Why I take immense pride in being an IBCLC
What Does an IBCLC Actually Do?
When asked about my profession, I often say midwife and leave out the lactation part. When I tell people I am an IBCLC or International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, they reply, "Well, what do you do?"
If you had asked me ten years ago, I also probably would have wondered the exact same thing.
So, how do I explain my actual profession?
I am an extremely passionate health professional who works with women and their families to help them meet their breastfeeding goals, whatever they may be.
This is why I take immense pride in being an IBCLC — and not merely a “lactation consultant.”
The Problem With the Term “Lactation Consultant”
If you Google the term “lactation consultant,” you will get multiple confusing ads and directories that will send you to a few places offering some sort of basic lactation training. The harsh reality is that anyone can label themselves as a lactation consultant, as the term itself is not protected by any trademark and is quite generic.
Anyone can advertise themselves as a “lactation consultant,” and anyone can offer lactation and breastfeeding services and support without any breastfeeding education or training, and nothing is in place to stop them.
Yes, when you hear or say “lactation consultant,” you expect that anyone calling themselves an LC has training or expertise in this field.
What the Definition Actually Refers To
Google defines a “lactation consultant” as an allied health professional who specialises in the clinical management of breastfeeding. Lactation consultants commonly work in hospitals, physician or midwife practices, public health programs, and private practice.
What you are reading there is actually the definition of an Independent Board Certified Lactation Consultant, not a “lactation consultant.” I know it’s a mouthful to say, but we are commonly referred to as an IBCLC for short.
Who Can Call Themselves an IBCLC?
So, who can call themselves an IBCLC? Only about 37,000 of us worldwide have dedicated years to earning the IBCLC title -equating to one IBCLC for every 3,784 babies born each year. To support all families globally, we would each need to assist approximately 10 babies daily.
Very often, I am approached by individuals who want to become an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. In fact, none of the individuals who have approached me with questions about the process have followed through to complete even half of the necessary requirements for certification.
Becoming an IBCLC is a lot of hard work and commitment!
What It Actually Takes
There are three pathways to sitting for the exam, all of which include 14 university-level health science courses, at least 90 hours of lactation-specific education, and 300–1,000 hours of directly supervised clinical lactation practice. Once you complete your pathway, you pay hundreds of dollars to sit for a 175-question exam that is only given twice a year and must be retaken every five years.
This is no easy feat!
You can’t get your qualification by watching a webinar and answering several recall questions.
You don't become an IBCLC by attending a week-long breastfeeding class, practising on your classmates, and assessing a baby's latch in a video.
Here’s What I Did
Here’s what I did to earn my IBCLC certification:
Chose Pathway 1, which recognises me as a practising health professional
Proved completion of the required health sciences courses, along with a minimum of 90 hours of lactation-specific education and 5 hours of education focused on communication. I attained this by studying for a Diploma in Breastfeeding Management through the Australian Breastfeeding Association, costing nearly $10,000. I already hold a Certificate IV in Breastfeeding Education/Counselling
Proved my 1000+ hours of supervised lactation practice in a clinical setting
Paid over $900 to register to sit the IBCLC exam, plus another $1000 in study courses and materials
Sat the exam in April 2024 and waited until the end of June 2024 for my results. I sat my exam via distance and had the most horrible experience — I was booted off the server multiple times, ending in me crying while trying to find anyone who could help. No one could, and I was told I would have to resit the exam in September as I had already seen some of the content. Right when I was about to give up, I managed to get back through and complete the exam. So stressful, and never again will I not do it in person at a testing facility
Passed the exam with flying colours to become a fully-fledged International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. As of October 2024, I am still yet to receive my official paper copy
Why It Matters
You can most certainly become an IBCLC by using any of the pathways I’ve discussed, and I don’t think any of them are easier than the others. I don’t think any of us went down this gruelling path for the fun of it. We did it because we are so dedicated and passionate about helping mothers, infants, and their families in all areas of lactation.
The Bottom Line
This is why I make it well known that I am an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and not just a “lactation consultant.” I am a specialist in my field with extra qualifications and training that can only be achieved after years of dedication and sitting the world-wide exam with recertification every five years.