What is an IBCLC Lactation Consultant?
IBCLC stands for international board certified lactation consultant.
IBCLC is the gold-standard professional qualification in breastfeeding, globally recognised.
We are registered and regulated by the International board of lactation consultant examiners.
Many parents don't realise that “Lactation Consultant” isn’t a protected term-anyone can print off business cards calling themselves this and start working with families. There are other interchangeable titles too such as “breastfeeding specialist” or ‘breastfeeding counsellor” which are not protected.
Health visitors, GPs, paediatricians and even midwives have very limited training in breastfeeding. You might be lucky and find a health care professional who has a special interest in the subject or lots of personal experience (these are known as unicorns)!
To become registered completed a four hour examination at degree level, more than 90 hours of breastfeeding focused education and log 1000 hours of face-to-face breastfeeding support.
Because I don’t come from a nursing or midwifery background I also had to complete six health science courses such as child psychology, child development, biology etc
My background as a nanny and breastfeeding counsellor meant I had some of these already.
If you would like me to visit you at home to support with breastfeeding your newborn there is more info here.
My lactation consultants of Great Britain listing is here.
If you have any questions regarding anything mentioned in this post, please feel free to get in touch.