Become a Lactation Consultant
If you are interested in becoming a Lactation Consultant there are three possible pathways into the profession which all incorporate health science education, clinical experience and specific breastfeeding education.
IBCLCs come from diverse backgrounds and work in a variety of settings.
For more info visit the link below.
Become a Lactation Consultant
IBCLCs need to pass an international exam that covers the whole breastfeeding experience from the breast development at puberty right through to the weaning process which may be 2 years and beyond.
To be eligible to sit the exam there is a requirement for candidates to have completed studies in 14 health sciences subjects, to have clinical experience in breastfeeding support and to complete 95 hours of specific breastfeeding education. How you get the clinical experience and how many hours are needed depends on which pathway you take.
NZLCA educational opportunities such as our regional workshops and annual conference will extend your breastfeeding knowledge and assist you to prepare for the exam. Becoming connected with NZLCA as a student member is recommended to receive member discounts on events and member communications to keep you up to date.
The International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) is an international organisation that sets and administer the examination by which IBCLCs are certified. Vicki Patterson is the IBLCE Coordinator for New Zealand and the local representative.
PATHWAYS TO BECOMING AN IBCLC
To be eligible to sit the competency exam by which IBCLCs are certified you will need to meet the criteria of one of the pathways below as well as adhere to the Code of Professional Conduct for IBCLCs
Pathway 1 - Recognised groups
Recognised health professionals (eg nurses, midwives doctors, physiotherapists) and Recognised breastfeeding support counsellors (eg La Leche League Leaders)
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Recognised health professional training or health science subjects (no time limits)
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Minimum of 90 hours of lactation specific education including 2 hours on WHO code (within 5 years)
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Minimum 5 hours of communication skills preferably directly related to lactation and breastfeeding care (within 5 years)
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Minimum 1000 hours of appropriately supervised lactation specific clinical practice (within 5 years)
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Adherence to the code of professional conduct for IBCLCs
Health Science subjects
Recognised health professional training; or
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8 health science subjects at university level; and
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Biology
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Human anatomy and physiology
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Infant and child growth and development
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Clinical research
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Nutrition
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Psychology or counselling or communication skills
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Sociology or cultural sensitivity or cultural anthropology
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6 further health science subjects
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Basic life support
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Medical documentation
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Medical terminology
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Occupational safety and security for health professionals
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Professional ethics for health professionals
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Universal safety precautions and infection control
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Pathway 3 - Mentorship with an IBCLC
Pathway 3 mentorship is a structured, defined relationship between an applicant and the supervising IBCLC(s) which must be preapproved by IBLCE
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Recognised health professional training or health science subjects (no time limits)
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Minimum of 90 hours of lactation specific education including 2 hours on WHO code (within 5 years)
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Minimum 5 hours of communication skills preferably directly related to lactation and breastfeeding care (within 5 years)
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Minimum 500 hours of directly supervised lactation specific clinical practice as described in the pathway 3 plan guide (within 5 years prior to the exam, NB clinical hours can only be gained after IBLCE approval of the plan) - the IBCLC(s) providing direct supervision must be currently certified in good standing
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Adherence to the code of professional conduct for IBCLCs
Pathway 2 - Academic programme
All Pathway 2 applicants complete an accredited university level lactation academic programme that integrates the following in the curriculum:
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Recognised health professional training or health science subjects as a prerequisite or component (no time limits)
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Minimum of 90 hours of lactation specific education including 2 hours on WHO code (within 5 years)
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Minimum 5 hours of communication skills preferably directly related to lactation and breastfeeding care (within 5 years)
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Minimum 300 hours of directly supervised lactation specific clinical practice (within 5 years) - the IBCLC(s) providing direct supervision must be currently certified in good standing
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Adherence to the code of professional conduct for IBCLCs
RECERTIFICATION WITH IBLCE
Certification is for 5 years before recertification is required. Every 5 years IBCLCs may re-certify by continuing education or exam. Requirements to be eligible to recertify each 5 years are as follows:
Education
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Basic life support - if recertifying by CERPs, then these education hours are recognised as 3 R-CERPs
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2 hours of WHO code education - if recertifying by CERPs, these two hours should be part of the five (5) required E-CERPs
Clinical practice hours
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Minimum of 250 hours of practice in Lactation Consulting - these can be paid or volunteer hours, part time or full time
Select and complete one certification method
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Recertification by Continuing Education Recognition Points (CERPs) with Continuing Education Self-Assessment (CE Self-Assessment)
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Recertification by examination
Check to see upcoming seminars / conferences and how many Continuing Education Recertification points (CERPs) are available for attending. CERPs can be obtained by presenting at conferences and attending and presenting case studies to other lactation consultant local groups. Online breastfeeding modules are also a way of increasing CERPs.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Contact Information (New Zealand)
New Zealand Coordinator: Vicki Patterson
Email: newzealand@iblce.org
Regional Office (in Australia)
IBLCE office in Queensland
Email: Kerrie – apaadmin@iblce.org
Email: Karolyn – apa@iblce.org