Lactation consultants

A lactation consultant is an allied health professional who specializes in the clinical management of breastfeeding. 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). 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. The International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA) is the professional association for lactation consultants. The association has affiliate organizations worldwide. 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.

The International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) gives the certification exam for lactation consultations. Candidates for the IBLCE boards can choose various pathways to qualify to sit for the exam.

These pathways include options for current health professionals and volunteers, through college or university academic programs, or through mentoring.

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