What is an IBCLC?

An IBCLC is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant.  IBCLC's are the only lactation consultants
that are recognized by the International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA), and all national professional
associations for lactation consultants, throughout the world. All IBCLCs have passed a rigorous certification
exam and must keep their knowledge and skills up to date through a compulsory recertification program.  In
order to even be eligible to take the exam, an IBCLC has to meet a minimum requirement of education,
breastfeeding specific education, and MANY hours of one on one breastfeeding counseling.  I needed to have
a minimum of 4,000 hours to qualify.

In addition, IBCLC'S are the only lactation consultants required to practice within a Code of Ethics and to have
Standards of Practice. All this means that you, the mother or the referring health professional, can be assured
that the letters IBCLC are synonymous with the highest standard of care for breastfeeding mothers and babies.

Some "lactation consultants" are self-titled and are not IBCLCs.  They may not have the depth of knowledge
and high level skills of an IBCLC, and there is no assurance of their competency or ethical practice.



Reasons why you might consult a lactation consultant (IBCLC)

This is a list of some of the reasons why you might decide to consult a lactation consultant (IBCLC), before your
baby is born or at any time postpartum:

• problems with your baby's latch and/or suck
  
• sore or damaged/cracked nipples
  
• concerns regarding milk supply such as undersupply or oversupply
  
• fussy breastfed baby
  
• breastfeeding twins or multiples
  
• premature baby
  
• relactation after breastfeeding has been discontinued
  
• , induce lactation for an adopted baby
  
• babies with special needs - i.e. failure to thrive,  reflux, lactose intolerance, cleft lip and/or palate, Down's
  syndrome, neurological impairment, metabolic problem
  
• maternal problems that impact on breastfeeding - i.e. unusual breast or nipple anatomy, history of breast
  surgery (biopsy, implants, reduction, physical disability, ongoing medical condition requiring long-term
  medication
  
• mastitis or recurrent plugged ducts
  
• advice about breastpumps or other lactation equipment such as nipple shields, breast shells for inverted
  or sore nipples, or supplemental feeding system such as SNS or lact-aid.
  
• expressing and storage of breastmilk  
  
• returning to work
  
• hospitalization of mom
  
• hospitalization of baby
  
• breastfeeding and food intolerances or allergies
  
• weaning your baby, toddler or older child

• problems with your baby's latch and/or suck
  
• sore or damaged/cracked nipples
  
• concerns regarding milk supply such as undersupply or oversupply
  
• fussy breastfed baby
  
• breastfeeding twins or multiples
  
• premature baby
  
• relactation after breastfeeding has been discontinued
  
• , induce lactation for an adopted baby
  
• babies with special needs - i.e. failure to thrive,  reflux, lactose intolerance, cleft lip and/or palate, Down's
  syndrome, neurological impairment, metabolic problem
  
• maternal problems that impact on breastfeeding - i.e. unusual breast or nipple anatomy, history of breast
  surgery (biopsy, implants, reduction, physical disability, ongoing medical condition requiring long-term
  medication
  
• mastitis or recurrent plugged ducts
  
• advice about breastpumps or other lactation equipment such as nipple shields, breast shells for inverted
  or sore nipples, or supplemental feeding system such as SNS or lact-aid.
  
• expressing and storage of breastmilk  
  
• returning to work
  
• hospitalization of mom
  
• hospitalization of baby
  
• breastfeeding and food intolerances or allergies
  
• weaning your baby, toddler or older child