About IBCLCs

What is an IBCLC?

An IBCLC is an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant.

How do you become an IBCLC?

There are different pathways, but they all include 300+ hours of clinical practice and 95 hours of lactation-specific education, in addition to many college-level prerequisite courses in health sciences. There are additional course requirements in fields such as medical documentation and ethics. Finally, there is an exam. An IBCLC has met all of these requirements and passed the exam. For many people this process takes years. IBCLCs must also recertify every five years, and most do this through clinical hours and continuing education classes.

Where are there IBCLCs?

IBCLCs are all over the world, but in many places they aren’t easily accessible. The large majority of them are in the United States. Because lactation consultants are not available in all communities, many IBCLCs offer virtual care to bridge the gap in coverage. 

Do IBCLCs accept insurance?

In the US, many IBCLCs accept insurance. Coverage for lactation care is mandated by the Affordable Care Act, but every insurance company interprets its obligations differently, and some offer extremely limited coverage to their policy holders. For this reason, many IBCLCs also see private-pay clients.

Is an IBCLC a doctor?

Sometimes but not usually. Many IBCLCs have another medical credential, such as nurse, speech language pathologist, or occupational therapist. Some of the IBCLCs who are also doctors are part of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine, and they can help patients with more complex cases, especially when there’s a need for labwork, diagnosis, or medication (this is not in the scope of most IBCLCs). I do not hold any other credentials, but I will refer you to another clinician if appropriate, and I refer to practitioners who accept insurance whenever possible.