An International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) is the gold standard of lactation education and preparation. This credential requires extensive education, clinical hours and the passing of a rigorous international exam. An IBCLC provides support, education and medical/clinical guidance with any challenges in breast/chest feeding, milk pumping and bottlefeeding. IBCLCs work in hospitals, WIC clinics, private practice, doctors’ offices and NICUs. Only those who have passed the IBLCE exam can use the title IBCLC.

No, unless she has had the IBCLC training and clinical hours. Lots of people assist with breastfeeding and can be very helpful! Some have letters for their titles like CBS, CLC, CLE, and peer support counselors. These are shorter, less comprehensive educational programs with little or no clinical mentorship. When more detailed, complicated clinical breastfeeding or milk feeding assessment is required, IBCLC level care is better suited to the task.

An IBCLC can help with many infant feeding issues. Painful latch, nipple damage, milk supply concerns, poor infant weight gain, breastpump or device usage, breastpump flange fittings, milk storage, weaning, back to work planning (and so much more!) IBCLCs even help with bottle refusal and formula preparation and feeding. They work hand in hand with your pediatric and OB care teams, assessing for postpartum mental health issues and education on breastfeeding friendly contraceptive options.

Yes and no. Insurance in the US is very complicated, and coverage for breastfeeding care is even more so. The Affordable Care Act of 2010 mandated breastfeeding / breastpump coverage nationally. But the wording is vague, and insurance companies interpret their responsibility very differently. There have been lawsuits to try and get insurers on board with better coverage of this important care, but currently it is very different per plan and per state. If you are looking for care, you can reach out to your insurance provider, a local private practice IBCLC, Zipmilk, or WIC in your area.

Most IBCLCs can see clients in an outpatient setting, office or clinic. Many offer telehealth options, some offer in home care as well.

Being an IBCLC is an awesome experience! You can effectively change a family’s life! You can work in different settings, and in the community with babies and parents. College level courses are required, hands on mentorship and clinical experience, and pass a board exam. You will need to choose a Pathway to become eligible to sit for the IBCLC exam, and the pathway will spell out your steps and preparation. Most will require 14 health science courses, 95 hours of lactation specific education, and 500 (these hours differ per pathway) mentored and supervised hours of clinical lactation experience. More can be found @ iblce.org.