Careers in Lactation Speaker Series
Virtual Certificated Lactation Educator Training
Virtual 95 hour Lactation Training
CSUN's Academic Program for Human Lactation
Lactation Curriculum Expands with Federal Grant
Student Stories About Lactation Education
Responsibilities of a Lactation Educator
Interested in a career in human lactation?
Find out which credential is best for you.
Academic Program in Human Lactation
Prepare for a career as a lactation educator by completing a Minor in Human Lactation. For more information about the minor watch this introductory video, and read the print brochure.
Certificated Lactation Educator (CLE)
Undergrads, graduates and community members can all complete a Lactation Education Accreditation and Approval Review Committee (LEAARC) Recognized Breastfeeding Course and earn the designation of a Certificated Lactation Educator (CLE).
IBCLC Certification
International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) are healthcare professional who provide clinical expertise in the management of lactation, from pregnancy through weaning. To learn more about the IBCLC exam certification process and which exam eligibility requirements can be fulfilled at CSUN please read below:
Awards and Distinctions
Dr. Efrat received the 2020 California State University (CSU) Faculty Innovation and Leadership Awards (FILA) for her pioneering work in the field of lactation education and research, which has led the campus to become a leader in the field.
In 2017, CSUN, led by Dr. Merav Efrat, received BreastfeedLA’s “Visionary Impact Award” for its pioneering work institutionalizing lactation education in its undergraduate and graduate programs and training the next generation of lactation professionals.
In 2014, Dr. Efrat received the 2014 CSUN Visionary Community Service-Learning Award for her work in creating lactation education service learning opportunities for CSUN students. In 2010, with the support of a grant from the United States Department of Agriculture, CSUN launched its undergraduate lactation educator course. Since that time, CSUN has been awarded six additional federal grants to support the expansion of CSUN’s human lactation curriculum and provide CSUN students with opportunities to conduct research and gain practical experience implementing lactation education in the community. Learn more about CSUN’s funded projects in the area of human lactation.
Learn about CSUN’s funded projects in the area of human lactation
Student Success Stories
Byanka V Melgar
BS Public Health, IBCLC
Byanka took HSCI 434: Lactation Education while enrolled at CSUN as an undergraduate in public health. After completing HSCI 434, Byanka was selected to serve as a lactation educator for a research study that examined the impact of phone-based breastfeeding education on Latina mothers’ breastfeeding rates. Learn more about this research study.
FAQ's
These FAQs provide answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the Human Lactation curriculum offered at CSUN. If you don't find an answer to your question here, feel free to contact us.