Choosing Lactation Education Programs

IBLCE does not itself conduct courses, nor does it recommend or endorse any particular program.  Not all education programs are comprehensive and some may be at a level more basic than the standard set by the IBLCE exam.  Candidates are responsible for evaluating lactation education courses and programs for their suitability.  The following information is provided to help candidates choose lactation education programs that will prepare them for becoming competent IBCLCs. 

Experience indicate that candidates who participate in a comprehensive lactation education program perform better on the exam than those candidates who accumulate continuing education hours from a variety of sources.  IBLCE highly recommends enrollment in a comprehensive lactation education program that is designed to cover the IBLCE Exam Blueprint.  Typically these comprehensive programs are longer than the minimum requirement for exam eligibility. 
 
When choosing a lactation education program, candidates are encouraged to choose a program accredited by the International Lactation Education Accreditation Council (ILEAC).  Accreditation assures students that the program covers essential topics and skills, has a qualified faculty, and portrays itself honestly in its advertising.  With ILEAC accredited programs, students can feel confident of obtaining a balanced lactation education that provides solid preparation for becoming an IBCLC.

The council honors a diversity of educational models such as distance education, self-paced programs, programs within large and small institutions, both not-for-profit and for-profit.  Programs accredited by ILEAC must comply with rigorous education standards and undergo a thorough review and approval process.  ILCA’s Guide to Selecting a Lactation Management Course is a valuable resource that will help you make informed choices about lactation management courses. 

Many organizations offer continuing education in breastfeeding through conferences, workshops, on-line education and independent study modules.  In evaluating continuing education programs, keep in mind that the content should be aimed at professionals, not parents or the public.  Continuing education programs can enhance your basic lactation education by providing opportunities to:

» Learn more about a particular lactation management skill

» Gain a better understanding of a particular discipline, such as ethics or research

» Expand your knowledge of a specific lactation topic

» Know more about how to help mothers with children of a particular age group

» Become more skilled about specific maternal or infant breastfeeding challenges

» Meet the IBLCE lactation education requirement while facing personal challenges such as limited financial resources or the ability to travel  

IBLCE approves programs, courses and independent study modules for continuing education recognition points (CERPs), which means that the program has been approved as suitable for the continuing education of currently certified IBCLCs.  CERPs approval assures IBCLCs that the education may be used to meet Recertification requirements.  Keep in mind that such programs are designed for experienced IBCLCs and may be at a knowledge level above that of the entry level lactation consultant.

Some Things to Consider

While it is possible to meet the lactation education requirement by completing a number of continuing education courses, you are advised to choose carefully in order to cover the disciplines and chronological periods in the IBLCE Exam Blueprint.  In addition, you will need to give yourself enough time to enroll in sufficient programs so as to complete this requirement within the three (3) years immediately prior to taking the exam.  If a comprehensive lactation course is outside your means, you will need to spend some time planning your lactation education in order to meet exam application requirements and deadlines.

The International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA) is a good source of information about lactation continuing education programs.  ILCA and its affiliate associations offer numerous educational opportunities for lactation consultants. IBCLC candidates are encouraged to become a member of this professional association for lactation consultants.

If you are a health care professional, check with your professional association about courses, workshops or independent study modules in lactation.  Mother support groups such as La Leche League and the Australian Breastfeeding Association offer programs, conferences and independent study modules for lactation professionals.   

Finally, it is important to plan for independent study and reading during your training period.  To assist candidates in their preparation for lactation consultant certification, IBLCE publishes a Suggested Reading List.  All the books and resources on this list have been reviewed and determined by IBLCE to be suitable for candidates for the IBCLC certification exam.  Most prospective IBCLCs find that it is a good investment to own one or more books from those listed under “General Lactation” and/or “Practical Breastfeeding Management.”