How to Become an IBCLC USA 2023

This post will tell you everything you need to know about how to become a lactation consultant and help you decide if becoming an IBCLC is right for you. Keep reading to discover how to become an IBCLC and start your journey today!

Becoming an IBCLC requires significant education, clinical practice, and preparation for the exam. It is a rewarding career that slows you to help mothers and babies establish and maintain a successful breastfeeding relationship.

What Does an IBCLC Do?

An IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) is a healthcare professional who specializes in breastfeeding and lactation. IBCLCs are trained and certified to provide lactation care and support to breastfeeding families.

Some of the specific tasks that an IBCLC often does include:

Conducting comprehensives assessments of breastfeeding mothers and babies to identify any problems or concerns that may be affecting the breastfeeding relationship.
Providing education and support to breastfeeding mothers on topics such as proper breastfeeding techniques, latch, positioning, milk supply, and nipple care.
Developing individualized breastfeeding plans (care plans) for mothers to help them reach their breastfeeding goals.
Providing information and guidance on breastfeeding related issues such as engorgement, mastitis, clogged ducts, and other breastfeeding challenges.
Helping with the use of breastfeeding equipment such as breast pumps, nipple shields, and other devices.
Collaborating with other healthcare professionals to ensure that families receive the most comprehensive and coordinated care possible.

Overall, IBCLCs play a critical role in helping families achieve their breastfeeding goals and in promoting the heath and wellbeing of mothers and babies.

How to Become an IBCLC in 2023

To become an IBCLC, you need to meet the requirements set by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBCLE) and pass the IBCLC exam.

To meet the criteria needed to sit for the IBCLC exam you must pick from one of these three pathways [1]:

Pathway 1:

This pathway is for recognized health professionals and recognized breastfeeding support counselors.

Pathway 1 requires you to complete the 14 health science courses, 90 hours of lactation-specific education, 1,000 hours of clinical practice in lactation, and 5 hours of breastfeeding advocacy.

The 14 health science requirements include:

Biology
Human anatomy
Human physiology
Infant child growth and development
Introduction to clinical research
Nutrition
Psychology or counseling skills or communication skills
Sociology or cultural sensitivity or cultural anthropology
Basic Life Support
Medical Documentation
Medical Terminology
Occupational Safety and Security for Health Professionals
Professional Ethics for Health Professionals
Universal Safety Precautions and Infection Control

Pathway 2:

Consists of completing a lactation consultant-focused health professional program that includes lactation education, 300 directly supervised hours of clinical practice in lactation, and 5 hours of breastfeeding advocacy.

Pathway 3:

In this pathway, you would work with an IBCLC mentor, meet 500 hours of directly supervised clinical hours in lactation, 90 hours of lactation-specific education, and 5 hours of breastfeeding advocacy.

After fulfilling one of these 3 pathways:

1. Apply for the IBCLC exam: Once you meet the eligibility criteria, you can apply for the IBCLC exam. You will need to submit an application form, transcripts, and verification of your clinical practice.

2. Prepare for the exam: The IBCLC exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions related to lactation management.

3. Take the IBCLC exam: The IBCLC exam is administered online at testing centers around the world. You will have four hours to complete the exam.

4. Maintain your IBCLC certification: To maintain you IBCLC certification, you must re-certify every 5 years by earning continuing education credits and submitting a recertification application or taking the IBCLC exam again.

Why Become an IBCLC?

There are several good reasons why someone may choose to become an IBCLC, such as:

Passion for breastfeeding: many individuals become IBCLCs because they have a strong passion for supporting breastfeeding families and promoting the health and wellbeing of mothers and infants.
Career: There is a growing demand for IBCLCs in healthcare settings such as hospitals, clinics, and private practice. Becoming an IBCLC can open up career opportunities in these settings, as well as in research, public health, and education.
Personal experience: Some IBCLCs have had personal experiences with breastfeeding, such as difficulties or challenges, and want to help others who may be going through similar experiences.
Desire for advanced knowledge and skills: Becoming an IBCLC requires advanced knowledge and skills in lactation and breastfeeding, and some individuals may choose to become IBCLCs to gain this expertise.
Love for biology: The expertise and knowledge about breastfeeding that IBCLCs gain through their education and experience include the science of nutrition, microbiology, biochemistry, anthropology, psychology, and more! This is a great field for those who are passionate about breastfeeding and health science.
Making a difference: IBCLCs have the opportunity to make a meaningful and significant difference in the lives of breastfeeding families between the bonding and relationship of breastfeeding and the health of mothers and babies.

Overall, becoming an IBCLC can be a rewarding and fulfilling career path for those with a passion for supporting breastfeeding families and promoting maternal and child health.

Breastfeeding is the source of optimal nutrition for babies, but it is also much more than only nutrition. It is the foundation of emotional and physical growth and development for infants and children. Further, breastfeeding is beneficial for mothers both physically and emotionally.

How Should an IBCLC Conduct Oneself?

As an IBCLC, it is important to adhere to the IBCLE (International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners) Code of Ethics, Scope of Practice for the IBCLC, and Clinical Competencies.

The IBCLE Code of Ethics outlines the ethical principles and standards that all IBCLCs should follow. Some of the key principles include:

Integrity: IBCLCs should act with honesty, fairness, and respect for others
Professionalism: IBCLCs should maintain professional boundaries and avoid conflicts of interest.
Confidentiality: IBCLCs should protect the privacy of their clients.
Competence: IBCLCs should practice within their scope of competence and continually update their knowledge and skills.
Respect: IBCLCs should respect cultural and individual differences and provide culturally competent care.

The Scope of Practice for the IBCLC includes:

Conducting a comprehensive lactation assessment
Developing an appropriate care plan for breastfeeidng mothers and infants
Providing education and support to breastfeeding families
Identifying and managing common breastfeeding problems and complications
Referring clients to other healthcare providers when appropriate.

The Clinical Competencies for the IBCLC outline the knowledge and skills that IBCLCs should have to provide effective lactation care. Some of these include:

Knowledge of human lactation and breastfeeding
Ability to conduct a comprehensive lactation assessment
Knowledge of common breastfeeding problems and their management
Ability to develop an appropriate care plan for breastfeeding mothers and infants
Effective communication skills to provide education and support to breastfeeding families

IBCLCs should continually update their knowledge and skills to maintain their clinical competencies.

In summary, an IBCLC should conduct oneself with integrity, professionalism, and respect for others while practicing within one’s scope of competence and adhering to the ethical principles, scope of practice, and clinical competencies outlines by IBCLE.

FAQs on How to Become an IBCLC:

1. How to become an IBCLC if you’re not a nurse? Are IBCLCs nurses?

Some IBCLCs are nurses, and some are not! Doctors, nurse practitioners, midwives, physician assistants, and more, can also become IBCLCs! Further, people without a healthcare certification or degree can become IBCLCs through pathways 2 or 3 from the IBCLE.

2. Can IBCLCs prescribe medication?

An IBCLC cannot prescribe medications. They can share research evidence with clients on medications, herbs, and dosages that have been shown to be effective in specific treatments, but they cannot prescribe medications.

If a doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant is also an IBCLC, then they can prescribe medications through their other scope of practice for lactation clients.

3. Are IBCLCs covered by insurance?

An IBCLC working in the hospital, or a medical clinic will be covered by whichever insurances that business covers. However, if it a private practice IBCLC, they may or may not accept insurance.

4. Where do IBCLCs work?

IBCLCs have a great variety in where they can work! An IBCLC can work in a hospital, medical clinic such as a pediatric or OB-GYN office, for WIC, or for themselves which can include working online with clients, out of their home, traveling to clients’ homes for at-home consults, or by purchasing their own office building and running their business through there.

5. Who can become an IBCLC?

Anyone in most countries worldwide who wants to become an IBCLC, can!

The cheapest possible route to becoming an IBCLC is pathway 1 and could cost approximately $1,041 in the U.S.

For those who are not health care professionals and want to become an IBCLC on a budget, you can:

Fulfill some of the health science requirements though online courses provided by Sophia or Coursera
Use the LER IBCLE Additional General Education Package Complete
Get your BLS certification through an American Heart Association course
Get your 90 hours of lactation-specific education hours through LER’s Lactation Consultant Training Program Enriched. You can get 20% off with a group discount. So, you can consider finding a Facebook group with others who may want to sign up with you.
Receive communication hours through LER. Again, this has a 20% off with a group discount.

Questions or Comments on How to Become an IBCLC?

If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below👇🏻

Talk soon, mama!

– Katelyn Lauren

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Reference:

[1] IBCLC Commission: Choosing a Pathway to the IBCLC

DISCLAIMER: This post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding you or your baby’s health. Please read my Medical Disclaimer for more info