International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)
What Does an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant Do (IBCLC)?
The International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) credential is the highest credential in the field of lactation. An IBCLC is a healthcare professional trained to provide clinical expertise in the management of lactation from pregnancy through weaning¹.
Where Do Lactation Consultants Work?
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Physicians’ offices,
- Neonatal care units
- Human milk banks
- Private practice¹
How Much Training is Required to Become an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant?
How Much Training is Required to Become an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant?
How Much Training is Required to Become an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant?
- Individuals interested in earning the IBCLC certification are required to complete education and training beyond the lactation education course and pass the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBCLE) exam.
- IBCLE exam eligibility requirements include successful completion of the following:
- 90 hours of lactation specific education
- Eight undergraduate health science courses & six continuing education courses
- 300 -1000 Lactation Specific Clinical Hours
- For more information on becoming an IBCLE exam candidate click here.
Sources Cited:
- United States Lactation Consultants Association (2014) Who’s Who in Lactation? An Inventory of Breastfeeding Support from Confusion to Clarity.