Mothers quickly learned that they now had a new resource for breastfeeding support, the International Board of Certified Lactation Consultants. The lactation consultant demonstrates the skills and knowledge to provide quality care to breastfeeding families. Qualifications to become a Certified Lactation Consultant include meeting a number of eligibility requirements. These requirements are based on educational as well as clinical standards. This exam is offered on an annual basis in several countries in a variety of languages.
Board certification insures a high quality of care and management for breastfeeding families.
The technical skills of the lactation consultant are invaluable. The ability to assist with breastfeeding in a variety of situations such as prematurity, neurological impairment and congenital defects in the newborn has provided mothers the opportunity to offer their babies the best form of nutrition for optimal growth and development. The lactation consultant functions as an educator, counselor, and clinician. In order to maintain a high standard of breastfeeding management, the lactation consultant is required to re-certify after five years. This can be done by written exam or documented completion of seventy five hours of continuing education in breastfeeding.