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What do all of these letters in breastfeeding help mean?

There are many different types of breastfeeding specialists. Learn about the differences:

Professional

Board-Certified

IBCLC - International Board Certified Lactation Consultant

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Highest level and gold-standard of lactation certification. 

Requires up to 1,000 hours of clinical hands-on lactation training, 95 hours lactation specific education, required science courses and passing a peer-reviewed board-certification exam. 

Requires continuing education requirements for recertification every 5 years. Holding this certification provides competency to handle more complex breastfeeding scenarios.

Certified

CBS - Certified Breastfeeding Specialist

CLC- Certified Lactation Counselor

CLE- Certified Lactation Educator​​

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Completion of 20-120 hours of specialized breastfeeding coursework. Competencies and skills allow for basic counseling and support of non-complicated mom/baby couplets. 

Peer Support

WIC Peer Counselor, La Leche League, etc. 

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Peer supporters have personal breastfeeding experience and some classroom training. They provide encouragement and basic breastfeeding education.

*Disclaimer: The Idaho Breastfeeding Coalition cannot be held liable for the practices of providers listed on our resource page.  Listings are for informational resource purposes only and oversight is not provided by the IBC. Providers listed in this directory, unless otherwise indicated, charge a fee for their services. Some have a sliding scale, and some accept insurances. The credentials listed after their names are listed as the individual requested and described. None have been verified by the IBC.

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If you have concerns about a provider on this listing, please contact us idahobreastfeeding@gmail.com. However, the IBC is not responsible for their practice and does not offer legal counsel. 

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