So, you want to become an IBCLC?

Or perhaps you simply want to increase your knowledge and better support families in your community.

The International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) is an allied health care professional who possesses the necessary skills, knowledge and attitudes to provide quality breastfeeding assistance to families. Lactation Consultants work within the professional code of ethics, clinical competencies, scope of practice and standards of practice (Standards and Guidelines for the Accreditation of Lactation Consultant Education Programs. 2018)

Currently the pathway to becoming an IBCLC is long and hard and not accessible to everyone.

In order to gain International Board Certification and achieve the benchmarks of professional practice, applicants need to complete:

  • 95 hours of lactation specific education (plus 5 hours of communication education)
    AND

  • 14 health science subjects
    AND

  • Required practical hours for their chosen pathway

In Australia and most other countries besides the US, that is either pathway 1 or pathway 3.

We at Motherhood Matters offer a change to the current model, that of a self directed, online only approach. Instead, we offer hands on education, mentoring and training to anyone who wants to support new parents and their infants.

  • We want to move away from the standard model of care

  • We want to create the change from confusing and conflicting advice and band aid solutions

  • We want to make a change in how we as healthcare providers are seen and a change in how we assess, educate and support those in our care

If this sounds like something you would like to pursue, please don’t hesitate to make contact! All of this information may be a little confusing and overwhelming, therefore, please click below to book a time with Felicity who will talk you through the program and available options.