What is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), commonly known as Lactation Consultant?

An IBCLC is a health care professional who specialises in the clinical management of breastfeeding and works in a wide variety of health care settings, including hospitals, paediatric offices, public health clinics, and private practice. IBCLC certificants provide expert breastfeeding and lactation care, promote changes that support breastfeeding and help reduce the risks of not breastfeeding. 

Abstracts from "Position Paper on the Role and Impact of the IBCLC” 2011 International Lactation Consultant Association.

IBCLCs Help Improve Breastfeeding Rates

Women who received prenatal education, postpartum hospital and home visits, and telephone calls from a lactation consultant, are more likely to breastfeed through week 20 and at a higher breastfeeding intensity than women who do not receive assistance from a lactation consultant. (Bonuck, K., et al. 2005; Guise, JM, et al. 2003.)

IBCLCs Help Improve Health Outcomes for Breastfeeding Mothers and babies

Women are more likely to stop breastfeeding in the first month when they experience such problems as sore nipples, inadequate milk production, and infant difficulties with breastfeeding. A lactation consultant can help women overcome these difficulties and thereby increase duration of breastfeeding. (Ahluwalia, IB, et al. 2005.)

IBCLCs Contribute to Lower Costs

Increased access to lactation consultants resulted in greater continuation of breastfeeding and a $149-per delivery reduction in cost for planned hospital care, planned follow-up visits, and unplanned care costs. (Lieu TA, et al. 1998.)

Do you know... 

There are at total of 37,262 IBCLCs worldwide and 85 are from Singapore. (View current statistics)

All IBCLCs have to:

• Complete of education in human lactation and breastfeeding
• Achieve of clinical practice hours in lactation and breastfeeding care
• Pass certification examination developed by subject matters experts in consultation with a PhD level psychometrician. Credential conferred by International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE)
• Abide by the Code of Professional Conduct for International Board Certified Lactation Consultants and the IBLCE Disciplinary Procedures
• Recertify every five years either by pursuing continuing education or re-examination.