiting for “perfect timing.”   If you’re wondering whe...

What does it really look like to go from aspiring lactation consultant to IBCLC? In this episode, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) Leslie Owens shares two major milestones: the graduation of new Community Breastfeeding Counselors through her IBLCE recognized peer support organization, and the announcement of the very first IBCLC to complete the Lactation Consultant Launch...

Struggling to choose an IBCLC pathway? Stop overthinking it. In this episode, lactation consultant Leslie Owens tackles the biggest misconception holding aspiring IBCLCs back: worrying about which pathway is "legitimate." Here's the truth: Families don't care which pathway you took—they care about compassionate, knowledgeable support. With breastfeeding parents waiting weeks for appointments and g...

In this episode, we break down why Pathway 1 is a legitimate, respected route to becoming an IBCLC and why online lactation education is the future. Learn how healthcare fields everywhere use online programs, why real learning happens in the field, and why no one cares where or how you trained once you’re certified. If you’ve questioned your path, this episode gives you clarity, confidence, and pe...

Before you dive into the IBCLC pathway, there are a few non-negotiable steps that will save you time, money, and months of confusion. In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly what aspiring lactation consultants should do before they start their IBCLC journey — whether you’re a doula, nurse, birth worker, breastfeeding advocate, or brand-new to the field. You’ll learn how to get clarity on your p...

Wondering which IBCLC pathway is right for you? In this episode, I break down all 3 IBCLC pathways: Pathway 1, Pathway 2, and Pathway 3, so you finally understand what each route requires and how to choose the one that fits your life. We’ll cover: IBCLC education requirements Clinical hour options How to choose the right pathway for your goals Why Pathway 1 is an attainable and flexible route for...

Think you have to be a nurse or go back to college to become an IBCLC? Think again. RN + IBCLC Leslie Owens debunks the biggest myths about certification. Learn how to start your lactation career with clarity. Subscribe to The Lactation Consultant Launchpad Podcast for more insider guidance, mentorship, and practical tips to launch your lactation career.