Navigate Your Feeding Journey with Confidence: IBCLCs vs. CLCs
Hello there, amazing parents-to-be and new parents! You're embarking on the incredible journey of parenthood (or maybe you're already a seasoned caregiver!), and you're setting yourselves up for a successful feeding experience. That's fantastic! But with all the information available, you might be wondering who can best support you. You've likely encountered terms like IBCLC and CLC, and understandably, these acronyms can be confusing. Today's post aims to simplify this for you in a clear and empowering way.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identifies both IBCLCs (International Board Certified Lactation Consultants) and CLCs (Certified Lactation Counselors) as feeding professionals who can provide lactation support. Here's a breakdown of the key differences:
Education and Experience:
IBCLCs: These highly qualified professionals have undergone a rigorous certification process, including university-level coursework, hundreds of hours of supervised clinical experience, and a challenging exam.
CLCs: The path to becoming a CLC typically involves a shorter training program (think 40-50 hours) and may or not require prior healthcare experience. To be eligible for the CLC exam, candidates must meet specific requirements, which can generally fall into three categories:
Recognized Health Professionals: This includes doctors, nurses, registered dietitians, and other healthcare professionals who have completed at least 95 hours of lactation-specific education within the past five years, along with 1,000 hours of supervised clinical lactation practice.
Recognized Breastfeeding Support Counselors: These individuals have extensive experience providing breastfeeding support and counseling, and have completed a combination of education and clinical practice hours that meet the Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice (ALPP) standards.
Alternate Pathway: For individuals who don't fall into the above categories, there's an alternate pathway to becoming a CLC. This typically involves graduating from a Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)-approved lactation consultant program.
Scope of Practice:
IBCLCs: Due to their in-depth training, they often manage more complex feeding challenges.
CLCs: While they can address a wide range of feeding concerns, they may refer families to IBCLCs for situations requiring more specialized support.
Here's the empowering part: Both IBCLCs and CLCs can be incredible resources for families on their feeding journeys! The best choice for you depends on your individual needs and preferences.
How Can Lactation Professionals Help?
Whether you're aiming for breastfeeding, chestfeeding, pumping, or a combination, lactation professionals can be there to guide and support you every step of the way. Here are some examples of the valuable assistance they can offer:
Prenatal Education: They can address your questions about lactation, latching techniques, and setting realistic expectations.
Postpartum Support: They can help you get comfortable with feeding, troubleshoot challenges like latch difficulties or low milk supply, and ensure your baby is transferring milk effectively. This is a common concern for many new parents, and a lactation professional can be a lifesaver! They can assess your baby's latch, observe a feeding session, and offer personalized advice on positioning and techniques to improve milk transfer. They can also help identify any underlying issues, such as tongue tie, that might be affecting your baby's ability to latch.
Weight Gain Monitoring: They can help you track your baby's weight gain and offer guidance if there are any concerns.
Pumping and Storage: They can teach you proper pumping techniques, safe milk storage methods, and how to reintroduce stored milk.
Nutritional Guidance: They can provide information about healthy eating habits to support lactation.
Emotional Support: They can be a listening ear and a source of encouragement during this sometimes-stressful period.
Remember, you are not alone! Lactation professionals are there to empower you to make informed decisions about feeding your child and build confidence in your ability to nourish your little one.
Now, a bit about my services: I'm a Certified Lactation Counselor serving families in Pierce, King, and Thurston counties. I'm passionate about supporting your feeding journey, whether you're looking for prenatal guidance or postpartum troubleshooting. So, if you're feeling overwhelmed or just want some extra encouragement, don't hesitate to reach out! Together, we can create a feeding path that empowers you and nourishes your little one.
