International Board Certified Lactation Consultant® (IBCLC®)
International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) are important members of the maternal-child health team specialising in breastfeeding care.
IBCLCs have diverse backgrounds and work in a variety of settings, but all have met rigorous eligibility requirements and passed an examination that assesses knowledge in breastfeeding management. Working together with families, policymakers, and the community, IBCLCs provide expert breastfeeding and lactation care and advance global public health.
Learn more at the IBCLC Commission website.
Earning Criteria
Required
Lactation Specific Education
90 Hours of Lactation Specific Education, including 2 hours focused on the WHO Code, as well as 5 Hours of Education Focused on Communication Skills
Health Sciences Education
Complete 14 health science subjects or be educated in a recognised health profession
Lactation Specific Clinical Practice
Select one of three Pathways to obtain lactation specific clinical hours
Pathway 1: Recognised Health Professionals and Recognised Breastfeeding Support Counsellors
Pathway 2: Accredited Lactation Academic Programmes
Pathway 3: Mentorship with an IBCLC
Commitment to the Code of Professional Conduct for IBCLCs
IBCLC Examination
The IBCLC examination tests the application of knowledge in the disciplines listed on the IBCLC Detailed Content Outline.
Recertification
IBCLC recertification reassures the public that we serve that IBCLCs remain the most trusted source for lactation and breastfeeding care. All recertifying IBCLCs must meet three requirements during each five-year recertification cycle:
Requirement 1: Education
Basic Life Support Education
Two (2) Hours of WHO Code Education
Requirement 2: Lactation Consulting Practice Hours
Minimum of 250 hours of practice in Lactation Consulting
Requirement 3: Select & Complete One Recertification Method
Option 1: Recertification by Continuing Education Recognition Points (CERPs) with Continuing Education Self-Assessment
(CE Self-Assessment)Option 2: Recertification by Examination