How Do I Become an IBCLC?
One of the most common questions I receive is:
"How do I become an IBCLC?"
The answer is both simple and complicated.
Simple because there is a clear pathway to board certification.
Complicated because there are several different lactation credentials, multiple pathways to gain experience, and many decisions to make along the way.
If you're considering a career helping breastfeeding families, I hope this page provides a helpful starting point.
First: Not Everyone Needs to Become an IBCLC
Many people discover they can make a meaningful difference in the lives of breastfeeding families without pursuing board certification.
Several credentials and volunteer opportunities exist within the lactation field.
Certified Lactation Educator (CLE)
A CLE focuses primarily on breastfeeding education. Many educators teach prenatal breastfeeding classes, community workshops, and support groups.
This was my own starting point. Becoming a lactation educator allowed me to begin helping families while learning more about the field.
Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC)
A CLC receives more in-depth training and can provide support for many common breastfeeding concerns.
For many people, this credential provides exactly the level of training they need to meet their professional goals.
Peer Counselor Programs
Organizations such as Breastfeeding USA and La Leche League provide training opportunities for volunteers who wish to support breastfeeding families.
These roles can be incredibly valuable within local communities.
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)
The IBCLC credential is considered the gold standard in lactation care.
IBCLCs complete health science education, lactation-specific education, extensive clinical experience, and a comprehensive board examination.
Many healthcare providers refer more complex feeding cases to IBCLCs because of this advanced training.
What Does an IBCLC Do?
IBCLCs help families navigate a wide range of feeding challenges, including:
-
Painful breastfeeding
-
Latch difficulties
-
Low milk production
-
Slow infant weight gain
-
Pumping concerns
-
Bottle refusal
-
Returning to work while breastfeeding
-
Premature infants
-
Oral function concerns
-
Tongue tie and lip tie support
-
Complex feeding situations involving both mother and baby
While every IBCLC develops unique areas of expertise, the goal remains the same: helping families meet their feeding goals with evidence-based support.
The Steps to Becoming an IBCLC
Although requirements occasionally change over time, most aspiring IBCLCs will need to complete three major categories of requirements.
​
1. Health Science Education
The board requires foundational education in health sciences.
This typically includes coursework in subjects such as:
-
Anatomy and physiology
-
Infant and child growth and development
-
Nutrition
-
Psychology
-
Medical terminology
-
Sociology
-
Biology
Depending on your background, you may already have some of these courses completed.
2. Lactation-Specific Education
Future IBCLCs must also complete lactation-specific education focused on:
-
Human lactation
-
Breastfeeding management
-
Counseling skills
-
Ethics
-
Clinical decision-making
-
Evidence-based care
Many candidates obtain these hours through approved educational programs.
3. Clinical Experience
Candidates must gain supervised clinical experience working directly with breastfeeding families.
For many people, this is the most challenging requirement.
Clinical hours may be obtained through several pathways depending on your circumstances and available opportunities.
This hands-on experience is essential because breastfeeding support involves much more than learning facts from a textbook.
The Board Exam
Once all educational and clinical requirements have been completed, candidates may apply to sit for the IBCLC board examination.
​
The exam evaluates knowledge and clinical judgment across a broad range of lactation topics.
​
Passing the examination earns the credential:
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).