Military Lactation Counselor Certification
Introducing access to standalone modules! Read more below!
What is Military Lactation Counselor certification?
Global MilCom has developed a 66.5-hour lactation training course that leads to certification as a Military Lactation Counselor® (MLC). With this course, you learn at your own pace with hybrid online modules and practical community-based assignments.
In addition to learning the fundamentals of lactation support, you will improve your understanding of TRICARE lactation support benefits.
The final component of the course includes a capstone experience.
NEW!!! Access three standalone MLC modules:
Global MilCom & the MLC Program
Lactation Support & TRICARE
Lactation in a Military Environment
You can now access the three MLC modules that are focused on information that is specific to military populations and the Global MilCom organization. This is perfect for those who already hold a lactation credential who want to learn more about lactation support in a military environment or gain an understanding of TRICARE benefits and challenges. This is also a great introduction to the MLC course for those who may consider pursuing the MLC credential in the future. The one-time enrollment fee of $50 provides access to all three modules and can be applied to the cost of the full course if a learner decides to later pursue the MLC credential.
**Since these modules will be completed outside of the full MLC course, they carry no Continuing Education Recognition Points (CERPs) and do not count towards lactation credit hours.
Learn more about MLC certification.
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How much does the course cost?
Global MilCom is committed to equity pricing structures that improve access to the lactation field for military service members and spouses! While most comparable lactation education courses charge $600 or more, the Military Lactation Counselor course pricing intentionally removes cost barriers.
$550: full-priced tuition
$375: Department of Defense (DOD) identification cardholders. This includes spouse and dependent military identification cardholders.
Limited scholarships available
How long is my MLC certification valid? Can I recertify?
To keep certification active, MLCs must apply for recertification every three years by submitting proof of required Continuing Education Recognition Points (CERPs) and a payment of $75.
CERP REQUIREMENTS: A total of 18 L-CERPs are required for recertification. At least five of these must be focused on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) or care for sensitive populations.
Can I use MyCAA to pay for the course?
MLC is an approved program with My Career Advancement Account (MyCAA) Scholarship program for IBCLCs seeking recertification only. MyCAA is open to spouses of active duty, reserve, and National Guard service members who have completed high school. Learn more about MyCAA.
How do I enroll?
Is Military Lactation Counselor a recognized lactation credential?
The Military Lactation Counselor credential is recognized by the Lactation Education Accreditation and Approval Review Committee (LEAARC) for 66.5 hours of lactation education.
Military Lactation Counselor course hours may be used to fulfill educational hours towards the 95 lactation education hours required to become an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).
Learners who already hold a lactation credential can earn a total of 20.5 Continuing Education Recognition Points (CERPs): 19.25 L CERPs, 0.5 E CERPs, and 0.75 R CERPs.
How is the Military Lactation Counselor credential different from other lactation credentials?
The Military Lactation Counselor coursework provides a center of focus on meeting the unique needs of military families, while still providing all of the fundamental lactation support training that you would expect from a credentialed lactation program. Additionally, the program actively presents all course content through a lens of equity and inclusion.
Can I earn CERPs by completing the Military Lactation Counselor course?
The course is recognized by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) for 20.5 Continuing Education Recognition Points (CERPs): 19.25 L CERPs, 0.5 E CERPs, and 0.75 R CERPs.
How long do I have to complete the course?
Learners have 12 months from the date of enrollment to complete the course.
Are there scholarships?
While Global MilCom is committed to equity pricing structures, we also offer a limited number of scholarships each year:
Amy Barron Smolinski Scholarship
Named in honor of our founding Executive Director, this annual full scholarship is awarded to an applicant who demonstrates a commitment to advancing equity in maternal/infant care. This scholarship is awarded in August with applications being accepted each year from January 1 through June 30. The scholarship will be awarded in August during World Breastfeeding Week each year. APPLY HERE
Hardship Scholarship
Global MilCom awards two hardship scholarships annually. Applicants must demonstrate financial need. These scholarships discount full tuition by 70%. Application periods are January 1 through June 30 and July 1 through December 31, with scholarships being awarded in July and January. APPLY HERE
General Scholarship
Global MilCom awards one general scholarship each quarter. These scholarships discount full tuition by 50% and are awarded based on various factors, including financial need, access to marginalized populations, commitment to equity and inclusion, and alignment with Global MilCom’s mission and values. This scholarship is NOT open to Global MilCom volunteers. Scholarships are awarded in January, April, July, and October. Application periods are January 1 through March 31 (April scholarship), April 1 through June 30 (July scholarship), July 1 through September 30 (October scholarship), and October 1 through December 31 (January scholarship). APPLY HERE
What is the benefit of a MLC credential to a CLC/IBCLC professional?
The Military Lactation Counselor program provides insight on how to best provide lactation care to military members and families. This course also dives into the importance of equity-based care and prompts the exploration of personal implicit biases to enhance your ability to deliver the highest quality of care to all of the families that you support.
LEAARC-Approved
The Military Lactation Counselor course is a LEAARC-approved course designed to develop lactation support specialists who can provide equitable and culturally appropriate support to meet the unique needs of breastfeeding military families.
What people are saying about the program:
“I’m thrilled to have completed the course. As a Certified Nurse, Midwife, and mother who has had extensive experience in lactation, it has always been my priority to meet the people I serve where they are. I believe in learning more about people’s cultures as a huge part of providing equity in lactation support. The course does exactly this as it sets out to improve the understanding of the military lifestyle and TRICARE benefits.”
“This is one of the best learning experiences I have ever had. I struggled with breastfeeding my oldest daughter and found the support I received to be empowering and knew that I wanted to be that support for others one day. I want to build on this certification and pursue becoming a lactation consultant!
"This is one of the best online modules I have tried! Everything was current and explained well within the presentations. The assignments were thought provoking and kept the learner interested in the topics."
“Of all the training I’ve done, this one is most engaging and I love that this is somewhat interactive but still self paced”.
"I appreciated the readings on nontraditional families. I have very little experience in how to support them but want to know more."
"I think [the Communication and Counseling] module was very engaging and gave lots of great information. It will be very helpful to me in private practice."
"I found the readings and videos on breastfeeding within ethnic and racially [diverse] communities exceptionally valuable."
"I want to be able to support breastfeeding mothers, like me, who live far from their biggest support systems, and be able to expand the resources that I was so fortunate to have."