What is an IBCLC?
An IBCLC is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. IBCLC’s help families with all things infant feeding from latching, breastfeeding, bottle feeding, pumping, hand expressing, supplementing and much more. IBCLCs are unique in that we work with the dyad both the mother/lactating parent and the baby.
In order to become an IBCLC, it requires 90 lactation education hours, 5 communication hours, 14 health education courses and anywhere between 300-1,000 clinical hours depending on the pathway. Then a candidate is eligible to sit the exam and if they pass they have earn the credentials. IBCLC certification is an international credential.
Although breastfeeding is natural, it isn’t always easy. Birth practices, anatomy and function of the baby’s mouth, hormonal issues with mother, and lack of parental leave are just some of the things that can lead to difficulty with feeding babies.
Benefits of an IBCLC can include:
Preparation: By having prenatal education on breastfeeding, it can prevent some difficulties later. IBCLCs provide anticipatory guidance.
Help to achieve feeding goals: IBCLCs can help provide evidence-based information that can foster successful breastfeeding for longer durations
Individualized support: no 2 families and babies are the same. An IBCLC can help you with your goals and help you to trouble-shot your unique difficulties. We can also help support you emotionally through new transitions.
Referrals: IBCLCs can refer you to other professionals that you may need to guide you in your breastfeeding journey.
