I am due to recertify this year. What part of my work or volunteering will be accepted towards the 250 hours of practise in lactation consulting?

The 250 hours in lactation consulting can be full- or part-time, volunteer or paid, or a combination of both. Here some examples:

  • In-person, telephone, or online breastfeeding and lactation care to breastfeeding families. Visit the IBLCE Advisory Opinion on Telehealth for additional information on online care.
  • Breastfeeding and lactation education to breastfeeding families to the public, families and professionals.
  • Administrative and supervisory work as an IBCLC in the areas of breastfeeding and lactation.
  • Volunteer participation on a committee or board of an organisation that promotes and/or supports breastfeeding.
  • Speaker for a lactation educational activity.
  • Participation on an editorial board for a lactation or breastfeeding related journal or publication.
  • Research regarding lactation.
  • Developing breastfeeding policy in healthcare.
  • Publishing evidence-based information about human lactation and breastfeeding.

Refer to the following documents regarding practice as an IBCLC, as well as taking into consideration the importance of the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes from the World Health Organization:

IBCLC Scope of Practice
Clinical Competencies for IBCLCs
Detailed Content Outline