International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)
- Provides clinical lactation care, especially in high-risk or complex cases, plus breastfeeding education, counseling and support
- Completed 90 hours of lactation education
- Completed education in 14 health sciences subjects
- Completed 300 to 1000 hours of clinical experience
- Required to pass a rigorous certification exam from an accrediting organization.
Peer to Peer
Breastfeeding Supporters
- Are cultural representatives of the community they serve who have personal breastfeeding experience
- Provides basic breastfeeding education, support, and encouragement
- Completed 20 to 90 hours of training
- Includes WIC Peer Counselors, Reaching Our Sisters Everywhere (ROSE) Community Transformers, La Leche League Leaders, Breastfeeding USA Counselors, and Chocolate Milk Café and Sistahs Who Breastfeed Facilitators
Breastfeeding
Counselors
- Provide basic breastfeeding education and support for healthy, full-term babies and mothers
- Completed 20 to 90+ hours of lactation education
- May require passing a certification exam from an accrediting organization
- Includes Certified Breastfeeding Specialist (CBS®), Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC®), Certified Lactation Educator (CLE®) and other certifications
Classes &
Support Groups
- Provide breastfeeding education and social support in a group setting
- Are facilitated by an IBCLC, Breastfeeding Counselor, or Peer to Peer Supporter
- Offer opportunities to ask questions and learn/share successes/challenges of breastfeeding
