What is a Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)?

A Lactation Consultant is

International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC) are the highest accredited healthcare professionals specialising in Lactation and Breastfeeding matters. 

To become an Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), there is an exam which is set by the IBLCE (International Board Certified Lactation Examiners) and all IBCLCs have passed an exam and partake in continuous education to keep their skills updated.

To check if a Lactation Consultant is a currently certified IBCLC, you click below. http://iblce.org/resources/iblce-registry/

An IBCLC’s primary focus is to provide extensive support, guidance, and education to parents and parents to be on lactation. This crucial assistance aims to support parents establish comfort and proficiency in feeding their babies or children as well as supporting with any challenges that may arise at any stage in the breast/chestfeeding journey. Whether working with first-time breastfeeding parents, those seeking to refresh their skills for a new child, adoptive or surrogate families, those returning to work or weaning, or any lactation journey in between, a lactation consultants can play a vital role in ensuring successful and fulfilling feeding experiences.

Who Needs an IBCLC?

An IBCLC is an invaluable resource for anyone planning to, or currently, feeding their baby human milk.

Feeding your baby may be a natural process, but it is still a skill that needs to be learned by both you and your baby. An IBCLC is the most skilled health care professional in the area of lactation and is dedicated to ensuring your comfort and confidence in achieving your feeding goals, whatever they may be.

Can I Meet With an IBCLC Before My Due Date?

Yes, you can meet with an IBCLC before your due date. In fact, we encourage expecting parents to schedule an IBCLC consultation before their baby is born.

During an antenatal visit, your IBCLC can help you establish a foundation for successful feeding. They can conduct a breast assessment, demonstrate optimal feeding positions tailored to your body and ensure you're well-prepared for your baby's arrival.

List of IBCLC Qualities

• IBCLC stands for International Board Certified Lactation Consultant.
• The highest accredited healthcare professionals specializing in lactation, IBCLCs are there to give you the personalized, expert care you deserve.
• IBCLC are International Board Certified Professionals with up-to-date evidence based practices.  
• An IBCLC must undergo a rigorous examination process and have to re-certify every 5 years.
• They are experienced in caring for women, babies, and families, in a wide range of breastfeeding situations, always focusing on preventable care, and establishing and maintaining good breastfeeding practices.
• They are highly knowledgeable, competent, and qualified to assist families, in difficult/complex situations, in a sensitive and caring manner.
• The World Health Organization reports that “mothers and other caregivers require active support for establishing and sustaining appropriate breastfeeding practices.”  Whether you find breastfeeding to be a smooth process or face challenges, a robust support system is essential for achieving your feeding goals. Your IBCLC is uniquely qualified to provide expert, personalized care.
• They work with women and families to enable them to achieve their infant feeding goals, while also practising within professional and ethical frameworks, according to:
• IBLCE clinical competencies for IBCLCs LINK https://ibclc-commission.org/iblce-documents/code-of-professional-conduct-for-ibclcs/
• IBLCE Code of professional Conduct for IBCLC’s  LINK https://ibclc-commission.org/iblce-documents/code-of-professional-conduct-for-ibclcs/
• IBLCE Scope of Practice for IBCLC LINK https://ibclc-commission.org/iblce-documents/scope-of-practice-for-ibclcs/
• IBCLE is in transition to a Commission. See below for further details contact:  https://ibclc-commission.org/  and https://ibclc-commission.org/iblce-documents/