Resources For IBCLC Mentors

Find the information you need to guide aspiring IBCLCs.

2026 Mentorship & Learning Opportunities for IBCLCs

MLCA is expanding mentorship and learning opportunities for aspiring and newly certified IBCLCs in 2026. Participation can be flexible and low-commitment.  

We’re looking for IBCLCs who are interested in any of the following: 

  • Informal mentoring or co-mentoring of a newly certified IBCLC during their first few years of practice (format and frequency up to you: Zoom, phone, text, in person).

  • Co-facilitating a one-time “Ask Me Anything” Zoom for MLCA members around one topic (e.g., consult bag essentials, nipple pain, infant behavior, prenatal teaching).

  • Sharing wisdom as a retired IBCLC, through virtual or in-person conversations, reverse shadowing, or career guidance for newer or aspiring IBCLCs.

  • Supporting a Pathway 3 mentee as part of a mentor team (1-4 mentors sharing one student). Newly certified IBCLCs–you can mentor students too as part of this team! This way, your mentee can divide up how they do their 500 clinical hours among all of you. 

  • Proposing another idea for how you’d like to contribute– or something you’d like to offer. 

If any of this resonates, the MLCA mentorship committee would love to hear from you! Please either fill out the form below or email us at mentorship@mlca.org if you have questions or are potentially interested in participating in mentorship in any capacity. 

Mentorship Resources

Reach out to the MLCA Mentorship team
  • Three women having a discussion in a bright conference room with windows, on a white table with notebooks, a glass of water, and tablets.

    Mentor Information


    Did you know you can earn CERPs for mentoring aspiring IBCLCs?

    MLCA’s Mentorship Committee is building resources and a supportive mentor community for collaboration and shared growth. No need to worry if you're unsure about guidelines, feel disorganized, or don’t have a busy practice—mentorship can take many forms, and we’re here to help you succeed.

  • Three women collaborating in a bright indoor setting, one holding a tablet and another writing, all smiling.

    Become A Mentor


    Did you know there are various ways you can act as a mentor?

    Mentoring can take many forms: informational interviews, leading study groups, offering pathway guidance, sharing resources (including BIPOC-specific), allowing shadowing, serving as mentor or chief mentor, and more. There are many ways to support future IBCLCs and make a meaningful impact!

  • Three women engaged in conversation at a meeting, one woman smiling at the camera with a laptop in front of her.

    Already Mentoring


    Did you know MLCA members get exclusive access to our mentorship directory?

    We’re thrilled to hear you’re mentoring the next generation of lactation consultants! We’d love to include you in our mentorship directory so aspiring IBCLCs and fellow mentors can connect with you. Let us know how you're mentoring, if you're open to more mentees, and if you'd like to be added to the directory.