Health Disciplines Background Education

IBCLC candidates are expected to demonstrate knowledge in the following six (6) core disciplines.  These disciplines provide the foundational knowledge that prospective IBCLCs need for optimal understanding of the specific lactation education required.  Therefore, it is advisable to complete this requirement prior to taking courses in lactation management.  If you have not already studied these subjects in college, completing this education would be a good place to begin your preparation for becoming an IBCLC.

IBLCE defines background education as a minimum of four clock hours of introductory education in each of the six disciplines listed below. 

» Anatomy and Physiology

» Sociology OR Cultural Diversity

» Psychology, Counseling OR Communication Skills

» Child Growth and Development

» Nutrition

» Medical Terminology

Health Professionals

As a general rule, licensed or registered health care professionals receive this background education during their course of study.  Examples of health care professionals that have already received this background education include: registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, registered dieticians, midwives, and physicians. Not all licensed, certified or registered professionals working in health care will have met this requirement.  If you have questions about whether your background education is sufficient to meet this requirement, please contact us at iblce@iblce.org.

Non-Health Care Professionals

If you are not a licensed or registered health care professional, you may meet this requirement by demonstrating that you studied the subject as part of your post-secondary (college or university) education or you may take courses specifically designed to meet the requirement. 

Community colleges or universities offer both in-class and distance learning programs in these subjects and some lactation education programs offer distance learning classes specifically designed to meet this requirement.  The International Lactation Consultant Association website provides a list of lactation education course providers that may be useful in your pursuit of IBCLC certification.

For more information about the health disciplines education requirement, read the relevant section in the Candidate Information Guide.