What is an IBCLC?
An IBCLC is a International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, IBCLC's are the foremost allied healthcare provider working with breastfeeding mother and babies.
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Who looks to become an IBCLC?
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The International Board Certified Lactation Consultant® (IBCLC®) credential is an international certification sought by qualified health professionals, breastfeeding mother support counsellors and other appropriately educated individuals worldwide.
Among the health professionals seeking IBCLC certification, many are nurses. This includes nurses with varying levels of higher education, from bedside nurses with 2 to 3 years of higher education to nurses with graduate degrees. Midwives, dieticians and physicians or medical doctors also frequently seek the IBCLC credential. Other health professionals such as medical technologists, dentists, pharmacists, speech therapists, physiotherapists/physical therapists and occupational therapists also apply for IBCLC certification. Breastfeeding mother support counsellors, who work or volunteer for an organization that meets criteria established by IBLCE, may seek IBCLC certification. Cuidiu Counsellors and La Leche League Leaders are examples of the types of breastfeeding mother support counsellors who seek IBCLC certification. In addition, breastfeeding peer counsellors who work in a hospital or clinic will sometimes apply for IBCLC certification. IBCLC certification can be a reality for individuals who have no background in providing lactation and breastfeeding care and this is an undertaking that requires careful planning. Please carefully review the information found on the Preparing for IBCLC Certification page. |
Where do IBCLC's work?
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International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) work in a wide range of health care settings. A large percentage of IBCLCs works in hospitals, but a growing percentage works in community-based facilities. These community health care facilities include public health clinics, lactation centres, milk banks, medical practices, midwifery practices, and private lactation consultant practices. Quite often, IBCLCs combine teaching and/or advocacy along with their clinical practice as a lactation consultant. Educational activities range from teaching parents and families to educating other health professionals and colleagues. Given that advocacy is another form of education, IBCLCs who venture into this arena share their knowledge of human lactation and breastfeeding with community leaders and policymakers. |