What is an IBCLC?

“IBCLC” stands for International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. We are healthcare team members who are qualified to perform clinical assessments and work with families to address all kinds of breastfeeding concerns and difficulties, from relatively simple to very complex. IBCLCs are required to meet rigorous education and hands-on clinical experience requirements in order to sit for the board exam to achieve our certification. We have extensive continuing education requirements to maintain our certification and to stay up on the most current lactation knowledge and clinical skills.

We work in different settings including hospitals, doctors’ offices, our own private offices, and in clients’ homes. There are about 18,000 IBCLCs in the United States and over 34,000 across the world.