Mentorship That Matters: Training the Next Generation of IBCLCs with Kristina Chamberlain, CNM, ARNP, IBCLC

As more people pursue the IBCLC credential, mentorship has become one of the most critical—and misunderstood—components of lactation education. In this episode, Kristina and I take a close look at Pathway 2 and Pathway 3 mentorship, clarifying what mentors are actually responsible for and why mentorship must go beyond observation and paperwork.

Kristina explains that effective mentorship is engaged, relational, and intentional. We discuss how mentors model professionalism, communication, boundaries, and ethical care—not just clinical skills. We also talk openly about the fears many IBCLCs have about becoming mentors, including concerns about readiness, time, liability, and “doing it right,” and why those fears shouldn’t stop experienced clinicians from stepping into mentorship roles.

This conversation also highlights the structural supports built into Pathway 2 programs, the additional lift often required in Pathway 3 mentorship, and why access to high-quality mentorship remains a major barrier to growing and diversifying the IBCLC workforce. Throughout the episode, Kristina shares practical, experience-based strategies for both mentors and mentees—and a hopeful vision for how mentorship could be better supported and valued across the profession.

🔍 What We Talk About

1. The difference between mentoring vs. supervising clinical hours
2. What IBCLC mentors are truly responsible for in Pathway 2 and Pathway 3
3. How students should be gradually and ethically integrated into hands-on care
4. Common gaps students face when transitioning from coursework to clinical practice
5. Tools that support mentorship, including IBLCE outlines and LEAARC skill checklists
6. Why learning from multiple mentors can strengthen clinical competence
7. Liability, affiliation agreements, and student protections in Pathway 2 programs
8. The professional and personal benefits of becoming a mentor
9. Charging for mentorship: ethics, equity, and value exchange
10. Why mentorship is part of our professional obligation as IBCLCs
11. What Kristina hopes the future of lactation mentorship will look like

🧠 Key Takeaways

1. Mentorship is an active teaching relationship, not passive oversight.
2. Students need meaningful, hands-on experience—not observation alone.
3. You do not need to be a “perfect” IBCLC to be an effective mentor.
4. Mentorship strengthens clinical skills, confidence, and professional growth.
5. Supporting mentors is essential to the future of the lactation profession.

👩‍🏫 Guest

Kristina Chamberlain, CNM, ARNP, IBCLC

Clinical Instruction in Lactation: https://www.amazon.com/Clinical-Instruction-Lactation-Teaching-Generation/dp/1939807948

LEAARC Criteria for Endorsed Courses: https://leaarc.org/docs/2022%20Endorsed%20Courses%20Core%20Curricula%20FINAL%201.pdf

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Hosted by: Margaret Salty

Music by: The Magnifiers – My Time Traveling Machine