You’ll see us use the acronym IBCLC a lot: IBCLC stands for International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. The highest accredited healthcare professionals specializing in lactation, IBCLCs are there to give you the personalized, expert care you deserve. At The Lactation Network, we work exclusively with IBCLCs to deliver the gold standard in care.  

The World Health Organization reports that “mothers and other caregivers require active support for establishing and sustaining appropriate breastfeeding practices.”  Whether lactation comes easily for you or not, having a strong support system is key to meeting your feeding goals– and no one is better prepared to offer you expert, personalized care than your IBCLC.

Certified by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners, IBCLCs can work in many different healthcare settings, from hospitals to private practices. While less accredited lactation consultants can offer support, only IBCLCs have completed the rigorous training required to become internationally recognized lactation experts. IBCLCs train for 2-5+ years, and must complete 90 hours of lactation-specific education and 300-1,000 hands-on clinical hours. And to maintain their accreditation, IBCLCs must earn their recertification every five years, and pass the International Board’s examination every ten years. 

In comparison, Certified Lactation Counselors (CLCs) and Certified Lactation Educators (CLEs) complete 45 hours of education and one online or in-person class. CLCs also need to complete 18+ hours of continuing education every three years. 

As a new parent, you can expect an IBCLC to assist you with all your lactation needs, from helping you design a workday pumping schedule and storage plan to finding the best breastfeeding position for you.

IBCLCs can also assist you with common lactation pitfalls, like low milk supply, breastfeeding pain, and conditions like mastitis and plugged ducts. Or if your baby is struggling to latch or isn’t gaining weight properly, your IBCLC can determine how to improve feeding sessions, develop special feeding schedules for babies who are premature, and even provide a referral to another healthcare professional if your condition needs further attention.

“A lactation consultant is invaluable,” says Caitlin McNeily, The Lactation Network’s VP of Consultant Relations. “They’re basically your breastfeeding fairy godmother, personal cheerleader, and new-parent support team all in one.”

Yes! We encourage expecting parents to request an IBCLC consultation before their baby arrives. During a prenatal visit, your IBCLC can set you up for feeding success: They can complete a breast assessment, show you the best feeding positions for your body, help you choose a breast pump, and prepare you for your baby’s arrival.

EVERYONE—or at least everyone with a baby to feed. While feeding your baby is natural, it’s certainly not easy. An IBCLC understands that and does whatever it takes to make you feel comfortable and confident to meet your feeding goals. If you are currently pregnant or have a baby, request an insurance-covered IBCLC consultation today and get the care you deserve.

From The Lactation Network