What is an IBCLC?

What is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)? Phew, it's a mouthful, I know!

For some breastfeeding is a breeze yet for others it can bring tears, frustration and challenges.  It is a learned skill and involves both the mother and the baby.  Pregnant women, new mums and mothers of breastfeeding toddlers can all come across challenges or have questions in regards to breastfeeding and working out what is normal.  An IBCLC can help.  IBCLCs help women and babies with breastfeeding.  IBCLCs can help with the following (and more!):

Pregnancy related breastfeeding issues (insufficient glandular breast tissue, inverted nipples, diabetes etc.)

Sore nipples

Breastfeeding during the early weeks

Over supply/ under supply

Plugged ducts

Mastitis (breast infection)

Weaning

Pumping and returning to work

Breastfeeding toddlers


The following is from the IBCLC examiners website, http://americas.iblce.org/what-is-an-ibclc. 

*For those of you living in Australia (like me!) here is the Asia Pacific and Africa region website, http://www.iblce.edu.au/

"The International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) credential identifies a knowledgeable and experienced member of the maternal-child health team who has specialized skills in breastfeeding management and care. The IBLCE certification program offers the only international certification in lactation consulting.

IBCLCs have passed a rigorous examination that demonstrates the ability to provide knowledgeable, comprehensive lactation and breastfeeding care. Attainment of the IBCLC credential signifies that the practitioner has demonstrated knowledge to:

• work together with mothers to prevent and solve breastfeeding problems
• collaborate with other members of the health care team to provide comprehensive care that protects, promotes and supports breastfeeding
• encourage a social environment that supports breastfeeding families
• educate families, health professionals and policy makers about the far-reaching and long-lasting value of breastfeeding as a global public health imperative.

Among those who become IBCLCs are nurses, midwives, dietitians, physicians and experienced breastfeeding support counselors. IBCLCs work in a variety of settings including hospitals, clinics, physicians’ offices, neonatal intensive care units, human milk banks and private practice.

With a focus on preventive health care, IBCLCs encourage self-care, empowering parents to make their own decisions. IBCLCs use a problem solving approach to provide evidence based information to pregnant and breastfeeding women and make appropriate referrals to other members of the health care team. IBLCE has established Professional Standards for IBCLCs to follow and abide by. IBCLCs must renew their certification every five years, either through continuing education or by re-examination."