The Clinical Lactation Practicum (CLP) is a training opportunity focused on increasing the health care professional’s knowledge base for identifying a lactation problem and implementing a scientific research-based intervention. The CLP provides an opportunity for direct observation, instruction, and hands-on demonstration of breastfeeding support and counseling. Students participate one-to-one with lactation consultation performed by an experienced board-certified lactation consultant.

CLP prerequisite: (per Policy No. BF: 04.0)

• Staff must successfully complete of Principles of Lactation Management (POLM) and Lactation Counseling and Problem Solving (LCAPS) trainings no more than 5 years prior to attending the CLP.
• IBCLCs interested in attending a CLP rotation are exempt from these training pre-requisite courses. 

The Clinical Lactation Practicum is a very competitive program. Therefore, enrollment dates and availability may be limited. Requests for specific attendance dates will be honored as best as possible; however, students will be grouped according to education or job titles so it may be necessary to choose an alternate date. An email confirmation will be sent to confirm your registration. Site specific information will be handled by the Lactation Support Center Directors at each site.

Non-WIC students must provide proof of current immunizations and a criminal background report to comply with the hosting hospital’s policy regarding patient safety and liability.

Registration deadline: Three (3) weeks prior to the class date  for Austin and Dallas, six (6) weeks for Houston. Registrations received after the required deadline will be referred to the hosting site for determination. Acceptance to the chosen class is not guaranteed.

CLP Locations

Austin

Mom’s Place

8701-B Research Blvd.
Austin, TX 78758
1-800-514-6667
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Dallas

Lactation Care Center
2600 North Stemmons Freeway
Suite 188
Dallas, TX 75207
1-855-550-6667
214-670-7222
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Houston

Lactation Foundation
2636 South Loop West, #135
Houston, TX 77054
1-877-550-5008
713-839-0527
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do I have to be a peer counselor to attend the CLP?

No. All WIC staff working directly with breastfeeding moms are encouraged to attend the CLP – especially anyone interested in sitting for the IBLCE exam.

2. What if I haven’t attended POLM/LCAPS, can I still attend the CLP?

Yes, as long as both trainings have been attended prior to a CLP rotation. You will need to select rotation dates after the trainings. For example, if you have registered for POLM and LCAPS in March/April you must select rotation preference dates any time after April.

3. Are the CLP rotations for WIC staff only?

No. Each lactation support center offers various training opportunities for non-WIC professionals. CLP students will be grouped according to education or job titles so it may be necessary to choose an alternate date. 

Non-Texas WIC students will be required to complete various modules per hosting hospital’s policy on patient safely and liability prior to attending as well as submitting proof of immunizations (Tdap, Influenza, MMR, and TB test), a background check, and letters of reference. 

CLP Dates for Degreed/Licensed/Board Certified Professionals

Student participation is limited to Degreed/Licensed/Board Certified Professionals such as RNs, LVNs, RDs, LDs, IBCLCs, and Nutritionists.

CLP Dates for non-Degreed/Licensed Para-Professionals

Student participation is limited to non-Degreed/Licensed Para-Professionals such as Peer Counselors, WIC Certifying Specialists, etc.

Register for a CLP class.

Continuing Education Credit

You must attend the entire course in order to receive continuing education contact hours. No partial credit will be given. Individuals missing sessions or leaving early will not be eligible for contact hours or a certificate of attendance.

This activity is approved for 18.0 Level I Continuing Professional Education hours by the Texas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

18.25 L-CERPs allocated by IBLCE. 18.25 instructional hours in topics on the IBLCE Exam Blueprint. IBLCE Approval Number C1332065.

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