IBCLC – International Board Certified Lactation Consultants, are healthcare employees with experience in the field of breastfeeding. To become certified, all future female consultants undergo an extensive training course that includes theoretical and a lot of practical training, upon which they take the internationally recognized exam. Thanks to a continuous practical and theoretical training, consultants are trained to give advice on a variety of issues related to breastfeeding, based on evidence and experience.
Consultants are with mothers during their pregnancies and after childbirth. They are helping them establish breastfeeding and assist in resolving any difficulties that may occur. Lactation consultants also educate other health professionals to offer support to mothers during breastfeeding, as well as trainers.
Related to breastfeeding, consultants carry out research, are writing brochures and books and are making programmes and campaigns to pursue breastfeeding promotion.
Photo: Dinka Baric
President of ILCA (International Lactation Consultant Association), Liz Brooks says: “Parents are sometimes overwhelmed with the large amount of information, many of which are confusing. IBCLC have the experience that will provide evidence based information to future parents, specific to their needs.”
As the only health professionals who possess internationally recognized credential for professional services related to breastfeeding, consultants work in hospitals, clinics, public health facilities, private practices, society and government associations, in education and research. At this point there are 26,000 consultants in 94 countries worldwide.
IBCLC diploma is certified by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE), accredited by the American National Certification Commission.
In order to gain this – compared to the world values – “Gold Standard” certification in working with nursing mothers, it is necessary to go through an extensive training course that includes theoretical lessons, as well as lots of practical work. Only after completion of those, one can take the internationally recognized exam. [pullquote-right]”Specific for IBCLC consultants is that their fundamental work is based on scientific principles, latest scientific research and information with which they, together with their knowledge and experience, help future parents in providing information based on evidence, specific to their needs.”[/pullquote-right]
They respect strict professional standards with proper demonstration of specialized knowledge and skills. By that, they differ from other employees who assist in lactation and breastfeeding.
Their key role is to promote and support breastfeeding and provide professional assistance to all mothers who are facing obstacles in breastfeeding that can discourage them, due to which they could give up breastfeeding.
