What is an IBCLC anyway? Sounds like alphabet soup!

IBCLC Day is March 7, 2012 

What is an Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant?

IBCLCs have years of training and continuing study to enable them to inform, assist and support women during pregnancy, early days after birth and as the baby grows, including: getting off to a good start with breastfeeding, continuing to breastfeed after returning to work or school, breastfeeding a premature or sick infant, and preventing and managing challenges that might occur.

IBCLCs also train and support other health workers and educators so that they may assist mothers in the present and in the future. IBCLCs develop health programs and campaigns too.

According to Cathy Carothers, President of the International Lactation Consultant Association, “How an infant is fed can have a lifelong impact on their health. Mother’s milk helps develop a strong immune system that can respond to fight off infections. The rising incidence of obesity and diabetes will have a major impact on health, and both these conditions are more likely to develop in children and in mothers when babies are not breastfed. IBCLCs make an impact on the quality of breastfeeding care provided by health services where they are employed and thus an impact for children and mothers.”

As allied health care professionals with the only internationally-recognized certification for professional lactation services, IBCLCs work in hospitals, clinics, public health agencies, private practice, community settings, government agencies, education and in research. There are currently more than 25,000 IBCLCs in 90 countries worldwide who are certified by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (www.iblce.org) under the direction of the U.S. National Commission for Certifying Agencies.

Pregnant woman, parents or health workers can find an IBCLC near them by visiting the International Lactation Consultant Association’s website at www.ilca.org and follow the “Find a Lactation Consultant” link where they can search for an IBCLC by postal code, city and state, or country. The International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA) is the professional association for IBCLCs and other health care professionals who care for breastfeeding families.

ILCA’s mission is to advance the profession of lactation consulting worldwide through leadership, advocacy, professional development, and research. With the vision of a worldwide network of lactation professionals, ILCA provides members with numerous resources and professional development opportunities that enhance their ability to provide optimal care to breastfeeding families.  

For more information about ILCA, visit the website at www.ilca.orgor contact the ILCA Office at +1 919 861 5577 or info@ilca.org.For more information about IBLCE, visit www.iblce.org