What Is an IBCLC, When to Call One, and What are My Breastfeeding Rights?

What is a Lactation Consultant?

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.

 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.

Do I need a Lactation Consultant?

Mothers often recognize that a problem exists but do not know who in the health care team is the appropriate professional to call.  Lactation consultants help women before baby is born, help in the post-partum period to get the best start, and support continued breastfeeding. For those situations which can be addressed prenatally, problems are often prevented and or minimized. Overall, the vast majority of problems which mothers encounter are temporary and resolvable.