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Who’s Who?

An at-a-glance look at lactation support in the United States

Washington, D.C. | www.USLCA.org | info@USLCA.org

Copyright © July 2019 by USLCA. All rights reserved.

Lacation Provider Categories

Prerequisites

Training Required

Scope of Practice

Consultant (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, IBCLC®)

Recognized health professional or satisfactory completion of collegiate level health sciences coursework.

90 hours of lactation-specific education

• College level health science courses
• 300-1000 clinical practice hours • Successful completion of a criterion referenced exam offered by an independent international board of examiners.

Provide professional, evidence based, clinical lactation management; educate families, health professionals and others about human lactation.

Counselor/ Educator
(i.e. Certified Lactation Counselor, Certified Breastfeeding Educator, etc. )

N/A

20-120 hours of classroom training
• Often includes a written exam or “certification” offered by the training organization

​Provide education and guidance for families on basic breastfeeding issues.

Peer
(i.e. La Leche League, WIC Peer Counselor, etc.)

(i.e. La Leche League, WIC Peer Counselor, etc.)

18-50 hours of classroom training

Provide breastfeeding information, encouragement, and support to those in their community.

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