What is an IBCLC?

IBCLC stands for International Board Certified Lactation Consultant.

IBCLCs are healthcare professionals who specialize in the clinical management of lactation and breastfeeding. Becoming an IBCLC requires health-science education, extensive lactation-specific education, hands-on clinical experience, and passing a rigorous international certification examination.

And the training doesn't stop once you're certified. IBCLCs must recertify every five years and demonstrate ongoing professional practice and continuing education to maintain their credential.

The U.S. Surgeon General's Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding specifically recommends ensuring families have access to services provided by IBCLCs and describes IBCLCs as healthcare professionals certified in lactation management.

Basically: an IBCLC is a breastfeeding specialist with specialized clinical training—not simply someone who has breastfed or taken a breastfeeding class.