The Lactation Consultant Launchpad Podcast: Your Guide to Successfully Becoming a Lactation Consultant

Leslie Owens, RN IBCLC
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The Lactation Consultant Launchpad Podcast helps aspiring IBCLCs, doulas, nurses, and birth workers navigate the path to certification with clarity and purpose. Hosted by RN + IBCLC Leslie Owens, each episode gives you mentorship, insider strategy, and practical steps to launch your lactation career. Hit subscribe and start your journey toward becoming an IBCLC, minus the overwhelm.

  1. 3D AGO

    Hospital IBCLCs Are Not Your Villain

    Hospital IBCLCs are getting dragged. “They didn’t help.” “They pushed formula.” “They missed the tie.” “They were in the room five minutes.” But what if we’re blaming the wrong person? In this episode, I’m calling out the growing frustration and misinformation surrounding hospital lactation consultants. We’re unpacking what a hospital IBCLC shift actually looks like, the structural constraints they work under, and why six-week breastfeeding struggles often get pinned on someone who had ten minutes inside a discharge timeline. If you are a birth worker, nurse, private practice IBCLC, or aspiring lactation consultant, this is a needed mindset shift. We’re talking about: • Hospital lactation consultant realities • Why early newborn physiology is different from a two-week visit • System pressures that families never see • The difference between individual care and structural barriers • And how to think critically instead of react emotionally If you want to become an IBCLC who understands systems, settings, and power dynamics instead of just latch mechanics, this episode is for you. Because the future of lactation leadership requires nuance. Press play.

    10 min

  2. FEB 11

    Hospital IBCLC Safe… or Private Practice IBCLC Powerful?

    If you’re becoming an IBCLC and you think your only option is working in a hospital, we need to talk. In this episode, I break down the real differences between working as a hospital lactation consultant and building a private lactation practice. I’m talking schedule control, income potential, autonomy, burnout, leadership, and what your day-to-day actually feels like. This conversation is especially for nurses, doulas, and breastfeeding advocates who want more than just another job. If you’re exploring the IBCLC pathway and wondering what your future could really look like, this episode will challenge you to think bigger.

    17 min

  3. FEB 4

    If I Were Starting the IBCLC Journey Today, This Is What I'd Do First

    Thinking about becoming an IBCLC but feeling overwhelmed by pathways, hours, and “where do I even start”? In this episode, I’m sharing exactly what I would do if I were starting the IBCLC journey today, knowing what I know now. I break down the first steps that actually matter, the mistakes I see people make all the time, and what you can stop stressing about for now. If you’re curious about becoming an IBCLC but don’t want to spin your wheels, this episode will help you find clarity and move forward with confidence - without having it all figured out yet. Wanna hear my secret podcast that spills the REAL Tea on getting started? You can listen at www.tinyurl.com/ibclcpath

    17 min

  4. JAN 28

    From Scholarship to Speaker: My Full-Circle Journey to Building an International IBCLC Program

    In this episode of the Lactation Consultant Launchpad Podcast, Leslie shares a behind the scenes, full circle moment from her journey to becoming an IBCLC and building an international lactation consultant training program. Recorded while traveling to the 2026 Birth Worker Retreat in Clearwater Beach, this candid episode reflects on growth, gratitude, and what it really looks like to build a business and career as a “baby CEO.” Leslie opens up about attending the same retreat just two years ago on an equity scholarship and returning this year as a speaker, educator, and founder of Lactation Consultant Launchpad. You’ll hear: The real path of becoming an IBCLC beyond the highlight reel How investing in yourself can change the trajectory of your career What it feels like to build a grassroots program with global impact Why mentorship and access matter in the lactation profession Today, Launchpad supports aspiring IBCLCs across the United States and internationally, including students in South Africa, Canada, and Pakistan, helping expand access to lactation education and mentorship worldwide. This episode is a reminder that your starting point doesn’t define your destination and that becoming an IBCLC can open doors you never imagined. 🎧 Perfect for birth workers, doulas, nurses, breastfeeding advocates, and anyone exploring how to become an IBCLC. 🔗 Learn more about becoming an IBCLC and the Lactation Consultant Launchpad program at www.mothernurtureatl.com 📲 Follow Leslie on Instagram @mothernurtureatl for education, resources, and updates.

    9 min

  5. JAN 14

    3 IBCLC Myths Aspiring Lactation Consultants Need to Stop Believing

    Thinking about becoming an IBCLC but feeling overwhelmed by conflicting information online? In this episode, I’m breaking down the top 3 myths aspiring IBCLCs Google the most and sharing what’s actually true in 2026. We’re covering: • The myth that you must have a medical background to pursue IBCLC Pathway 1 • Why your 95 breastfeeding-specific education hours do not have to come from one expensive prepackaged course • The real career options for IBCLCs beyond hospital work If you’re a doula, birth worker, nurse, or breastfeeding advocate wondering how to become an IBCLC, this episode will give you clarity, realistic expectations, and a clear next step without the confusion or gatekeeping. 🎧 This episode is sponsored by my free private podcast: If you’re serious about the IBCLC pathway but don’t know where to start, download my Secret Podcast for Aspiring IBCLCs, where I break down the pathways, timelines, costs, and common mistakes that keep people stuck. 👉 Download it here: www.tinyurl.com/ibclcpath

    10 min

  6. JAN 7

    The IBCLC You Are Afraid To Become...

    What if the thing holding you back from becoming an IBCLC isn’t a lack of education or discipline, but an identity shift you haven’t been given permission to make yet? In this episode, Leslie talks about the hidden fears many aspiring IBCLCs carry, why preparation can become a form of self-protection, and how confidence actually develops over time. We cover: Why over-preparing can keep you stuck Fear of failure vs fear of being seen as capable Why confidence comes after action The identity shift required to move forward ethically and sustainably If you’ve been circling this path and wondering when you’ll finally feel ready, this episode is for you.

    13 min

  7. 12/24/2025

    Not a Hustle Speech: An IBCLC Pep Talk for the Holidays

    It’s the day before Christmas Eve, it’s late, and this is a real-time pep talk.   Someone just completed my entire (breastfeeding counselor training + all clinical hours needed) program in nine months and applied to sit for the IBCLC exam. No shortcuts. No hustle culture. Just consistent effort, support, and permission to move forward without waiting for “perfect timing.”   If you’re wondering whether becoming an IBCLC is realistic with your real life, this episode is for you. Progress doesn’t have to be loud, fast, or Instagram worthy to count.   Merry Christmas. You’re closer than you think.

    9 min

  8. 12/17/2025

    From Student to IBCLC: Celebrating What’s Possible When You Just Start

    What does it really look like to go from aspiring lactation consultant to IBCLC? In this episode, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) Leslie Owens shares two major milestones: the graduation of new Community Breastfeeding Counselors through her IBLCE recognized peer support organization, and the announcement of the very first IBCLC to complete the Lactation Consultant Launchpad program. Leslie breaks down what starting the IBCLC journey actually looks like, how Pathway 1 works in real life, and why confidence comes from action, not waiting until you feel “ready.” She also explains the IBCLC exam timeline, including how often the exam is offered. If you’re a doula, birth worker, nurse, or breastfeeding advocate considering becoming an IBCLC, this episode offers real-world insight, encouragement, and proof of what’s possible when you take the first step.

    21 min
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About

The Lactation Consultant Launchpad Podcast helps aspiring IBCLCs, doulas, nurses, and birth workers navigate the path to certification with clarity and purpose. Hosted by RN + IBCLC Leslie Owens, each episode gives you mentorship, insider strategy, and practical steps to launch your lactation career. Hit subscribe and start your journey toward becoming an IBCLC, minus the overwhelm.

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