Become a Certified Breastfeeding Specialist
A powerful step in your lactation consultant career
Candidates for the CBS
- Physicians, nurses, physician’s assistants, and others who want to support breastfeeding families
- Doulas and other birth workers who want to expand the care they offer
- Peer counselors who would like to achieve certification
- Anyone committed to supporting lactating families
What a CBS Does
- Supports families through pregnancy, breastfeeding initiation, and the normal course of lactation
- Offers individual support, lead lactation support groups, and teach lactation classes
- Serves as a respected member of the healthcare team
- Works within the CBS Scope of Practice
CBS or IBCLC? Yes!
If you’re unsure which credential is right for you, it’s important to know that they can work together. If you want to start helping families right away, but think you might want to earn the IBCLC later, start with the CBS–all your education hours will count toward the IBCLC when you’re ready. If the CBS sounds good to you, but you are ready to start your IBCLC training, there’s good news–at LER, you will earn your CBS as you complete your IBCLC training.
The CBS: A Stepping Stone to the IBCLC
- CBS coursework aligns with IBCLC education requirements, making it a great first step to the IBCLC
- The 52+ hours you earn can be used toward the 95 hour requirement for the IBCLC exam
- Once you complete the Core Lactation Consultant Course, completing the Lactation Consultant Bridge Course will finish your 90+ hours.
- Earning your CBS qualifies you to participate in the LER HOURS program, where you can use your CBS to earn the clinical hours required for the IBCLC exam.
Earn Your IBCLC, Become a CBS on the Way
- Ready to begin your IBCLC Training? You can complete the 95+ hours of lactation education through LER.
- And, upon completion of our 95+ hour Lactation Consultant Training Program and final exam, you will be a CBS!
- Use your CBS to start helping families right away, while you complete your IBCLC certification.
- Earning your CBS qualifies you to participate in the LER HOURS program, where you can use your CBS to earn the clinical hours required for the IBCLC exam.
LER Makes Lactation Certification Easy
Countless student have become certified lactation counselors with our proven recipe for success:
- Everything in one place: education, clinical hours, exam prep, recertification courses, and tools to enhance your practice
- Expert instructors with real-world experience
- A dedicated support team available 7 days a week
- Ongoing support for the next steps of your lactation career
Need individualized guidance? Our experts are ready to answer your questions.
CBS Key Documents
- CBS Scope of Practice
- Compare with the IBCLC Scope of Practice
- CBS Standards of Practice
- Compare with the IBCLC Code of Professional Conduct
- CBS Information Guide
Testimonials
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I am a mother with two kids. I completed a LER’s 95-hour course and obtained my CBS. Now I am working as a lactation consultant intern in a hospital with my mentor … If you are seeking to become a lactation consultant, I highly recommend using LER as your learning companion. –Ruilin Z., CBS, BA
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I am a mother with two kids. I completed a LER’s 95-hour course and obtained my CBS. Now I am working as a lactation consultant intern in a hospital with my mentor … If you are seeking to become a lactation consultant, I highly recommend using LER as your learning companion. –Ruilin Z., CBS, BA
