Lactation Education Counselor

Prepare to support breastfeeding families with UC San Diego Extended Studies fully online Lactation Education Counselor (LEC) Certificate Program.  This comprehensive certificate is intended for students who plan to take the Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) Exam through the Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice’s Aggregate Pathway.  

The LEC provides 95 hours of education within the past year that relates directly to the WHO/UNICEF breastfeeding counseling training course.  At the completion of the course, students will have access to a certificate, academic content checklist, counseling skills attestation, and resume of counseling skills attestation supervisor. 
 

About the Program 

The LEC Certificate equips students with foundational knowledge to promote breastfeeding and confidently support the breast/chestfeeding triad—mother, baby, and support person. 

You'll learn to: 

• Understand the anatomy and physiology of lactation 

• Early infant attachment and hospital care 

• Navigate hospital and postpartum breastfeeding care 

• Postpartum support, common challenges and solutions 

• Use appliances and apparatuses to aid breast/chestfeeding 

• Breast pumps and breastfeeding tools 

• Offer compassionate, evidence-based counseling 

Upon completion, you’ll be qualified to educate and support breast/chestfeeding dyads and meet the education requirements to pursue CLC certification through the Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice (ALPP) Aggregate Pathway. 

Program Format 

• Fully online, no set login times, self-paced with assignments/quizzes due weekly 

• Weekly modules: Approx. 10–15 hours per week, with the flexibility to work ahead 

• Optional monthly live online office hours with your instructor 

• Complete in as little as two quarters 

Who Should Enroll? 

This program is ideal for: 

• Healthcare professionals (nurses, midwives, doulas, etc.) 

• Peer counselors and community health workers 

• Anyone passionate about lactation education and support

Ready to Make an Impact? 

Join a growing field and help families thrive through compassionate lactation support.

Tuition Payment Options

Tuition payment methods listed here

Extended Studies offers a no-interest payment plan. (Details are included in the admission letter.)   

Private education loan information