International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners
Press Release

Contact: JoAnne Scott
Executive Director, IBCLE
7309 Arlington Blvd., Suite 300
Falls Church, VA 22042-3215, USA
Phone (703) 560-7330
Fax (703) 560-7332

Falls Church, VA, October 23, 2001

A record number of 1836 lactation professionals successfully completed the rigorous requirements to become International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC). The final step in the process was passing a test administered by the IBLCE to demonstrate the knowledge required to provide skilled assistance to nursing mothers.

The ICLCE Certification is the gold standard of competency in the lactation field. It is the only official, international credential for those offering breastfeeding and lactation care. A combination of basic training, continuing education, practice and successful completion of the examination assures that the designation “IBCLC” identifies a member of the health care team who possesses specialized skills and knowledge. There are now 13,718 IBCLCs worldwide.

IBCLE-certified nurses, physicians, dieticians, educators, midwives, social workers, lay breastfeeding counselors and therapists work with mothers to excel in the breastfeeding experience. A mother that breastfeeds can save $1400 per year in formula, is more likely to bond closely with her child, passes on immunities to her child and recovers more quickly from the weight gained in pregnancy. Her likelihood of contraction premenopausal breast cancer or osteoporosis over her lifetime is reduced. Studies have shown that babies that are breastfed have fewer visits to health care providers through age 17. The incidence of otitis media juvenile diabetes, and other illnesses is reduced, not just during the breastfeeding period but throughout childhood. Assistance by an IBCLE-accredited professional in the critical first hour after birth improves the probability of long term maintenance of breastfeeding.

IBCLCs are ideally skilled to help provide quality breastfeeding care; develop and implement breastfeeding protocols; improve lactation knowledge and skills of other staff and to help their facilities become accredited under the UNICEF Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative

Candidates for the international exam meet stringent eligibility requirements that demonstrate proficiency and understanding of practical skills, clinical judgment, current research knowledge and attainment of a number of continuing education credits. The IBCLE maintains a National/International Registry of all Registered Lactation Consultants. The Registry is a service to the public, employers and supervisors to determine if a provider is a current IBCLC. The Registry can be accessed through the IBCLC website at www.iblce.org and was updated on December 1, 2001. For more information, contact the IBLCE at (703) 560-7330.