What does it take to become an IBCLC?
To become a successful IBCLC, you need to have a lot of discipline, along with patience, persistence, excellent communication skills, and a high level of empathy. The local IBCLC assists breastfeeding families through evidence-based lactation management; so as an IBCLC, you should be able is assess, manage, and support the breastfeeding relationship, no matter how complicated, for anyone who reaches out or is referred to you.
The IBCLC is also a part of the allied healthcare team. Other healthcare professionals (HCP) such as obstetricians, pediatricians, midwives, pediatric dentists, language and speech pathologists, and chiropractors rely on the expertise of the IBCLC to assist their clients. As well, IBCLCs frequently refer back to and work with those providers.
Requirements to become an IBCLC
To become an IBCLC, educational requirements include 14 health science courses and 90 hours of lactation education. Three different pathways allow access to the exam process, depending on your current practice.
Pathway One: Is for recognized (by IBLCE) health providers or recognized breastfeeding support counsellors. At least 1000 hours of clinical lactation care is needed prior to sitting the exam as well as the 90 hours of lactation specific education.
Pathway Two: Is for those who have completed a recognized lactation academic program and includes a minimum of 300 hours of directly supervised lactation specific clinical practice under the direction of a currently certified IBCLC.
Pathway Three: Includes the 90 hours of lactation specific education and a minimum of 500 hours of directly supervised lactation specific clinical practice under the direction of a currently certified IBCLC.
All Pathway requirements must be met in the five years prior to sitting the exam, which is given twice a year. Both times, the exam will be in English; however, only in the October exam will other languages be available for the exam format. Those who pass the exam can use the IBCLC credentials and must recertify every five years.
Final Thoughts
There are even more details at the IBLCE website, provided below. As you can see, these requirements take several years to obtain…this is not a quick or easy process. It seems only those with a true passion for assisting the breastfeeding family pursue this complicated endeavor to be an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant.
Seek out your local IBCLCs to find out how they can help your facility and the families you’ve worked with. Get them involved with your Baby-Friendly Committee. Everyone benefits in this type of relationship. If you found this article to be informative then you may also be interested in a previous post that looks at The Largest Breastfeeding Support Groups for Women and Infants.
Stay safe and thank you for supporting, promoting, and protecting breastfeeding!
Kathy
