What Is An IBCLC?

Written by Wendy, IBCLC.

If you are a breastfeeding mama, you’ve probably heard of an IBCLC. An IBCLC is a lactation consultant, someone who is trained to help with breastfeeding difficulties like latching, milk supply, pumping, and nipple pain. But many people are unsure exactly what IBCLCs can (and can’t) do, what the difference is between IBCLCs and other lactation professionals, and when you might need the help of an IBCLC.

Here, we’ll go over everything you need to know about an IBCLC and how they can help you if you are experiencing a breastfeeding challenge.

WHAT IS AN IBCLC?

An IBCLC stands for “International Board Certified Lactation Consultant,” otherwise known as a lactation consultant. Though sometimes other lactation professionals will call themselves a “lactation consultant,” an IBCLC is the only type of lactation consultant who is board-certified.

The IBCLC certification is considered the “gold standard” in terms of breastfeeding care, and lactation consultants are considered health professionals. The IBCLC certification is recognized internationally and in medical settings. Major medical organizations, including the CDC, AAP, and the Association of Women’s Health Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN), recognize IBCLC as critical to the care of postpartum mothers.

IBCLCs work in private practice but also in various institutions, such as hospitals, health clinics, pediatrician offices, NICU units, and human milk banks.

TRAINING AND EDUCATION

One of the reasons IBCLCs are considered the most highly trained lactation professionals out there for breastfeeding is because of the demanding requirements they must meet in order to qualify as IBCLCs.

Many people can become IBCLCs, including doctors, midwives, nurses, dieticians, and breastfeeding support counselors. In order to sit for the IBCLC exam, you have to have taken a certain amount of college-level coursework in science and health. This includes coursework in biology, anatomy and physiology, nutrition, psychology, and infant/child development. IBCLCs are also required to be certified in CPR and receive training about medical terminology, infection prevention training, and more.

IBCLCs are required to complete 90 hours of education in lactation-specific topics as well. They must also complete between 300 and 1000 hours of clinical lactation care, depending on their prior background and experience. This means that IBCLCs have to work directly with breastfeeding mothers for hundreds of hours in order to become IBCLCs.

Finally, once all their requirements are met, IBCLCs have to take a rigorous certification exam and pass it. They must recertify (either by examination or continuing education credits) every five years to keep their credentials.

HOW A MOM CAN BENEFIT FROM AN IBCLC

Research has found that moms who get help from IBCLCs are better able to meet their breastfeeding goals.

There are few healthcare professionals who understand the ins and outs of breastfeeding well. IBCLCs are able to help you with a wide variety of breastfeeding challenges you may encounter. They can help you with comfortable latching and positioning, overcoming breast and nipple pain, getting a non-latching baby to latch, and helping you increase your milk supply. They can offer help with pumping and answer questions about supplementing.

IBCLCs are also trained in counseling and treating each mom and baby with kindness and respect. Many IBCLCs also have experience with the kind of breastfeeding concerns that happen later on in breastfeeding, after the immediate postpartum period. This may include issues like nursing strikes, starting solids, going back to work, and more.

At the same time, it’s important to understand what IBCLCs can’t do. Because they are not doctors, IBCLCs can’t prescribe medications for you. Additionally, they can’t diagnose medical issues. In those cases, IBCLCs will refer you to another healthcare professional for care.

OTHER BREASTFEEDING CERTIFICATIONS YOU MIGHT ENCOUNTER

There are many other different types of breastfeeding certifications out there besides the IBCLC credential. Some other breastfeeding certifications you might encounter include:

Certified Lactation Educator Counselor (CLEC)
Certified Lactation Educator (CLE)
Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC)
Certified Lactation Specialist (CLS)
Advanced Lactation Consultant (ALC)
Advanced Nurse Lactation Consultant (ANLC)
WIC Peer Counselor
La Leche League Leader (volunteer)

In some cases, people with these certifications refer to themselves as “lactation consultants.” Only IBCLCs are lactation consultants who are board-certified and recognized by healthcare professionals and medical organizations.

That said, other breastfeeding professionals can be helpful for lactation challenges that aren’t complex or for challenges that require emotional support more than anything else. Though some IBCLCs take insurance, other breastfeeding professionals may also be more affordable than an IBCLC.

If you are unsure what type of breastfeeding support you need, consider reaching out to your midwife, OB-GYN, or pediatrician for guidance. Above all else, know that you deserve professional, comprehensive, and warm support on your breastfeeding journey.