What is an IBCLC?

What is an IBCLC? IBCLC stands for International Board Certified Lactation Consultant.

Lets compare two common lactation consultant certifications:

International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), required to have health sciences education, complete 95 hours of lactation-specific education and 300-1,000 hands-on clinical experience. Once those reequipments are complete they must pass the exam from the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners. Once certified they are required to recertify every 5 year by maintaining current in clinical practice, health sciences and 75 hours of lactation-specific education.

Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC), are required to have 45 hours of lactation-specific education and pass a test administered by The Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice (ALPP). A CLC must also complete 18 hours of continuing education every 3 years.

Simply put the IBCLC certification requires more advanced education, experience and training.

Thinking of becoming an IBCLC? Schedule a chat with me to ask questions, get tips and advise on becoming an IBCLC.