History

The International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) is a non-profit organization governed by a Board of Directors.  It was established to develop and administer the certification examination for lactation consultants.  The IBLCE examination is the premier, internationally recognized measure of competence in lactation consulting.  Founded in 1985, the IBLCE has administered annual examinations, in multiple languages and at numerous sites around the world. 

In the latter half of the twentieth century, many scientific studies validated the benefits of breastfeeding.  At the same time, mother support organizations were developing a significant body of breastfeeding management skills.  From this knowledge, a new allied health care profession began to emerge in the 1980’s. However, there were no competency standards for this new role.

As an international leader in providing guidelines for breastfeeding and mother-to-mother support, La Leche League International made a commitment to facilitate the development of standards for this new field.  A panel of sixty experts representing a variety of health professions, backgrounds, and geographic locations were involved in determining the dimensions of knowledge and skill that are necessary for safe and effective practice as a lactation consultant.  The scientific disciplines and developmental stages identified by this expert panel are continually reviewed by the Board of Directors and, over the years, additional scientific disciplines and developmental stages have been added to the IBLCE Exam Blueprint.  This blueprint continues to be the basis for the development of certification standards for International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs). 

The constitutional meeting of the IBLCE was held in March 1985.  Canada, El Salvador and the Australian Breastfeeding Association (formerly called the Nursing Mothers' Association of Australia) were represented and attention was given to the international need for mothers and babies to be protected by competency standards for lactation consultants.

The IBLCE was initially accredited by the NCCA in 1988, after having conducted the three examination administrations required as one criterion for eligibility.  At its initial accreditation, IBLCE was one of only two organizations accredited by the Commission on first application.  As required by NCCA, IBLCE is a completely independent organization, separate from the professional and mother support associations.

Furthermore, IBLCE has reaccredited its program every five years, as required by NCCA standards for certifying agencies.  As part of this process, the IBLCE periodically conducts a Role Delineation Study.  IBCLCs worldwide are surveyed for details of their practice and the knowledge base they require. This study is used by the Board to evaluate and, if necessary, revise the exam blueprint to reflect current lactation consultant practice.

Candidates who pass the IBLCE examination attain the designation IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant).  Currently, there are over 17,000 IBCLCs worldwide, in 75 countries.  IBCLCs adhere to a Code of Ethics and provide substantive breastfeeding assistance and skilled technical management of breastfeeding problems.