What is an IBCLC vs CLC or other “Lactation Specialists”
WHat is AN IBCLC?
IBCLCs Are the Gold Standard in Lactation Care
Families shouldn’t have to navigate breastfeeding alone. With International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs), they don’t have to.
International Board Certified Lactation Consultants—or IBCLCs—are trusted health care professionals who provide the gold standard of care worldwide. These internationally renowned lactation experts complete extensive education and rigorous training to acquire specialized knowledge and clinical skills. The International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) certifies IBCLCs as the leading experts in breastfeeding care. The IBCLC program is one of very few certifications worldwide that has consistently met the objective third party accreditation standards of the renowned Institute for Credentialing Excellence.
https://iblce.org/ibclcs-are-the-gold-standard-in-lactation-care/
To become an IBCLC- Clinicians need to have a certain educational background and many times are Registered Nurses, Occupational Therapists or a related health care field first as basic science college courses are required.
IBCLC consultants are considered professional lactation consultants and with a lot of work and dedication can become in network with insurance companies so that they can bill directly for services and patients many times do not even have a copay! It has taken us 3 years but we are now in network with almost every insurance company (see insurance page)!
What about CLC, CBE or other “lactation specialists”?
We are by no means belittling CLC’s or CBE’s- actually, my entire team started as CLC or CBE but desired to become experts in our field so we worked hard obtaining our 500-1000 practice hours as well as completed the required education to then sit for our several hour long boards (similar to nursing boards or other healthcare board certified profession).
CLC’s is a wonderful way to support and aid breastfeeding families. CLC’s many times collaborate closely with IBCLC’s as IBCLC’s collaborate closely with midwives, OBs, Pediatricians etc. A CLC is not required to have any clinical hours or a medical background, however, and can be completed quickly. The difference between a CLC and IBCLC can be vast. CLC’s cannot get in network with insurance companies as it is not the golden standard. CBE is a similar concept to CLC.
WHY am I posting this on our page? In our clinic we always want our clients to make educated decisions, including decisions on who to work with.
We are FIRM believers in KNOWLEDGE IS POWER and this page is to further EMPOWER you when choosing your lactation team. It is ok to ASK the questions; this is you and your family's journey- you have the right to be optimally supported!
My team and I are working hard to ensure optimal care and will continue to educate these wonderful insurance companies as to why it is imperative to have this service covered for you. They are hearing us and that is why after three years of persistent phone calls and education, we are now in network with seven different insurance companies. LONG TERM SUPPORT EQUALS LONG TERM CHESTFEEDING. Your goal is our goal! My team is HONORED to be apart of your village!