What is an IBCLC?
You’ll see us use the acronym IBCLC a lot — but what does it mean? IBCLC stands for International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. The highest accredited health care professionals specializing in lactation, IBCLCs are there to give you the personalized, expert care you deserve. At The Lactation Network, we work exclusively with IBCLCs to deliver the gold standard in care.
The World Health Organization reports that “mothers and other caregivers require active support for establishing and sustaining appropriate breastfeeding practices.” Research shows that having a strong support system is key to meeting your feeding goals. Thankfully, no one is better prepared to offer you expert, personalized lactation care than your IBCLC. Read on to learn exactly what IBCLCs do, how they help parents, and how you can find an IBCLC today.
What do different lactation consultant certifications mean?
Certified by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners, IBCLCs are the only kind of lactation consultant that can offer clinical care and can work in many different health care settings, from hospitals to private practices. While lactation educators and other breastfeeding support roles can offer education and support, only IBCLCs have completed the rigorous training required to become internationally recognized lactation experts. IBCLC certification programs may take a candidate 2-5 years, in which they must complete 90 hours of lactation-specific education, 14 higher education health science courses, and up to 1,000 hands-on hours of clinical training. To maintain their accreditation, IBCLCs must earn their recertification every five years.
In comparison, Certified Lactation Counselors (CLCs) and Certified Lactation Educators (CLEs) complete 45 hours of education and one online or in-person class. CLCs also need to complete 18+ hours of continuing education every three years.
What does an IBCLC do?
As a new parent, you can expect an IBCLC to assist you with all your lactation needs, from helping you design a workday pumping schedule and storage plan to finding the best breastfeeding position for you. IBCLCs may work in a variety of settings, providing care via virtual visits, birth centers, hospitals, and in patient homes.
To get the most out of your IBCLC consultation, plan ahead and come with questions or concerns you may have. An IBCLC can assist you with common lactation challenges, like low milk supply, breastfeeding pain, and conditions like mastitis and plugged ducts, while also addressing common breastfeeding questions. Is your baby is struggling to latch or isn’t gaining weight properly? These are important reasons to call an IBCLC. They can determine how to improve feeding sessions, fine-tune feeding plans for babies who are premature, and even provide a referral to another health care professional if your condition needs further attention.
“A lactation consultant is invaluable,” says Caitlin McNeily, TLN’s VP of Consultant Relations. “They’re basically your breastfeeding fairy godmother, personal cheerleader, and new-parent support team all in one.”
Can I meet with an IBCLC before my due date?
Yes! We encourage expecting parents to request an IBCLC consultation before their baby arrives. During a prenatal lactation consultation, your IBCLC can set you up for feeding success. They may review your health history, discuss how your pregnancy is going, go over your breastfeeding goals and questions, and create a plan to help you navigate the early days after baby arrives before they return for your postpartum consultation.
Who needs an IBCLC?
Everyone — or at least, everyone with a baby to feed. While lactation is biological and natural, breastfeeding is a skill, and whatever your feeding goals are, you deserve empathetic and unbiased support. An IBCLC understands that and will provide you with evidence-based education and lactation support to help you meet your feeding goals. If you are currently pregnant or have a baby, request an insurance-covered IBCLC consultation today and get the care you deserve.
*Illustrations by Jesse Zhang
We’re here for you, every step of the way. We work with your insurance to provide in-home, in-office, or telehealth visits with an IBCLC.
