2007 IBLCE Role Delineation Study

2007 Role Delineation Study Report

Executive Summary and Recommendations

The purpose of this study is to examine the practices and skills used by lactation consultants and the positions (employment and volunteer) in which these skills are practiced.

» Only 24.4% of invited IBCLCs completed this role delineation survey. The average age of these respondents was 47.7 years and 70% had had at least 12 years of basic education while 91% had had at least 3 years of college education. Nearly two thirds of respondents (63%) had originally certified since 2001. Many mentioned that it was a confusing survey making it difficult to complete correctly.

» Respondents indicated that the IBCLC credential was more important in their primary employment compared to secondary employment, self employment or volunteer. Lactation skills were most frequently used by educators, IBCLC as an employee or in private practice, hospital nurse and volunteer mother to mother support.

» Most respondents indicated a skill or practice was both important to know and was frequently used when it came to records, maternal, infant and breastfeeding evaluation, maternal and infant conditions, counseling and professionalism.

» While most respondents agreed that hand expression and breast massage were useful and essential to know, hand expression was not used as frequently as breast massage. They also indicated that while breast pumps and infant scales were more frequently used than any other devices, over 75% stated it was useful or essential to know how to use other devices.

» Respondents considered maintaining records, reading and analyzing research articles were the most essential and frequently used components of research.

» Many IBCLCs mentioned that they conduct antenatal classes and teach colleagues at their workplace. However, the Exam Blueprint does not cover education as provided by an IBCLC very well.

» Most respondents were very proud to be an IBCLC but wanted more recognition from fellow colleagues and employers. Respondents suggested that the credential needed more promotion so it gained more recognition and respect.  

Concern was expressed over the lack of practical experience required before sitting the exam. In addition, many wrote strongly about why they needed to repeat an entry level exam at 10 years to remain certified. They would prefer to do this by collecting CERPS as happens in many other professions.

» There was concern over the proposed second credential. Respondents believed it would confuse the public.

Recommendations

That the results of this survey are considered with caution they may not reflect those of the IBCLC population given the response rate is low and is biased to respondents who answered the survey in English.

» That the blueprint increases its focus on the education of mothers and health professionals by the IBCLC.

» That the next role delineation study be piloted to avoid the types of confusion experienced by respondents.

» That IBLCE respond to matters that have been raised about the credential, its promotion and recertification processes in an appropriate manner.