What is a Certified Lactation Consultant? What is the difference between the various specialists trained to help breastfeeding mothers?
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) is the certification granted by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners. It requires continuing education and repeated exam testing to maintain the IBCLC credential. An IBCLC usually has another health care degree in an area such as nursing, medicine, or dietetics. IBCLCs are trained to provide specialized breastfeeding support and clinical lactation management. For a registry of certified lactation consultants, and information on how to become certified as an IBCLC, visit the following site: www.ibcle.org. The following certifications are geared toward providing basic breastfeeding education and support, rather than the specialized, clinical management provided by an IBCLC. Certified Lactation Educator (CLE) is granted by UCLA Extension after completion of five days of classroom instruction, written coursework, and community observation. The certificate is a statement of education and does not require continu
