The lactation field includes a variety of credentials, which can leave professionals and families wondering what they mean and how they compare. This blog post will break down the major credentials, their scope of practice, training and education requirements, typical work locations, and who accredits them. It’s important to note that only the CLC and IBCLC are recognized credentials in lactation. The rest are training-based designations or certifications that are not accredited.
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)
Scope of Practice:
The IBCLC is the gold standard in lactation care. IBCLCs provide clinical care for breastfeeding dyads, assess and manage lactation challenges, and collaborate with other healthcare providers. They are qualified to address complex breastfeeding issues and must stay within their clinical scope of practice.
Training and Education:
Becoming an IBCLC requires:
- Completion of specific health science coursework
- A minimum of 95 hours of lactation education
- Clinical practice hours (300–1,000 hours, depending on the pathway)
- Passing a rigorous exam
Accreditation:
The IBCLC credential is accredited by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE), which is recognized by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).
Work Locations:
Hospitals, outpatient clinics, private practices, WIC offices, telehealth, and as educators or consultants.
Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC)
Scope of Practice:
CLCs provide basic breastfeeding support and education. While knowledgeable, they do not diagnose or manage complex lactation challenges and must refer to an IBCLC for cases beyond their scope.
Training and Education:
- Completion of a 5-day course or equivalent (40+ hours)
- Passing an exam
Accreditation:
The CLC credential is accredited by ALPP (Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice), which is also recognized by the NCCA.
Work Locations:
Hospitals, WIC offices, and community organizations as lactation educators or support providers.
Certified Breastfeeding Specialist (CBS)
Scope of Practice:
CBS professionals provide basic breastfeeding support, focusing on foundational breastfeeding education and support for common challenges.
Training and Education:
- Completion of an online or in-person course (typically fewer hours than CLC or IBCLC pathways)
Accreditation:
This is not an accredited credential. It is often a stepping stone toward becoming an IBCLC.
Work Locations:
Community clinics, WIC offices, and as breastfeeding educators.
Lactation Educator Counselor (CLEC)
Scope of Practice:
CLECs focus on educating families about breastfeeding and supporting prenatal and early postnatal breastfeeding success. They do not provide clinical care or manage complex lactation cases.
Training and Education:
- Completion of a comprehensive course, such as the UC San Diego CLEC program, which includes foundational lactation education with a focus on communication and teaching skills
Accreditation:
This is not an accredited credential.
Work Locations:
Hospitals, community education programs, WIC offices, and as part of prenatal and postnatal support teams.
Certified Lactation Educator (CLE)
Scope of Practice:
CLEs focus on breastfeeding education and advocacy, promoting breastfeeding as a public health initiative. Their role is non-clinical and centered on education.
Training and Education:
- Completion of a short training program, typically lasting a few days
Accreditation:
This is not an accredited credential.
Work Locations:
Prenatal classes, advocacy programs, and community-based initiatives.
Breastfeeding Peer Counselor (BPC)
Scope of Practice:
BPCs provide peer-to-peer breastfeeding support, usually within a structured program like WIC. Their primary role is to share personal breastfeeding experiences and encourage other mothers.
Training and Education:
- Training through a program such as WIC, focusing on basic breastfeeding support and referral practices
Accreditation:
This is not an accredited credential.
Work Locations:
WIC offices, support groups, and community programs.
Key Differences Between Credentials
Why Accreditation Matters
Only the IBCLC and CLC are recognized as accredited credentials in lactation care. Accreditation means the certifying body meets high standards set by organizations like the NCCA, ensuring the credential is credible and reliable.
Non-accredited certifications, such as CBS, CLEC, and CLE, can still provide valuable knowledge, but they lack the same professional recognition and clinical authority. Families and healthcare providers should understand these distinctions when seeking lactation care.
Which Credential Should You Pursue?
If you’re considering a career in lactation, ask yourself:
- Do you want to provide clinical care? Aim for the IBCLC.
- Are you passionate about education? CLEC or CLE might fit.
- Looking for a quick start? CLC or CBS may be good starting points, but consider pursuing the IBCLC for long-term growth.
- Want to support your community? Becoming a BPC is a great option.
Each credential plays a unique role in supporting breastfeeding families. However, knowing which credentials are accredited helps set expectations and ensures that families receive the level of care they need.
References
Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice (ALPP). (n.d.). Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) certification. Retrieved from https://www.alpp.org
International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE). (n.d.). International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) certification. Retrieved from https://www.iblce.org
La Leche League International. (2018). The womanly art of breastfeeding (8th ed.). Ballantine Books.
Mohrbacher, N. (2020). Breastfeeding answers: A guide for helping families. Nancy Mohrbacher Solutions, Inc.
National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). (n.d.). Standards for the accreditation of certification programs. Retrieved from https://www.credentialingexcellence.org
Walker, M. (2017). Breastfeeding management for the clinician: Using the evidence (5th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Wambach, K., & Spencer, B. (2021). Breastfeeding and human lactation (6th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
World Health Organization (WHO). (2003). Global strategy for infant and young child feeding. Retrieved from https://www.who.int
