What is an IBCLC?

International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC) are health care providers who, by meeting clinical eligibility requirements and by passing an independent examination, are certified to possess the necessary skills, knowledge and attitudes to provide quality breastfeeding assistance to babies and mothers.  All IBCLC’s have passed a rigouous certification exam and must keep their knowledge and skills up to date through a compulsory recertification programme. All this means that mothers or referring health professionals can be assured that the letters IBCLC are synonymous with the highest standard of care for breastfeeding mothers and babies.

Certification as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant is the credential which brings together all health professional who share a common knowledge base in human lactation. 

The IBCLC credential is regarded as best practise standard in lactation consultant certification.  It is the only professional credential for lactation consultants recognised by the International Lactation Consultants Association (ILCA) and throughout the world by national professional associations.  They are the only lactation professional required to practice within a code of Ethics and to have Standards of Practice.

The designation IBCLC identifies members of the health care team who can provide substantive breastfeeding assistance and skilled technical management of breastfeeding problems.  Experience has shown that lactation consultants contribute to improved breastfeeding practices and success rates.