Becoming an IBCLC: Inside the Pathway 3 Internship with Blessed Beginnings | Lactation Consultant Training
- Nov 6
- 3 min read
What Is the Pathway 3 IBCLC Internship | Lactation Consultant Training in Tennessee?
If you’ve ever guided a new parent through feeding challenges, celebrated a baby’s first successful latch, or wished you could do even more for families you may already have the heart of an IBCLC.
At Blessed Beginnings, our Pathway 3 Internship turns that passion into purpose through comprehensive lactation consultant training. This 18-month, mentor-guided program provides over 500 supervised clinical hours across real-world breastfeeding consults. Interns gain hands-on experience through home visits, telehealth, and community support learning side by side with experienced IBCLCs.
The internship follows the IBLCE Pathway 3 requirements, offering a structured roadmap from observation and shadowing to independent clinical practice.
What You’ll Learn During the IBCLC Pathway 3 Training Program
Every intern receives personalized mentorship to build both confidence and clinical skill. Through your time in the program, you’ll learn how to:
Conduct complete feeding assessments and oral exams
Support families with challenges like tongue-ties, milk supply, and bottle refusal
Create compassionate, evidence-based care plans
Collaborate with professionals such as OTs, PTs, CFT providers, and feeding therapists
Manage documentation and prepare for IBCLC exam success
By graduation, you’ll feel ready not just to pass an exam but to serve families with skill and heart.
Why Future Lactation Consultants Choose the Blessed Beginnings Pathway 3 Mentorship
The Pathway 3 Internship is more than a program, it's a community. Interns work closely with their mentors and peers in a supportive, collaborative learning environment designed to reflect real-life lactation practice.
Here’s what makes it special:
Comprehensive mentorship: consistent, one-on-one guidance from seasoned IBCLCs
Team connection: inclusion in training events, meetings, and peer collaboration
Career readiness: opportunities for employment consideration upon completion
Masterclass credit: graduates receive a $1,000 credit toward advanced clinical training
Our goal is to help you grow into a confident, compassionate professional who truly makes a difference.
Who Can Apply for the Pathway 3 Lactation Consultant Internship
You don’t need to be a nurse or healthcare professional to apply just deeply committed to learning and supporting families.
This internship is ideal for:
Doulas, nurses, educators, or caregivers passionate about lactation
Students completing their lactation coursework
Individuals seeking supervised clinical hours required by the IBLCE
Anyone ready to combine empathy with evidence-based care
We’re proud to train interns from all backgrounds and regions across Tennessee, including those participating virtually.
How to Apply for the Blessed Beginnings Pathway 3 Internship
Applications are now open for the January 2026 cohort. If you’ve been considering a future as a board-certified lactation consultant (IBCLC), now is the perfect time to take the next step and begin your lactation consultant training through our Pathway 3 Internship.
You’ll find full details about program phases, mentor expectations, and tuition on our website. Once you apply, our team will reach out with next steps and interview scheduling.
FAQs About the Pathway 3 IBCLC Internship Program
What is the Pathway 3 Internship? The Pathway 3 Internship is one of the official routes to becoming an IBCLC through supervised clinical experience under qualified mentors.
How long is the internship? The internship runs approximately 18 months, including observation, guided practice, and independent clinical visits.
What happens after completion? Graduates are eligible to sit for the IBLCE exam and may receive a job offer and $1,000 Masterclass credit through Blessed Beginnings.
Ready to Start Your IBCLC Intership?
If you’re ready to take the next step toward becoming an IBCLC and want to do it with a community that values both skill and heart apply today.
TL;DR
The Blessed Beginnings Pathway 3 IBCLC Internship is an 18-month mentored training program that includes 500+ supervised clinical hours, real-world lactation experience, and supportive mentorship.Interns learn to assess feeds, support families, and prepare for the IBLCE exam while serving families across Middle Tennessee and virtually anywhere in the state. Graduates earn a $1,000 Masterclass credit and may be invited to join the Blessed Beginnings team. 👉 Apply Now
Want to meet more of our amazing team? Meet all our lactation consultants here.
Serving families and future IBCLCs across Nashville, Franklin, Brentwood, Spring Hill, Thompson’s Station, Nolensville, Columbia, Fairview, Hendersonville, Gallatin, Goodlettsville, White House, Murfreesboro, Smyrna, La Vergne, Mt. Juliet, Lebanon, Ashland City, Kingston Springs, Pegram, Clarksville, and Cookeville, plus virtual support anywhere in Tennessee.
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