Any given lactation consultant can vary widely in their knowledge and experience. Not everyone who calls themselves by this title has a background in healthcare and not every healthcare professional has experience and knowledge to care for a lactating mother. So, how do you figure out who to see?
What does IBCLC stand for?
An IBCLC stands for “International Board Certified Lactation Consultant.”
The difference between a “Lactation Consultant” and an IBCLC is that an IBCLC is the gold standard for lactation care. Professionals who earn the title of IBCLC have completed extensive educational requirements to complete before we can even take the test to earn the certification.
Training matters
There are three different pathways to becoming a recognized lactation consultant. Each of them has a minimum entry requirement, but all of them require
- Minimum of 95 hours of lactation-specific education, including five hours focused on communication skills, within the five years immediately prior to examination application.
- Preferably the five hours of education focused on communication skills will be directly related to
lactation and breastfeeding care, but this is not a requirement.
- Preferably the five hours of education focused on communication skills will be directly related to
- Minimum of 1000 hours of lactation-specific clinical practice in an appropriately supervised setting within the five years immediately prior to examination application.
- Source: IBLCE
In addition to these requirements, an IBCLC must take a pass a licensing exam and keep up with ongoing education and re-certification at certain intervals.
Other trained professionals include certified lactation counselors (CLC), peer to peer counselors and in Texas, we have a trained breastfeeding educator program. These professionals have varying degrees of education in lactation consulting.
Not all physicians have extensive knowledge in lactation
Physicians have great intentions in their love for you as the patient. There are a few limiting factors when it comes to caring for the lactating mother. First of all, most of us did not receive extensive training in breastfeeding. Pediatricians have some exposure to this topic in our medical training, but many other specialties don’t address this important topic.
Second, physicians who are in private practice or hospital based medical practices face many obstacles to providing great care for the lactating mother and her baby. Often, appointment slots are 15 minutes in length. During this time, doctors are expected to address many things during this short time. Care for a lactating mother and baby takes a lot of time in order to fully evaluate what is happening.
Often, pediatricians will recommend formula instead of trying to address the breastfeeding issue that you are having. It is not because pediatricians don’t care, because they do, it is just that we are often focused on making sure that the baby’s well being is prioritized in the limited amount of time that is available.
Sometimes you need a unicorn
There is a small group of physicians who have pursued extra training into the medicine and science of breastfeeding. We call ourselves breastfeeding medicine specialists. As physicians, we have a background in disease processes and as lactation consultants, we understand the importance of breastfeeding. When we combine our two different skill sets, we are able to diagnose and treat medical lactation problems.
As a pediatrician with this extra knowledge, I am able to diagnose and treat conditions like low milk supply, mastitis, nipple vasospasm and many more conditions.
As a breastfeeding medicine physician, I have a passion for breastfeeding mothers and their babies. I understand the delicate balance between protecting a mother’s milk supply and making sure that the baby receives enough calories to thrive. In my practice, I also have the time to dedicate to a full lactation evaluation.
Allow me to help you
If you are a breastfeeding mother in need of help, give me a call. If you would like more information to help you to make an informed decision about whether or not breastfeeding is right for you, 127 Pediatrics offers online breastfeeding education. The information is taught in a non-judgmental manner. We provide evidence based information so that you can learn the process and the science behind breastfeeding and make an informed decision for you and your child. So come join us!
© 127 Pediatrics; September 2022
Dr. Andrea Wadley is the owner, pediatrician, and breastfeeding medicine specialist for 127 Pediatrics. She has an established house-calls only pediatric practice in Colleyville, TX. She is also the owner and operator of the 127 Pediatrics Online Breastfeeding Medicine and Education Center.
