Lactation consultant
A lactation consultant is an allied health professional who specializes in the clinical management of breastfeeding.[1] Lactation consultants commonly work in hospitals, physician or midwife practices, public health programs, and private practice. They are certified through the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE).[2] The lactation consulting profession was founded by a group of passionate and enterprising volunteer La Leche League Leaders who wanted to professionalize the skills they had developed while working with breastfeeding mothers in their communities.[3] The International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA) is the professional association for lactation consultants. The association has affiliate organizations worldwide.[4] An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) may use the post nominals IBCLC and/or RLC after her/his name, as a physician would have MD or DO, or a registered nurse would have RN.
Contents
Pathways to Certification
The organization that gives the certification exam for lactation consultants is the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE).[5] Candidates for the IBLCE boards can choose various pathways to qualify.
Pathway 1: Health Care Professionals working in Maternal-Child Health
RNs, RDs, DOs, MDs, PTs, etc.
Comprehensive Lactation Consultant Training Course of a minimum of 90 hours within 5 years of sitting the exam 1000 hours of clinical experience (usually obtained in your employment) Education in biology, anatomy & physiology, nutrition, counseling or psychology, infant & child growth and development, introduction to research and sociology or cultural sensitivity (may be covered in basic professional education).
Pathway 2: College or university academic program
Education in anatomy & physiology, nutrition, counseling or psychology, infant & child growth and development, medical terminology, and sociology or cultural sensitivity (may be covered in this education). Clinical experience also covered in this education.
Pathway 3: No previous education or experience required
Step 1: Structured Lactation Consultant Training Course of 90 hours within 5 years of sitting the exam.
Step 2: Education in anatomy & physiology, nutrition, counseling or psychology, infant & child growth and development, medical terminology, and sociology or cultural sensitivity.
Step 3: Continuing education classes in:
- Basic life support (e.g. CPR) (available from your local hospital, fire department or training facility)
- Medical terminology
- Medical documentation
- Occupational safety and security for health professionals
- Professional ethics for health professionals
- Universal safety precautions and infection control
Step 4: 500 hours of supervised clinical experience in a formal internship program can be completed with a re-certified lactation consultant in your home area.[6]
References
- ↑ What is an IBCLC?
- ↑ International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE)
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ ILCA Affiliates
- ↑ IBLCE
- ↑ IBLCE Continuing Education Review / Application Information
