Clinical Mentorship

Become an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant

with Paola as your mentor.

1:1 Mentorship Program

An intensive mentorship program with 500 h of lactation specific clinical practise where you will gain all the clinical skills and knowledge you need to become an IBCLC.

About your mentor.

Paola is a lactation consultant with over 10 years of medical background and extensive clinical experience in Lactation Medicine.

She is an Internationally Educated Physician, a Certified Breastfeeding Specialist and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, the gold standard certification for health professionals working with breastfeeding families. Paola also holds a Diploma in Child Nutrition and is currently taking a Diploma in Pediatric & Perinatal Clinical Nutrition. She’s always updating her knowledge with continuing education and she's also certified as a Sleep Specialist, a Craniosacral Therapist and a Baby-Led Weaning Educator. She’s been an IBCLC mentor for years, guiding students towards the IBCLC certification.

Phase 1: Observation

Begins with line of sight observation of the IBCLC mentor engaged in practice AND/OR direct observation through use of a secure technology platform which facilitates synchronous twoway audio and visual communication.

Phase 2:
Transition to Clinical Practice

Includes clinical practice experience under the direct observation and guidance of the IBCLC mentor who is physically in the room with the applicant OR through the use of a secure technology platform which facilitates synchronous two-way audio and visual communication until the skill is mastered.

Phase 3:
Supervised Independent Practice Plan

Culminates with independent practice by the applicant, with the IBCLC mentor either physically nearby to assist if needed OR available via a secure technology platform which facilitates synchronous two-way audio and visual communication.

This mentorship program is a structured, defined relationship between an applicant and IBCLC(s) which must be preapproved by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE). The mentorship will be developed according to the IBLCE Pathway 3 Plan.

For detailed information about the process contact us.

Please know that there's a waiting list so we encourage you to apply soon and include your preferable date when you would like to start the program.

what our students say.

  • "Find a great mentor who believes in you; your life will change forever! -Bill Walsh It’s been 8 months since I found my lactation mentor, Paola Vallarino, at Mamas Au Lait, and everything started to change! I made the decision that in 2024 I would focus on achieving this journey that sparkles in my heart and soul. Now, I am so happy I have completed one more step with a heart full of gratitude and hope. More to come! I’m so grateful to have found such an amazing mentor!”

    Luciana Lima

  • "Paola is an outstanding mentor with a wealth of information that needs to be shared with as many people as possible! I am honoured to have been able to work along side her over the past few months. It was an honour to complete my clinical hours with her. She was genuinely invested in the growth and development of my practice and learning. She truly put her heart in to making my time at Mamas Au Lait the best possible experience. Thank you for taking me under your wing Paola.”

    Deena Zacks

Becoming an

International Board Certified
Lactation Consultant

is one step away.

Would you like to begin preparing for your clinical mentorship?

Join our online program

Advanced Lactation Skills & Private Practice Tools

With Self-Paced Learning & One-On-One Mentoring.

We strongly recommend joining the program if you’re planning to do your clinical hours with Paola. Applicants who have completed this program are prioritized in our waiting list.