Why an IBCLC?

The International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) is the gold standard in lactation care.

This credential identifies a knowledgeable infant feeding specialist and experienced member of the maternal-child health team who has specialized skills in breastfeeding management.

IBCLCs have to take a minimum of 14 health science courses at an accredited university or college, at least 90 hours of lactation specific education, and complete between 300-1000 supervised clinical hours. (This is more clinical hours than most nursing programs require for eligibility to sit for the NCLEX). After completion of these criteria and verification by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners, Inc. (www.iblce.org) the IBCLC candidate is eligible to sit for a rigorous examination. Attainment of the IBCLC credential signifies that the practitioner has demonstrated the clinical knowledge to provide holistic, evidence- based, family-centered care from preconception to weaning.To work together with families to develop and implement individualized feeding plans to prevent and solve breastfeeding problems and to collaborate with other members of the health care team.

IBCLC’s must also keep up with current research. Proof of continuing education by accredited entities is required to maintain certification. IBCLCs must take 75 continuing education credits every 5 years or retake the accreditation exam. . All IBCLCs wishing to maintain the credential must re-sit for the IBCLC exam every 10 years.