I have a new revised study schedule for the 2011 exam. Not everything on the calendar will apply to every candidate, but it is a good time budget for anyone sitting this year. There are a few "free" weeks on the calendar, so if you have an event that conflicts with the listed study suggestions, just adjust your personal study time. If you are one of my GOO students, this schedule will also be e-mailed to you next week. Keep up the good work and work towards your goal. Remember: "All things are difficult before they are easy"--John Norley
Go to IBCLC Downloads under "links" tab
birthingandbreastfeeding.com
Friday, December 31, 2010
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Test Taking Strategies
I highly recommend this free download (from Breastfeeding Outlook) for anyone sitting for the IBCLC Exam. You must be "test smart" to do well on any exam and this practice test is geared towards Lactation. I found it very helpful. If you are not a good test-taker, this will improve your score considerably.
http://www.breastfeedingoutlook.com/index.php?pageID=85
http://www.breastfeedingoutlook.com/index.php?pageID=85
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
IBCLC Counseling Hours
It is imperative that candidates for the IBCLC exam chart their hours. Now, that does not apply if you have a job where you regularly help moms with breastfeeding issues. For instance, if you work a 40 hour week and you talk to moms about lactation 50% of the time (or 20 hours) you can multiply this number by weeks worked (usually around 50 weeks a year since Christmas break, sick days, holidays, vacation, etc. must be considered).
50 weeks x 20 hours=1,000 hours
If your job does not allow you scheduled time to work with moms, keep a day planner with notes in it. List on the day of the month you speak to a mom, how much time you spent counseling on breastfeeding. Then, at the end of each month, write in the last day of the month your total hours. I have some charting pages I will put on my website: birthingandbreastfeeding.com to help you keep records. You are probably counseling more than you know, but just haven't been keeping track. It will add up. You can go back and count any counseling done up to 5 years prior to the exam.
Remember, phone and email counseling hours can count for a portion of the total hours. There is no time like the present to start tracking your progress.
50 weeks x 20 hours=1,000 hours
If your job does not allow you scheduled time to work with moms, keep a day planner with notes in it. List on the day of the month you speak to a mom, how much time you spent counseling on breastfeeding. Then, at the end of each month, write in the last day of the month your total hours. I have some charting pages I will put on my website: birthingandbreastfeeding.com to help you keep records. You are probably counseling more than you know, but just haven't been keeping track. It will add up. You can go back and count any counseling done up to 5 years prior to the exam.
Remember, phone and email counseling hours can count for a portion of the total hours. There is no time like the present to start tracking your progress.
Saturday, December 25, 2010
IBCLC Study Budget
My next suggestion is to map out a schedule. List all the disciplines you are going to be tested on and decide which ones you need to study the most. I equate this to a budget. You get one pay check (amount of time) and you have to make it cover all the bills and some luxuries.
How much time do you allot for each topic? How do you "budget" your time? How do you decide what disciplines deserve the bulk of your time and attention? Try this: list the topics in order of your area of least experience (or what you feel least qualified or prepared for) to greatest experience (or your most comfortable areas), that way if you fall behind, you will at least spend time studying the topics you need the most review on.
Like a budget, mortgage, groceries, etc. come first, near the end are the luxuries (pedicure, Starbucks, etc.) That way, you may not get a double-latte, but your home will not get foreclosed on...
Take care of the big things and the small things will take care of themselves.
How much time do you allot for each topic? How do you "budget" your time? How do you decide what disciplines deserve the bulk of your time and attention? Try this: list the topics in order of your area of least experience (or what you feel least qualified or prepared for) to greatest experience (or your most comfortable areas), that way if you fall behind, you will at least spend time studying the topics you need the most review on.
Like a budget, mortgage, groceries, etc. come first, near the end are the luxuries (pedicure, Starbucks, etc.) That way, you may not get a double-latte, but your home will not get foreclosed on...
Take care of the big things and the small things will take care of themselves.
IBCLC Study Budget
My next suggestion is to map out a schedule. List all the disciplines you are going to be tested on and decide which ones you need to study the most. I equate this to a budget. You get one pay check (amount of time) and you have to make it cover all the bills and some luxuries.
How much time do you allot for each topic? How do you "budget" your time? How do you decide what disciplines deserve the bulk of your time and attention? Try this: list the topics in order of your area of least experience (or what you feel least qualified or prepared for) to greatest experience (or your most comfortable areas), that way if you fall behind, you will at least spend time studying the topics you need the most review on.
Like a budget, mortgage, groceries, etc. come first, near the end are the luxuries (pedicure, Starbucks, etc.) That way, you may not get a double-latte, but your home will not get foreclosed on...
Take care of the big things and the small things will take care of themselves.
How much time do you allot for each topic? How do you "budget" your time? How do you decide what disciplines deserve the bulk of your time and attention? Try this: list the topics in order of your area of least experience (or what you feel least qualified or prepared for) to greatest experience (or your most comfortable areas), that way if you fall behind, you will at least spend time studying the topics you need the most review on.
Like a budget, mortgage, groceries, etc. come first, near the end are the luxuries (pedicure, Starbucks, etc.) That way, you may not get a double-latte, but your home will not get foreclosed on...
Take care of the big things and the small things will take care of themselves.
Friday, December 24, 2010
IBCLC Deadlines
I probably started this a a bit late for those who are thinking of becoming an IBCLC this year, but do not panic, if not this year, next year, or the next...
Wondering if you qualify?
If you are going for it, you need to know a couple of things to save you some money. The first deadline approaching if for scholarships. The MILCC Scholarship application process is open until January 31. Candidates needing assistance with the exam fee should apply at http://www.milcc.org/apply.html. The exam fees go up based on when an applicant applies. The exam is the last Monday in July every year (7/25/2011), but the earlier one registers, the less expensive the test is. The first deadline is February 28 ($490). Check out the website for the later deadlines, and to print out an application.http://www.americas.iblce.org/apply-for-the-iblce-exam
If you are not eligible to sit for the exam in 2011, you are definitely eligible to prepare for next year! Everyone has a starting point.
Good luck,
CJ
Wondering if you qualify?
Do you have at least 1,000 hours of breastfeeding counseling hours?
Do you have at least 45 hours of breastfeeding education?
If you are going for it, you need to know a couple of things to save you some money. The first deadline approaching if for scholarships. The MILCC Scholarship application process is open until January 31. Candidates needing assistance with the exam fee should apply at http://www.milcc.org/apply.html. The exam fees go up based on when an applicant applies. The exam is the last Monday in July every year (7/25/2011), but the earlier one registers, the less expensive the test is. The first deadline is February 28 ($490). Check out the website for the later deadlines, and to print out an application.http://www.americas.iblce.org/apply-for-the-iblce-exam
If you are not eligible to sit for the exam in 2011, you are definitely eligible to prepare for next year! Everyone has a starting point.
Good luck,
CJ
Become an IBCLC
I took about 5 years to become an IBCLC. I enjoyed the journey. I never thought of becoming certified until I understood there was an appreciation for those who went the route to prepare, study for an exam, meet qualifications, and pass. My journey was both an individual one and a collaborative effort. That may sound like an oxymoron, but as I explain the process, it will become clear. I now desire to help others on their path to certification. The process is more confusing than difficult. I am a teacher by trade, so I have used my skill to create a curriculum to train future IBCLCs and my supervisor and I wrote a grant to offer the course for free in Riverside County. Last year I had my first graduating class...28 students sat for and passed the IBCLC exam.
I am starting this blog for those who are in my current class and want additional thought-provoking ideas, or those interested in becoming IBCLCs in the future. I have good intentions of posting often, but we shall see how much time permits. I am excited that many people have contacted me wanting to know more about lactation and the profession. I hope other IBCLCs, LEs, Clinical Lactation Specialists, etc. will help me along the way. It takes a village to raise a Lactation Consultant (and I have in no way arrived)...chime in for the good of the profession and for the good of other women reaching their personal and professional goals.
I am starting this blog for those who are in my current class and want additional thought-provoking ideas, or those interested in becoming IBCLCs in the future. I have good intentions of posting often, but we shall see how much time permits. I am excited that many people have contacted me wanting to know more about lactation and the profession. I hope other IBCLCs, LEs, Clinical Lactation Specialists, etc. will help me along the way. It takes a village to raise a Lactation Consultant (and I have in no way arrived)...chime in for the good of the profession and for the good of other women reaching their personal and professional goals.
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