What is an IBCLC?
The Gold Standard in Lactation Support (and why it matters!)
If you’re feeding a baby —whether at the breast, with a bottle or some combination of both— you’ve probably heard of the term lactation consultant. But did you know that not all lactation consultants have the same level of training? The IBCLC [International Board Certified Lactation Consultant] is the current highest standing credential in lactation care, requiring extensive education, hand-on experience and a tough final written exam. But, here’s the thing — “lactation consultant” is not a protected term. That means anyone can call themselves a lactation consultant, even without formal training. Yikes, right? So, let’s break it down and help you find the support that’s right for you.
How do you become an IBCLC? (Spoiler: It’s a lot of work!)
Getting certified as an IBCLC is a long trek for many. The International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners [IBCLE] sets strict requirements for education, clinical experience and the final examination. There are three different pathways to the exam:
Pathway 1 - Pathway 1 is a route to IBCLC specifically for actively practicing nurses, midwives, doctors, dieticians, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists and other healthcare professionals. The pathway can also be used by peer supporters or counsellors (think Le Leche League Leaders) This route involves lactation specific education, 1000 clinical practice hours and the IBCLC exam. Interestingly, for this pathway, the clinical hours can be acquired in your workplace as part of your regular working hours if you work directly with breastfeeding / lactating dyads.
Pathway 2 - This is for those that enroll in an accredited lactation program that includes both coursework and supervised clinical practice.
Pathway 3 - This is a mentorship-based route for people that do not fit into either of the other two options. This means finding an IBCLC (or IBCLCs plural) that will mentor you and completing 500 hours of clinical practice directly working 1:1 with breastfeeding / lactating dyads, as well as completing hours and hours of lactation-specific education and sitting the final exam.
I personally took Pathway 3 — even though I have an honours Bachelor of Science in direct-entry Midwifery! This is because I am not registered to practice as a Midwife in Canada. I was mentored by Lynette Beard RN, IBCLC at The Untied Latch in Manitoba, Canada. I was fortunate to serve folks from Winnipeg, to Steinbach, to Headingly, to Selkirk, to lots of little towns all over Manitoba as part of my IBCLC training. I eventually sat my exam in April last year and got confirmation of certification in July 2024! In total, the road to becoming an IBCLC took me almost 3 years of working as close to full-time as I could.
Wait, go back… So Anyone Can Call Themselves a Lactation Consultant?
Yep. Unlike doctors, nurses, or midwives, “lactation consultant” isn’t a legally protected title. That means someone could take a weekend course (or worse, no course at all) and start calling themselves a lactation consultant. Scary, right?
This is why it’s so important to check credentials. IBCLCs are the only internationally certified lactation professionals, meaning we’ve met strict education and clinical training standards, passed a rigorous exam, and must continue learning to keep our certification. So, if you’re looking for lactation support, always ask about their background, what training they have taken and what they do currently to keep their education up to date.
Does this mean anyone who is not an IBCLC is a 'bad’ option for support? No, of course not. But it is a good idea to ask about people’s certification and education regardless so you know this person advising you knows what they are talking about and won’t walk you into more challenges than you already had before.
Where Do IBCLCs Work?
IBCLCs work in all sorts of places, depending on their training and career path:
Private Practice IBCLCs (like me!) work independently, offering home visits, virtual consults, or office appointments. The beauty of private practice is time. We get to spend far more time than public health can to really dig into your unique situation and help you troubleshoot in a way that fits your family. Why do we have more time? Because we typically have smaller caseloads at one time and set our own schedules, meaning we can often be flexible with when and how long we can see you.
Hospital-Based IBCLCs help parents in the early days after birth, working in maternity wards, NICUs, and postpartum units.
Public Health & Government Programs employ IBCLCs to support community-based lactation initiatives, often through clinics, telehealth or parenting groups.
Each setting offers different levels of support. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s worth thinking about what type of IBCLC would best fit your needs.
How to Find the Right IBCLC for You
Finding lactation support that truly helps can feel like a lot, but here are some quick tips:
Look for the IBCLC credential – this ensures your consultant has the full gold-standard training and expertise.
Ask about experience – some IBCLCs specialize in tricky latching, bottle-feeding, pumping, tongue-tie assessments, or working with premature babies. This is a personal choice and passion, with every IBCLC being into their own interests. Personally, I’m an IBCLC who’s passions include low milk supply, infant food allergies, slow weight gain, faltering growth or failure to thrive, with a dash of maternal mental health interests as well.
Consider how you want support – do you prefer in-home visits, virtual consults, or seeing someone at a clinic or hospital?
Make sure they align with your goals – whether you want to exclusively breastfeed, combo feed, or pump, the right IBCLC will support your choices without judgment. Don’t be shy about asking whether or not that can support your individual goals.
Ask if they offer any extras - Do they send you a written copy of their assessments or care plans after the visit? Do they keep in touch after the visit for check ins or for follow up? Are they covered by insurance, etc.
The bottom line? You don’t have to figure this out alone. Finding the right IBCLC can make all the difference in how you feel about feeding your baby—whether that’s gaining confidence, reducing stress, or simply knowing you have a plan that works for you.
If you’re looking for an IBCLC in your area, ask for recommendations in parenting groups or from healthcare providers. And if you need support, I’d love to help you—feel free to reach out for a consult or follow along for more tips on feeding your baby with confidence.
You’re doing an amazing job. Feeding a baby is hard work, but you’re not in this alone!
About Me
Hi! I’m Aislinn Hasty, an IBCLC based just outside Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. I offer in-home lactation support for families in Winnipeg and the surrounding areas, as well as virtual consults worldwide via secure telehealth and video support. With a background in Midwifery and a passion for helping parents feel confident feeding their babies, I provide evidence-based, judgment-free support. Whether you're breastfeeding, pumping, or combo feeding, I’m here to help you find what works best for you. Need support? Reach out for a consult, or follow along for expert tips and reassurance. You’ve got this!