GOLD Lactation Academy

You must meet one of the following:

Option 1:  

Hold the Certified Lactation Support Provider (CLSP) credential.

Option 2:  

Completion of Modules 1–7, Module 12, and Lesson 15A of the GOLD Lactation Academy 95+ Hour Lactation Consultant Training Program, with plans to complete the remaining modules within 12 months of entering the GPS program. 

• Module 1: Infant Anatomy and Development
• Module 2: Biology of Lactation and Human Milk
• Module 3: Foundations of Breastfeeding
• Module 4: Pregnancy, Birth and Early Breastfeeding
• Module 5: Supporting Families Throughout Lactation
• Module 6: Lactation Matters Beyond Initiation
• Module 7: Expression and Breast Pumps
• Module 12: Communication and Education
• Lesson 15A: Cultural Humility and Anti-Oppression          Work in Lactation

GPS volunteers provide non-clinical support only. Every participant must have at least one local, regional, or virtual IBCLC willing to accept referrals whenever a family needs care beyond the GPS scope of practice.

Yes. The GPS team provides guidance for finding and establishing a referral relationship (including the IBCLC Directory search). You must have this relationship in place before you begin supporting families.

• Submit your IBCLC referral form
• Review and sign program agreements
• Complete orientation
• Join the GPS Community
• Begin supporting families
• Start logging clinical hours

• Program expectations and community engagement
• Scope of practice
• Documentation and clinical hour submission
• Referral pathways
• Ethical standards
• Confidentiality / HIPAA 

Yes.  Orientation is required before supporting families or submitting clinical hours.

Once all required documentation and orientation have been completed and approved.

• Educate and encourage
• Provide breastfeeding support
• Discuss pumping
• Facilitate support groups
• Refer families appropriately

• Diagnose
• Perform clinical assessments
• Prescribe medications
• Create treatment plans
• Provide medical advice

• Defined scope of practice
• Required referral pathways
• IBCLC supervision
• Ethical standards and confidentiality requirements
• Quality review processes

Participants are expected to stay in good standing by practicing within scope, following ethical standards, completing required education, participating in supervision, and submitting accurate documentation. Falling short may result in remediation, suspension, or removal from the program.

Insurance requirements vary by country, business activity, and local regulation. Participants are responsible for determining what applies in their jurisdiction.

Refer them to your identified IBCLC or another appropriate healthcare provider using the GPS referral pathway.

Depends on your weekly volunteer time. 

Typical examples:

• 5 hours/week: ~46 months
• 15 hours/week: ~15 months
• 25 hours/week: ~9 months

You have up to 5 years total to complete your clinical hours.

GPS teaches practical outreach strategies, including:

• Building community partnerships
• Connecting with doulas and childbirth educators
• Social media outreach
• Parent groups
• WIC and public health programs
• Warm lines and lactation support helplines

Yes, under structured supervision with ongoing guidance while following program requirements.

Yes. In person, by phone, or through secure virtual visits, provided it meets program requirements.

Each family interaction is submitted through the GPS Clinical Hours Submission Form in the online platform in your account, then it is reviewed and approved by program supervisors.

1,000 clinical hours, per current IBCLC Pathway 1 requirements.  Participants remain responsible for ensuring their hours meet current IBLCE eligibility criteria.

Yes. Every separate support interaction, including follow-up visits, requires its own submission.

Yes, via your individual dashboard showing approved hours and overall progress.

Most participants can, with consistent community engagement. GPS offers outreach strategies to build referral relationships.

No. GPS services are entirely volunteer-based and must be provided free of charge throughout the program.

• Direct breastfeeding/chestfeeding support within the GPS Scope of Practice, following program supervision and documentation requirements
• For example: Individual support, prenatal/postpartum education, support groups, phone or virtual support

• Observation only
• Shadowing without active participation
• Administrative work
• General volunteer activities unrelated to                                lactation support

Yes. The hours count toward IBCLC Pathway 1, provided they meet the current IBLCE eligibility criteria.

Contact the GOLD Lactation Academy team at [email protected].

Yes.  GPS participants receive ongoing guidance from experienced IBCLC supervisors through monthly group meetings, case discussions, and individual support.

Missing two consecutive required meetings or                           check-ins may result in suspension from the program                   until participation resumes.

Yes. An online community for peer networking, case discussions, and ongoing support.

You may schedule an individual monthly check-in with your supervisor instead.

Yes. One supervision meeting per month is required.

Yes. Through GOLD Learning Library and GOLD conferences.