What is an IBCLC Lactation Consultant?
There are a confusing array of types of breastfeeding help around; how are sleep-deprived new parents supposed to tell them apart?
Briefly, "Peer Supporters" are mums who have breastfed and have done a part-time training course of between 8-12 weeks from one of the voluntary organisations listed below or from the NHS; they often come to breastfeeding drop-ins and can offer support and information, much like an "informed friend," and would be able to refer complex problems on to a suitably qualified health professional or breastfeeding counsellor.
Health professional training in breastfeeding can vary widely; the miniumum level of breastfeeding training should be the UNICEF Baby-Friendly 18 hour course, but some HPs won't even have had access to that. Less than half the babies in London are born in fully accredited Baby Friendly hospitals; check here to see if your local health service provides this level of training for their staff.
"Breastfeeding Counsellors" in the UK are trained and accredited by the four voluntary organisations, Association of Breastfeeding Mothers (ABM), Breastfeeding Network (BfN), La Leche League (LLL), or NCT. They are mums who have breastfed their own babies and have undertaken a comprehensive part-time training which lasts up to two or three years. They might run a local breastfeeding mums' group, help at a breastfeeding drop-in, teach breastfeeding classes, and help mothers one-to-one either in person or on the phone. There is no fee for their breastfeeding help.
Peer Supporters and Breastfeeding Counsellors most often are volunteers. Sometimes they are paid for their work by local health services etc (as health professionals are), but for the most part they work as volunteers and there is no charge for their help. As they are volunteers, they are not always able to offer home visits.
See the excellent article "Who's Helping You?" from Milk Matters for a detailed description of all these roles and qualifications.
"Who's Who in Breastfeeding Support and Lactation in the UK?"
So what does an IBCLC Lactation Consultant offer? An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) is the professional level of qualification in breastfeeding assistance. Lactation Consultants can come from a health professional background, or they may start as accredited breastfeeding counsellors, as I did. Only "IBCLC" Lactation Consultants are certified by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners, through a rigorous examination process after several years of clinical experience helping breastfeeding mothers and babies and further advanced study, with a code of ethics, a professional scope of practice ensuring that all IBCLCs provide safe, competent and evidence-based care, and with continued education requirements for regular recertification.
In my case, after two years of training to become a Leader (breastfeeding counsellor) with La Leche League, I was required to have a minimum of five years of clinical experience helping breastfeeding families as an accredited breastfeeding counsellor, have basic education in health topics such as child development and nutrition etc., and take an extensive series of courses in advanced breastfeeding management (45-90 hours). To keep my certification current I am required to attend approximately 15 hours of advanced breastfeeding education every year and retake the full exam every 10 years. You can see why an IBCLC certified Lactation Consultant has an in-depth expertise in breastfeeding!
Look for the "IBCLC" certification to be sure that your professional breastfeeding support has qualified through this rigorous programme and exam.
Some IBCLCs work in the health services, some offer professional training, or do research and policy work, and some work in private practice. As an IBCLC in private practice I can offer home visits with plenty of time to explore your situation and to try out strategies which suit you and your baby; I provide up-to-date, evidence based care with compassion. I can also provide small group breastfeeding sessions for you and your friends antenatally, or as you adjust to life with your new babies.
International Lactation Consultants Association
Lactation Consultants of Great Britain
The Role and Impact of the IBCLC
Briefly, "Peer Supporters" are mums who have breastfed and have done a part-time training course of between 8-12 weeks from one of the voluntary organisations listed below or from the NHS; they often come to breastfeeding drop-ins and can offer support and information, much like an "informed friend," and would be able to refer complex problems on to a suitably qualified health professional or breastfeeding counsellor.
Health professional training in breastfeeding can vary widely; the miniumum level of breastfeeding training should be the UNICEF Baby-Friendly 18 hour course, but some HPs won't even have had access to that. Less than half the babies in London are born in fully accredited Baby Friendly hospitals; check here to see if your local health service provides this level of training for their staff.
"Breastfeeding Counsellors" in the UK are trained and accredited by the four voluntary organisations, Association of Breastfeeding Mothers (ABM), Breastfeeding Network (BfN), La Leche League (LLL), or NCT. They are mums who have breastfed their own babies and have undertaken a comprehensive part-time training which lasts up to two or three years. They might run a local breastfeeding mums' group, help at a breastfeeding drop-in, teach breastfeeding classes, and help mothers one-to-one either in person or on the phone. There is no fee for their breastfeeding help.
Peer Supporters and Breastfeeding Counsellors most often are volunteers. Sometimes they are paid for their work by local health services etc (as health professionals are), but for the most part they work as volunteers and there is no charge for their help. As they are volunteers, they are not always able to offer home visits.
See the excellent article "Who's Helping You?" from Milk Matters for a detailed description of all these roles and qualifications.
"Who's Who in Breastfeeding Support and Lactation in the UK?"
So what does an IBCLC Lactation Consultant offer? An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) is the professional level of qualification in breastfeeding assistance. Lactation Consultants can come from a health professional background, or they may start as accredited breastfeeding counsellors, as I did. Only "IBCLC" Lactation Consultants are certified by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners, through a rigorous examination process after several years of clinical experience helping breastfeeding mothers and babies and further advanced study, with a code of ethics, a professional scope of practice ensuring that all IBCLCs provide safe, competent and evidence-based care, and with continued education requirements for regular recertification.
In my case, after two years of training to become a Leader (breastfeeding counsellor) with La Leche League, I was required to have a minimum of five years of clinical experience helping breastfeeding families as an accredited breastfeeding counsellor, have basic education in health topics such as child development and nutrition etc., and take an extensive series of courses in advanced breastfeeding management (45-90 hours). To keep my certification current I am required to attend approximately 15 hours of advanced breastfeeding education every year and retake the full exam every 10 years. You can see why an IBCLC certified Lactation Consultant has an in-depth expertise in breastfeeding!
Look for the "IBCLC" certification to be sure that your professional breastfeeding support has qualified through this rigorous programme and exam.
Some IBCLCs work in the health services, some offer professional training, or do research and policy work, and some work in private practice. As an IBCLC in private practice I can offer home visits with plenty of time to explore your situation and to try out strategies which suit you and your baby; I provide up-to-date, evidence based care with compassion. I can also provide small group breastfeeding sessions for you and your friends antenatally, or as you adjust to life with your new babies.
International Lactation Consultants Association
Lactation Consultants of Great Britain
The Role and Impact of the IBCLC
Why go to a Lactation Consultant?
What next? I work closely with local voluntary organisations and mother support groups, so I can refer you to local ongoing support. A lactation consultant can offer intensive specialist help for the short term; the network of support you can find in your local breastfeeding mums' group will carry you through the ups and downs of normal breastfeeding and mothering for the long term. |
Specialist help for:
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Red Flags If you are still suffering from painful feeds, or your baby isn’t gaining well, you may need specialist breastfeeding support.
A lactation consultant can help you resolve the breastfeeding aspects of these difficult situations. Any baby who is unwell should also be under the care of a health professional. |
