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Frequently Asked Questions
GPS is a supervised volunteer program that prepares aspiring lactation professionals to provide compassionate, evidence-informed, non-clinical lactation support while earning supervised clinical hours toward IBCLC Pathway 1 certification.
No. Many participants join the GPS program simply because they are passionate about providing high-quality, evidence-based breastfeeding support; others use GPS as a step toward becoming an IBCLC.
GPS is designed for individuals who:
- Want to support lactating families in their communities
- Are pursuing IBCLC certification through Pathway 1 (Breastfeeding Support Organizations)
- Want structured supervision while gaining practical experience
- Value evidence-based, ethical, family-centered care
- Are not currently licensed health professionals
You can cancel your application within 48 hours of purchase. To request a cancellation, please contact us at [email protected]
You are eligible for a refund during this period if you do not meet the eligibility criteria.
Note: Refunds are not offered to participants who decide not to pursue the IBCLC credential.
Yes. GPS welcomes participants worldwide. Participants are responsible for complying with local laws and professional/scope-of-practice regulations in their country.
Yes. Orientation, supervision, documentation, clinical hour tracking, and community discussions all happen online. Family support itself may occur virtually, by phone, or in person.
First year: $195 USD | Renewal: $95 USD annually
GPS Program training course includes
- Orientation
- Program handbook, protocols, and templates/resources
- Scope of Practice and Ethics training
- Monthly supervision meetings with IBCLCs
- Individual dashboard for clinical hour tracking
- Community access
- Continuing education opportunities
Beyond your clinical hours, you'll also need:
- All 14 Health Science Courses required by IBLCE
- 95 hours of Lactation Specific Education
- Basic Life Support (BLS) certification (in your country of residence)
(GOLD Lactation Academy offers both the Health Science courses and the required Lactation Specific Education.)
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 and teach normal breastfeeding
- Discuss pumping
- Facilitate support groups
- Refer families appropriately
- Diagnose
- Perform clinical assessments
- Prescribe medications
- Create treatment plans
- Provide medical advice
Yes, under structured supervision.
1,000 clinical hours, per current IBCLC Pathway 1 requirements. Participants remain responsible for ensuring their hours meet current IBLCE eligibility criteria.
Most participants can, though it depends on consistently engaging with your community. GPS provides outreach strategies to help build sustainable referral relationships.
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
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.
Yes. Every separate support interaction, including follow-up visits, requires its own submission.
Yes, via your individual dashboard showing approved hours and overall progress.
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. Through GOLD Learning Library, GOLD conferences, and GOLD webinars. Please click on this link for more information: https://www.goldlearning.com/
Yes. An online community for peer networking, case discussions, and ongoing support.
Yes. One supervision meeting per month is required.
You may schedule an individual monthly check-in with your supervisor instead.