FAQs

“International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) function and contribute as members of the maternal-child health team. They provide care in a variety of settings, while making appropriate referrals to other health professionals and community support resources. Working together with mothers, families, policymakers and society, IBCLC certificants provide expert breastfeeding and lactation care, promote changes that support breastfeeding and help reduce the risks of not breastfeeding.”

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IBCLCs are allied healthcare providers who work collaboratively with clients, doctors, and other healthcare providers. Lactation Consultants are the only healthcare provider who treat both the lactating parent and the baby, addressing difficulties that impact both.  

• Provides support to lactating persons.

• Provides prenatal education.

• Hosts infant feeding classes and support groups.

• Works in hospitals, clinics, or private practice.

• Evaluates the breastfeeding dyad.

• Assists in utilizing breastfeeding and pumping supplies.

• Explains symptoms for a wide range of breastfeeding problems.

• Helps lactating parents explore options when problems arise.

• Provide referrals for medical diagnosis or treatment.

• Breastfeeding

• Breastfeeding after Breast Augmentation or Reduction

• Breast Refusal

• Bottle Feeding

• Bottle Refusal

• Diet Restrictions (food allergy/intolerance)

• Engorgement

• Infants with Anatomical Challenges

• Introducing Solids

• Inverted and Flat Nipples

• Latching

• Low Milk Supply

• Mastitis

• Milk Banking

• Nipple Pain/Damage

• Oral Restrictions (tongue/lip tie)

• Oversupply

• Plugged Ducts

• Positioning

• Pumping

• Prenatal Planning

• Preterm/Multiple Infants

• Relactation

• Return To Work Planning

• Supplementing

• Weaning

Lactation Consultants are the only healthcare provider who treat both the lactating parent and the baby, addressing difficulties that impact both.

The scope of practice is designed to protect lactating parents and babies by promoting all IBCLCs to provide safe, competent, and evidence-based care.

View the full Scope of Practice for IBCLCs

The Code of Professional Conduct (CPC) consists of eight principles, which require every IBCLC to:

1. Provide services that protect, promote and support breastfeeding

2. Act with due diligence

3. Preserve the confidentiality of clients

4. Report accurately and completely to other members of the healthcare team

5. Exercise independent judgment and avoid conflicts of interest

6. Maintain personal integrity

7. Uphold the professional standards expected of an IBCLC

8. Comply with the IBLCE Disciplinary Procedures

View the full Code of Professional Conduct for IBCLCs

IBCLC is the highest internationally recognized certification for professionals focused on the clinical management of breastfeeding.

Check out our credential comparison to learn more.