HomeMy WebLinkAboutbreastfeeding-whos-who*The information for this summary was accessed from websites of the organizations listed under each credential. (June 2017)
Created by Jeanne Kettles, MA, IBCLC Alameda County WIC Regional Breastfeeding Liaison Jeanne.Kettles@acgov.org
Breastfeeding “Who’s Who”*
This list includes some breastfeeding professionals and
paraprofessionals in the healthcare team who are trained to
provide evidence-based information within scope of practice.
Not all community practitioners with whom families might
work may be trained; however those referenced in this provider
referral guide have one or more of the following credentials:
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant
(IBCLC®) – is considered the highest level credential in
clinical lactation with extensive formal lactation education and
clinical training. IBCLC must complete extensive education in
health science, hundreds of supervised clinical hours, and a
minimum of 90 hours specialized accredited lactation
education before passing an international certification exam
with the International Board of Lactation Consultant
Examiners® (IBCLE®). Continuing lactation education
required for re-certification every 5 years and re-examination
every 10 years. IBCLC may perform comprehensive maternal,
child and feeding assessments, relative to lactation and develop
and implement individualized feeding plans in consultations
with the mother. They also provide evidence-based information
on medications and complementary therapies during lactation
and potential impact on maternal milk production and transfer
to child. IBCLC also may use the term “Registered” (RLC).
Breast Feeding Peer Counselors (BFPC) - are mothers who
have personal experience with breastfeeding and are trained to
provide basic breastfeeding information and support to other
mothers with whom they share various characteristics, such as
language, race/ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. BFPC with
the Women Infant and Children (WIC) program have breastfed
for at least 6 months and complete the Loving Support® 20+
hour paraprofessional training. BFPC work collaboratively
within the health care team and refer breastfeeding mothers to
the appropriate clinical provider (IBCLC, physician, or other
practitioner) for assessment and treatment.
Certificated Lactation Educator Counselor (CLEC) –
unique to University of California, San Diego lactation
program. Persons completing 45 hour Lactation Educator
Counselor training course, which may or may not include
clinical hours, may use the designation certificated lactation
educator counselors (CLEC) for 5 years until re-certification
through coursework. May facilitate classes and groups.
Certified Lactation Educator TM (CLE®) – CAPPA
(Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association) certifies
members who have completed a 20 hour CAPPA lactation
course, field observations, research studies and extensive
coursework in CAPPA Academy. CLE® are non-clinical
members of care teams and often facilitate groups and classes.
Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) – have taken a
minimum one week course in lactation counseling and passed a
post test. A CLC® with the Academy of Lactation Policy and
Practice, Inc. completes 45 hours or more of study, with
counseling skills evaluation and ALPP Inc. examination.
La Leche League Leaders (LLL Leaders) – are unpaid
volunteer mothers who have breastfed for about a year who are
trained in the normal course of breastfeeding and common
problems. Leaders are accredited by La Leche League
International and may provide free phone advice and facilitate
community meet ups and mothers’ groups.