NZLCA: Becoming a Lactation Consultant

NZLCA

NEW ZEALAND LACTATION CONSULTANTS ASSOCIATION

BECOMING A LACTATION CONSULTATION

If you are interested in becoming a Lactation Consultant there is a process to be followed which incorporates both clinical experiences and breastfeeding knowledge. Stipulated is the minimum number of hours in the breastfeeding field. This is broken up into clinical and educational hours. Once you have the required number of hours and fulfill all other criteria you are eligible to sit the exam. When you have passed you are recognized as an International Board Certificated Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).

The International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) sets and administers the competency exam by which IBCLCs are certified. The exam assesses knowledge and skills in the following areas, as they relate to the practice of lactation consultant:

Anatomy
Physiology and endocrinology
Nutrition and biochemistry
Maternal and infant immunology and infectious disease
Maternal and infant pathology
Maternal and infant pharmacology and toxicology
Psychology
Sociology and anthropology
Growth parameters and developmental milestones
Interpretation of research
Ethics and legal issues
Breastfeeding equipment and technology
Public health and advocacy

The exam covers the whole breastfeeding episode from the breast changes at puberty right through to the weaning process 2 years and beyond. NZLCA conferences provide educational opportunities to extend your breastfeeding knowledge and a pre conference workshop each year, to clarify and assist you to prepare for the exam.

The International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) is an International organisation and IBLCE matters in New Zealand are administered through the Regional Office in Australia. Rachel Walker is the IBLCE Coordinator for New Zealand and the local representative (see contact details at bottom of page).

The IBCLICK! is the official newsletter for all IBLCE matters. Regular IBLCE reports are also published in Issues, the NZLCA Journal

IBCLC Requirements

Certification is for 5 years, and recertification is required. After 5 years IBCLCs may recertify by continuing education, but must recertify by exam after 10 years.

Check to see what seminars / conferences are coming up, and what CERP points are available for attending. CERPs can be obtained by presenting at conferences and attending and presenting case studies to other lactation consultant local groups. On line breastfeeding modules are also a way of increasing CERPs

Contact Information (New Zealand)

Rachel Walker
P O Box 5048
Christchurch

Phone   (03) 3660856
Mobile   (025) 713325
E-mail    NZ@iblce.edu.au

Regional Office (in Australia)

IBLCE Regional Office
PO Box 13
South Hobart TAS 7004
Australia

Phone    +61 3 6223 8445
Fax:         +61 3 6223 8665
Email:      RA@iblce.edu.au
Website: www.iblce.edu.au