There are so many different levels of certification and training in the breastfeeding support world. Most new parents are unclear on how to tell the difference between a Breastfeeding Counsellor and a IBCLC Lactation Consultant, or a Certified Lactation Educator, and a Lactation Educator Counselor. Each of these professional credentials for lactation support are based on different levels of experience/criteria/training/education commitment. The IBCLC, which stands for International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, is the Gold Standard. This is is MY credential as a Lactation Consultant.
Why choose a IBCLC Lactation Consultant?
International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC) are recognized as the gold standard credential for professionals who work with breastfeeding mothers.
These health care providers specialize in the clinical management of breastfeeding and perform professional comprehensive clinical lactation consultations, assessing difficulties that a mother and baby may experience. IBCLCs are typically hired by hospitals and clinics, and often teach breastfeeding classes to expectant parents and postnatal mothers.
The title International Board Certified Lactation Consultant is the only breastfeeding certification recognized by the US Surgeon General, and the only one used as a quality metric by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It ensures you are receiving top-level support with a University-level of research-based breastfeeding training and over 3000 hours of supervised hands-on experience before board certification, along with ongoing continuing education requirements.
Breastfeeding Support Certificate Programs
Upon completion, those who pass a certificate program will be able to answer common breastfeeding questions and concerns, offer tips and guidance, and recognize when breastfeeding situations are outside of their scope of knowledge and refer to the appropriate professionals. These breastfeeding certificate programs include:
Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC)
The Certified Lactation Counselor credential identifies a specialist in lactation counseling who has completed a minimum of 45 hours of training and successfully passed a criterion-referenced examination. CLCs demonstrate the competencies and skills required to provide safe, evidence-based breastfeeding management for pregnant, lactating and breastfeeding women. CLCs come from a variety of different educational and employment backgrounds, including doulas, nurses, mothers, social workers, midwives, and many others. Learn more
Certified Lactation Specialist (CLS)
The Certified Lactation Specialist Course is designed for the aspiring lactation consultant and those who wish to improve their knowledge base and skills in working with the breastfeeding mother and child. A CLS has taken a 5-day course and obtained a certification to be used a stepping stone to the IBCLC credential. Learn more
Certified Lactation Educator (CLE)
CLEs educate, counsel, and support families and the community by providing evidence-based information about breastfeeding. Certified Lactation Educators have completed a 20-hour breastfeeding training course and passed a final online examination. They can be found working as public health educators, WIC peer counselors, hospital/community educators, and a variety of other breastfeeding support roles. Learn more
Breastfeeding Counselor (CBC)
Certified Breastfeeding Counselors have completed a mentored online training course and have provided 30 hours of breastfeeding support. Learn more
Lactation Educator Counselor (LEC)
Lactation Educator Counselors are typically health professionals who have received 5 days of on-site or online education and training and satisfactorily completed periodic testing. Learn more
Mother-to-Mother Models of Breastfeeding Support
With mother-to-mother breastfeeding support, experienced mothers model optimal breastfeeding practices, share information and experiences, offer support to breastfeeding women in an atmosphere of trust and respect.
WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor
Peer Counselors are women who have at least 6 months of personal experience with breastfeeding and have received 20 hours of on-site training to provide mothers with breastfeeding information and support from pregnancy through weaning. Learn more
La Leche League Leader (LLLL)
The La Leche League is an international nonprofit advocacy group where leaders hold local chapter meetings to provide breastfeeding information and support. I began my career in breastfeeding support as a La Leche League Leader. A La Leche League Leader has breastfed her baby for at least 9 months, offers practical information and encouragement through monthly meetings, and is expected to keep up-to-date with current breastfeeding research. Learn more about La Leche League.
Breastfeeding USA Counselor
Breastfeeding USA Counselors have breastfed for at least 1 year and have completed a comprehensive training course to provide evidence-based breastfeeding information and support to breastfeeding mothers.
