Becoming a Certified Breastfeeding Counselor (CBC) is a wonderful achievement. Many doulas become a CBC to offer their clients ongoing support. A CBC can be a standalone certification and important service.
However, some CBCs may want to take their lactation expertise to the next level. Becoming an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) is the top of the lactation field. An IBCLC holds the highest recognized credential in lactation support.
An IBCLC can work in clinical settings, hospitals, private practice, and more. If you are a CBC interested in becoming an IBCLC, here’s step-by-step information to help you understand the process.
Step 1: Understand the Role of an IBCLC
An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) is a healthcare professional who specializes in the clinical management of breastfeeding and lactation. IBCLCs are qualified to assess and treat complex breastfeeding issues, provide advanced lactation care, and work in various healthcare settings.
The certification is recognized globally and requires meeting rigorous educational and practical experience standards.
At the International Doula Institute, our Certified Breastfeeding Counselor training is a first step in the lactation journey. As a CBC, you can provide basic lactation education and support. You offer troubleshooting for common breastfeeding challenges and management, not advanced difficulties. –
Step 2: Meet the Education Requirements
To become an IBCLC, you must complete education in the following areas:
- Health Sciences Education – If you do not already have a health sciences degree or background, you will need to complete coursework in subjects such as anatomy, physiology, child development, nutrition, and medical terminology. Some CBCs may have already completed some of these courses through their doula or breastfeeding counselor training.
- Lactation-Specific Education – The International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) requires a minimum of 95 hours of lactation-specific education within the five years preceding your application. This education must include five hours focused on communication skills. Many CBCs find this part of the requirement straightforward, as their initial certification often includes lactation-specific education that can count toward these hours.
Our initial Certified Breastfeeding Counselor course counts towards 40 hours of lactation specific education. Already a CBC? You’re almost halfway there! Our Advanced Lactation 201 offers an additional 50 hours, taking you to 90 hours. We are in the process of updating to include the 5 hours of communication focused skills. However, in the interim, there are many affordable workshops which cover just those 5 additional hours.
Step 3: Accumulate Clinical Hours
One of the most challenging but rewarding parts of becoming an IBCLC is gaining hands-on clinical experience. The IBLCE outlines three pathways to obtain the necessary clinical hours:
- Pathway 1 (Healthcare Professionals or Recognized Breastfeeding Support Counselors) – As a CBC, you may already be providing hands-on breastfeeding support. To qualify under this pathway, you must accumulate 1,000 hours of supervised lactation-specific clinical practice within the five years prior to applying.
- Pathway 2 (Academic Pathway) – This pathway is for individuals who complete an academic program in lactation consulting from an accredited institution. These programs include both classroom education and supervised clinical experience.
- Pathway 3 (Mentorship Pathway) – This pathway involves completing 500 hours of directly supervised lactation-specific clinical practice under the guidance of an IBCLC. This option is ideal for CBCs who lack significant hands-on experience may not yet have but have a strong interest in growing their practical skills.
If you’re a newer CBC, then it is likely that Pathway 3 will be the easiest pathway for you. It is rewarding but can be difficult to obtain all the hours necessary. If you are still accumulating your lactation specific or science related courses, begin reaching out to IBCLCs in your area who might offer mentorship.
Step 4: Apply for the IBCLC Exam
Once you have met the education and clinical practice requirements, you can apply to sit for the IBCLC exam. The exam is offered twice a year and consists of a comprehensive test of your knowledge and practical application of lactation management. Successful completion of the exam will grant you the IBCLC credential.
Step 5: Maintain Your IBCLC Certification
After becoming an IBCLC, you must recertify every five years through continuing education or by retaking the certification exam. This ensures that IBCLCs remain up to date with the latest lactation research and best practices.
Benefits of Becoming an IBCLC as a CBC
As a Certified Breastfeeding Counselor, you already possess a strong foundation in lactation support. Becoming an IBCLC allows you to:
- Provide advanced clinical care for complex breastfeeding challenges.
- Work in hospitals, NICUs, pediatric offices, or open a private lactation practice.
- Have a greater impact on maternal and infant health outcomes.
- Increase your professional credibility and marketability.
Transitioning from a Certified Breastfeeding Counselor to an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant is a natural progression for those passionate about providing expert lactation care. If you’re already a CBC, you can continue on your path towards becoming an IBCLC by taking our Advanced Lactation course.