Mentoring IBCLC Students with Sarah Quigley, IBCLC

On this episode of Behind the Latch, Margaret Salty interviews Sarah Quigley, IBCLC, about the rewarding and sometimes challenging process of mentoring IBCLC students. They discuss what makes a great mentee, how to provide hands-on training, and practical advice for IBCLCs considering taking on interns.Sarah’s Journey into Lactation ConsultingSarah shares her path to becoming an IBCLC, including:Transitioning from a career in teaching English as a second languageHow her experience as a La Leche League Leader influenced her journeyThe role her mother, also an IBCLC, played in inspiring her careerHow she built her private practice before moving into a full-time hospital-based IBCLC roleWhat Makes a Great Mentee?Sarah breaks down the qualities that make a lactation intern successful, including:Kindness and a strong desire to learnThe ability to read the room and adjust to client needsSolid communication and writing skills for charting and patient educationQuick math skills for calculating weight gain and supplementation plansThe Hands-On Learning ProcessSarah explains how she gradually introduces interns to clinical work:Starting with observing visits and assisting with positioning and weight checksTeaching interns a basic script for initiating consultationsSlowly increasing their involvement in latch adjustments and problem-solvingProviding constructive feedback after visits to build confidence and refine skillsThe Challenges of Being a PreceptorMargaret and Sarah discuss some of the biggest challenges of mentoring interns:The mental and emotional exhaustion of supervising students while managing a full caseloadThe struggle of stepping back and allowing interns to take the leadThe time-consuming process of teaching charting and documentationFinding a balance between guiding interns and allowing them to develop independenceNavigating Scope and Professional BoundariesSarah emphasizes the importance of staying within scope as an IBCLC and teaching students to do the same. They discuss:The growing trend of IBCLCs overstepping into medical roles, such as diagnosing tongue ties or interpreting lab resultsHow to work collaboratively with healthcare providers rather than trying to replace themThe need for IBCLCs to focus on their core skills—feeding the baby and protecting the milk supplyWhy building strong referral networks is essential for providing ethical and comprehensive careThe Value of Mentorship for IBCLCsSarah highlights why mentoring interns benefits not only the students but also the preceptors themselves:How teaching forces IBCLCs to reflect on and refine their own clinical reasoningThe opportunity to stay engaged with new research and evolving lactation practicesThe long-term impact of growing the next generation of IBCLCs and expanding access to quality lactation careAdvice for IBCLCs Considering MentoringFor IBCLCs who want to take on interns, Sarah offers the following advice:You don’t have to commit to a full-time mentorship—offering partial hours is still valuableBe clear on your expectations and set firm boundaries with internsUse hospital templates or structured forms to teach effective chartingRemember that you don’t have to have all the answers—mentoring is a learning process for both partiesGuest Info:Sarah Quigley, IBCLC, is a hospital-based lactation consultant in San Francisco, California. She has mentored...

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