Seeking a Lactation Expert? IBCLCs Are the Gold Standard

Each year, more than 3.5 million babies are born in the United States. Nearly eight in ten of them will start out on breast milk, but by the six-month mark, that number will drop precipitously. Why? Well, there are a number of reasons. Some infants struggle to latch properly. Some mothers experience issues with their milk supply. Last but not least, many mothers find themselves returning to work without the flexibility and accommodations necessary to pump on a regular, set schedule and keep their breast milk chilled until it’s time to go home.

Whilst most families are introduced to breastfeeding shortly after birth and experience support in those first few days, many new breastfeeding families don’t realize that ongoing help and support from an expert in lactation care, an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), is available in the weeks and months that follow. An IBCLC represents the gold standard in lactation care due to the rigorous standards associated with the certification.

An IBCLC’s Robust Requirements

IBCLCs are set apart from others in lactation as they’re required to:

• Earn health sciences education;

• Fulfill 95 hours of lactation-specific education, including five hours focused on communication skills; and

• Acquire a minimum of 300 and up to 1,000 hours of supervised clinical practice, depending on a professional’s background and other qualifications.

After meeting these eligibility requirements, an IBCLC candidate must take and pass an international board certification examination created by lactation subject matters experts. The exam is informed by extensive practice data and developed in partnership with a doctoral-level psychometrician, an expert in testing and assessment. Finally, IBCLCs must adhere to a code of professional conduct and either periodically take an updated board certification examination or engage in extensive and focused continuing education to maintain their certification throughout their career.  

How IBCLCs Can Help

Due to this extensive training and education, IBCLCs are uniquely well-positioned to:

• Identify the right position for the baby to latch

• Assess for insufficient milk supply or oversupply

• Provide recommendations on human milk storage and handling

• Assess, and refer appropriately, for breast pain or engorgement

• Share tips for how to continue breastfeeding when returning to work

Hospitals and clinics are best able to meet the needs of breastfeeding families when they have one or more IBCLCs on staff or available. Breastfeeding families are reassured by the presence of a knowledgeable IBCLC, and this represents a distinct marketing advantage for your facility. IBCLCs not only support parents and infants, but can also serve as an expert resource regarding lactation issues for other staff who are supporting breastfeeding families.

Identifying & Hiring IBCLCs

There are a number of readily available online resources to help employers interested in hiring IBCLCs.

1. The International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners has the largest list of IBCLCs worldwide and an online job listing platform. Those hoping to hire these uniquely qualified lactation providers can reach more than 37,000 of them by posting their job listing to the IBCLE Career Centre.

2. Encouraging lactation care providers currently on staff to pursue and earn this elevated certification is another avenue. The IBCLC Commission offers information about how individuals can become IBCLCs.

3. Finally, a public commitment to having IBCLCs on staff attracts the other IBCLCs. Employers of IBCLCs looking to hire more should consider applying for the IBCLC Care Award. The award recognizes hospitals and community-based facilities that demonstrate their commitment to promoting, protecting, and supporting breastfeeding by including IBCLCs among their lactation staff. If meeting the criteria and awarded, benefits include inclusion on the Care Award website which is available to new families and the general public, as well as a certificate for display, among other benefits.