European Association of Lactation Consultants

A lactation consultant is an allied health professional who specializes in the clinical management of breastfeeding. Lactation consultants commonly work in hospitals, physician or midwife practices, public health programs, and private practice. They are certified through the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE). The European Association Of Lactation consulting profession was founded by a group of passionate and enterprising volunteer La Leche League Leaders who wanted to professionalize the skills they had developed while working with breastfeeding mothers in their communities. The European Association Of Lactation Consultants is the professional association for lactation consultants. The association has affiliate organizations worldwide. An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) may use the post nominal’s IBCLC, as a physician would have MD or DO or a registered nurse would have RN. Pathways to Certification: Health Care Professionals working in Maternal-Child Health, College or university academic program and No previous education or experience required. Education in anatomy & physiology, nutrition, counseling or psychology, infant & child growth and development, medical terminology, and sociology or cultural sensitivity). Clinical experience also covered in this education. The organization that gives the certification exam for lactation consultants is the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners.