Credential Confusion!

The International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) has announced their plans for a new lactation support credential. The IBLCE is the organization that currently offers the certification credential for lactation consultants, the gold standard in lactation credentials, the IBCLC. The new credential will provide;

• a credential for those who do not wish to pursue the full requirements for IBCLC certification
• a stepping stone for those who seek a credential they can use for employment until they qualify for the IBCLC certification

This new credential will hopefully consolidate the many lactation credentials that are currently being offered by various groups. The United States Lactation Consultant Association has compiled a current list: Who’s Who in Lactation.
http://uslca.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/2-page-Whos-Who-updated-July-2017-Watermark.pdf

This plethora of course credentials is confusing for those aspiring to this field, as well as employers. With training at various levels, it is impossible for national organizations and health ministries who would like to measure the efficacy of breastfeeding services offered by those with differing levels of education and clinical experience.

In 1985, the IBLCE 1) developed a criterion-referenced examination for lactation support providers around the globe based on practice analysis survey (also known as a role delineation study), 2) defined clinical competencies and a scope of practice and 3) administers an accountability system for maintaining quality care. A similar system will be set in place for the second credential. One uniform testing organization will allow the standardizing of content of the curriculum taught to match the skills necessary to be a lactation support provider at both levels, current and proposed. The evidence demonstrates that integrated lactation care, provided by the appropriate provider, will help families meet their goals. The evidence also shows that skilled care provided at the time it is needed will improve national goals for initiation, exclusivity and duration.

There are situations and practice settings where access to an IBCLC is limited. Community health workers, peer support counselors, prenatal lactation educators, hospital bedside care providers all play a role in breastfeeding support. ALL lactation support providers deserve recognition of their education and competence to provide a standard of care which will support breastfeeding families. A global exam and credential created and managed by an organization which has done this for the past 30 years, is a benefit to those who want to provide service at a level below that of the IBCLC.

There are many for whom the IBCLC is out of reach due to the un-availability of training, cost of the college courses and lack of mentors available for clinical training. A entry-level credential will likely meet the needs of many world-wide.

Some are concerned and confused by the new credential. It was reassuring to see IBLCE listening to concerns at the ILCA conference and promising they will continue to dialogue with all stakeholders including IBCLCs, training organizations, government agencies, and health ministries. The creation of a new credential is a process and will not happen overnight. LER supports the IBLCE in their efforts to follow the process to bring a new credential to the landscape of lactation support providers.