Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for Certified Lactation Consultant – 2025

Preparing for a job as a certified lactation consultant? This guide provides a list of essential questions and answers that will help you showcase your expertise, compassion, and experience in providing care and support for breastfeeding mothers and their babies. Whether you’re applying for a position in a hospital, private practice, or community center, these questions cover all key areas of the job.

General Questions

• 1. Tell us about your background and experience as a certified lactation consultant.
  As a certified lactation consultant, I have a Bachelor's degree in a related field, along with 1000+ clinical hours providing lactation support to mothers and babies. I am also certified by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE).
• 2. What inspired you to become a lactation consultant?
  I have always been passionate about maternal and child health, and I saw a great need for lactation support in my community. After experiencing difficulties with breastfeeding my own child, I decided to pursue this career and provide much-needed support to other mothers.
• 3. How do you stay updated on the latest industry practices and research related to lactation?
  I attend conferences and workshops regularly, read current research, and am an active member of professional organizations such as the International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA). I also follow reputable online resources and collaborate with my colleagues to exchange knowledge and experiences.
• 4. How do you handle working with mothers who may have different cultural beliefs or practices related to breastfeeding?
  I approach each situation with respect and understanding. I recognize that every mother has unique cultural beliefs and practices, and I take the time to listen and learn from them while providing evidence-based information and support.
• 5. How do you ensure confidentiality and maintain professionalism in your work as a lactation consultant?
  I adhere to strict confidentiality policies, and I am committed to maintaining a professional and ethical relationship with my clients. I also have a clear understanding of my scope of practice and will refer clients to other professionals when necessary.

Technical Skills & Experience

• 6. What is your approach to helping a mother who is struggling with low milk supply?
  My first step would be to assess the mother and baby's breastfeeding techniques and address any potential issues that may be affecting her milk supply. I may also suggest herbal supplements and increased frequency of breastfeeding or pumping to stimulate milk production. If necessary, I may refer the mother for a consultation with a healthcare provider to rule out any medical issues.
• 7. Can you walk us through your experience with implementing breastfeeding techniques for premature babies?
  In my experience, premature babies may have difficulty with latching and breastfeeding due to their small size and underdeveloped sucking reflex. I prioritize skin-to-skin contact and work closely with the neonatal team to provide the best support for the baby and mother. I also educate parents on the importance of a gradual feeding schedule and hand expression to stimulate milk production.
• 8. How do you support mothers who are experiencing pain or discomfort while breastfeeding?
  I first identify the source of the pain, whether it be a poor latch, engorgement, or a blocked milk duct. I then provide education on proper breastfeeding techniques and suggest comfort measures such as warm compresses and gentle massage. If necessary, I may refer the mother for a consultation with a healthcare provider for treatment of any underlying causes.
• 9. How do you handle a situation where a mother is not producing enough breast milk to meet her baby's needs?
  I would first assess the mother's breastfeeding technique and milk supply while ruling out any medical factors. I may suggest supplemental feeding methods such as using a nursing supplementer or finger feeding to supplement the baby's intake while maintaining breastfeeding. I would also provide emotional support and encourage the mother to continue breastfeeding while supplementing a small amount of formula if necessary.
• 10. Can you tell us about a time when you had to handle a difficult or emotionally-charged situation with a breastfeeding mother?
  I once worked with a mother who was experiencing severe postpartum depression and was struggling to breastfeed her baby. I took the time to listen to her concerns and provided emotional support while also collaborating with her healthcare team to develop a plan for her mental health. With patience and compassion, we were able to work through her struggles, and she eventually successfully breastfed her baby.

Taking on the Role

• 11. How do you handle a situation where a mother is set on exclusively breastfeeding, but the baby is not gaining enough weight?
  I would first assess the baby's weight and growth, as well as the mother's milk supply. If necessary, I would suggest supplementing with formula while continuing to encourage breastfeeding and working on increasing milk supply. I would also provide resources and support for relactation if the mother is willing to try.
• 12. In your opinion, what is the most important aspect of your role as a certified lactation consultant?
  In my opinion, the most important aspect of my role is providing evidence-based information and emotional support to empower mothers to reach their breastfeeding goals. Every mother and baby's journey is unique, and I believe in tailoring my approach to meet their specific needs.
• 13. Can you describe your experience with working as part of a multidisciplinary team in a healthcare setting?
  I have worked closely with doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care for breastfeeding mothers and their babies. I am familiar and comfortable with communicating and collaborating with different members of the healthcare team and recognizing my role within the team.
• 14. How do you handle a disagreement with a mother or colleague regarding a breastfeeding decision or practice?
  I believe in open communication and respecting different perspectives while always prioritizing the health and wellbeing of the mother and baby. If necessary, I would provide education and evidence-based information to support my viewpoint and discuss potential compromises or alternatives.
• 15. How do you approach educating and training new parents on breastfeeding techniques and practices?
  I find it helpful to use interactive and hands-on teaching methods, such as role-playing and demonstration, to engage new parents and help them better understand different breastfeeding positions and techniques. I also provide written materials and resources for them to take home and refer to as needed.
• 16. Can you walk us through your experience with managing and organizing your caseload?
  As a lactation consultant, it is essential to be organized and prioritize time management skills. I maintain detailed records of appointments, follow-ups, and client progress. I also allocate time for phone consultations and scheduling follow-up visits as needed.
• 17. How do you handle a situation where a mother is not following your advice or recommendations?
  I recognize that every mother and her baby have unique circumstances and will ultimately make their own decisions. I provide education and support while also respecting their autonomy and reminding them of the potential consequences of not following recommendations. If necessary, I may refer them to another lactation consultant or healthcare provider.
• 18. Can you give an example of a successful outcome from a lactation consultation you provided?
  I once worked with a mother who was experiencing severe nipple pain and difficulty breastfeeding her newborn. After a thorough assessment and addressing latch issues, we were able to improve the baby's latch, and the mother was able to successfully breastfeed without pain. She was grateful for the support and continued to breastfeed exclusively for six months.
• 19. How do you handle sensitive topics or difficult conversations with clients, such as discussions about nutrition or supplemental feeding?
  I approach these conversations with sensitivity and understanding, recognizing that every mother's breastfeeding journey is unique and may require different strategies. I provide evidence-based information and support while also considering the mother's emotions and needs. I also ensure to listen carefully and answer any questions she may have.
• 20. Can you share your experience with managing and maintaining breastfeeding support groups?
  I have managed and facilitated several breastfeeding support groups, both in person and online. These groups provide a sense of community and support for mothers who may be experiencing challenges with breastfeeding. I ensure to provide a safe and respectful environment for sharing experiences and offer evidence-based information and support to all participants.