Professional Standards

The International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) credential identifies a knowledgeable and experienced member of the maternal-child health team who has specialized skills in breastfeeding management and care. IBCLCs have passed a rigorous examination that demonstrates the ability to provide competent, comprehensive lactation and breastfeeding care.

Best Practice
  • IBCLCs adhere to the IBLCE Code of Ethics and practice within the Scope of Practice for IBCLCs.
  • IBCLCs are required to keep their knowledge and skills current. They must recertify every 5 years through continuing education or re-examination.
  • IBCLCs function and contribute as members of the health care team and make appropriate referrals to other health care professionals and community support resources.
  • IBCLCs possess the skills, knowledge and attitudes to provide competent and comprehensive lactation and breastfeeding care and education in routine and special circumstances across the chronological spectrum of pre-conception to early childhood.

For information regarding certification, recertification, or continuing education, please use the Find Office drop-down menu button in the upper right corner of this page to find the Regional Office serving your country.

 

Important Files for Download
A checklist that includes most of the clinical and practical skills that an entry level IBCLC needs in order to be satisfactorily proficient to provide safe and effective care for breastfeeding mothers and babies.
 
It is in the best interests of the profession of lactation consultants that there is a Code of Ethics to provide guidance to lactation consultants in their professional practice and conduct.
 
IBCLCs are accountable for the care they provide and therefore their documentation of clinical events.
 
IBCLCs agree to be governed by the Code of Ethics and are also governed by the IBLCE Disciplinary Procedures for any violations of the Code of Ethics.
 
IBLCE Disciplinary Procedures require that the public is notified of permanent revocations of IBCLC certification and public reprimands of IBCLCs.
 
The aim of the Scope of Practice for IBCLCs is to protect the public by ensuring that all IBCLCs provide safe, competent and evidence-based care.
 
Quality practice and service are the core responsibilities of a profession to the public. Standards of practice are stated measures or levels of quality that are models for the conduct and evaluation of practice.
 
These files are also available for download on our Resources page.