| Title | Training | Prerequisite | Scope of Practice | For more information |
| Professional IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) | • 90 hours of lactation-specific education plus level health science courses • 300-1000 clinical practice hours • Successful completion of an international exam scored by an independent board plus recertification every 5-10 years |
Health professional or successful completion of 14 health science courses | Perform comprehensive clinical consultations, assessing for breastfeeding problems. On staff at hospitals, birthing centers, clinics and private practice. Expected to be able to help mothers with a wide variety of breastfeeding challenges. | On training and credentialing: www.iblce.org
To find an IBCLC: http://www.ilca.org/why-ibclc/falc |
| Certified (Certified Lactation Counselor, Certified Lactation Educator, etc) | • 16-45 hours of classroom training • Successful completion of an exam offered by the training organization |
None | Qualified to assist with basic breastfeeding challenges. May hold this certification in addition to other healthcare credentials. May refer to other breastfeeding professionals for issues outside scope of practice. | On CLC: http://www.healthychildren.cc/
On CLE: |
| Peer (Mother-to-Mother Peer Counselor, La Leche League Leader, Breastfeeding USA Counselor) | • Approximately 18-50 hours of training • May be self-directed and take 6-12 months |
Personal breastfeeding experience of at least 6-12 months, depending on the organization | Provide information, encouragement and support to mothers. May refer to other breastfeeding professionals for issues outside scope of practice. | On WIC Peer Counselors: http://wicbreastfeeding.fns.usda.gov/get-support-wic On La Leche League: www.llli.org On Breastfeeding USA: https://breastfeedingusa.org/ |
Who’s Who? A glance at breastfeeding support in the United States
Landscape of Breastfeeding Support