In plain words
IBCLC stands for International Board Certified . An IBCLC has completed the required hours of supervised clinical practice and passed a certification exam given by an independent board. Many IBCLCs work in hospitals, clinics, or private practice. They help with latch, positioning, milk supply, pumping, and babies who gain weight slowly. Other lactation workers have training but not this certification, and the titles can sound alike. A mother can ask a provider or a clinic whether a lactation consultant holds the IBCLC credential. Some insurance plans cover IBCLC visits. The credential must be renewed through continuing education.
The deeper version
The IBCLC credential is granted by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners to candidates who meet education and supervised clinical practice requirements and pass a psychometric examination. Recertification requires continuing education. The covers assessment of infant feeding, maternal breast and nipple anatomy, , and milk supply. IBCLCs are not physicians, and their assessments overlap with those of pediatricians and obstetric clinicians. Evidence for IBCLC-delivered care is strongest for breastfeeding duration in observational studies, and randomized evidence is limited. Prior low supply, breast surgery, and hypoplastic breast features are among the situations in which prenatal lactation consultation is described.
Where it comes up
- Finding a lactation consultant (and what IBCLC means)Feeding Your Baby
- Getting a deep latchFeeding Your Baby
- Pumping: how, when, how oftenFeeding Your Baby
- What insurance usually covers: pumps, lactation visits, pelvic floor PTCalifornia: Leave, Money, and Paperwork
What mothers here say about IBCLC
No one has posted under this term yet.
Sources
- International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners — IBLCE Candidate Handbook, current edition