What is an IBCLC? The quiz! (by Jessica Thorpe)

A knowledgeable lactation consultant assisting a mother with breastfeeding, with soft colors and a serene background to evoke a sense of trust and care.

Test Your Knowledge: What is an IBCLC?

Are you curious about what it takes to be an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)? This quiz is designed to test your knowledge on the role, requirements, and significance of IBCLCs in supporting breastfeeding families.

20 engaging questions.
Learn about the qualifications to become an IBCLC.
Understand the impact of IBCLCs on breastfeeding success rates.

20 Questions5 MinutesCreated by CaringMother234

What does IBCLC stand for?

International Board Certified Lactation Consultant

International Breastfeeding Council Lactation Consultant

International Business Corporation of Lactation Consultants

Ok so an IBCLC is a specialist in lactation. But what do they actually do?

IBCLCs visit mothers to divide tongue tie (ankyloglossia) in babies that have problems breastfeeding

IBCLCs work to prevent and solve breastfeeding problems and encourage a social environment that supports breastfeeding families

IBCLCs only teach other people how to support breastfeeding mothers, they do not provide clinical care or support themselves

Anyone can pay and become a Lactation Consultant

No, they also have to meet the eligibility criteria and have 1000 lactation-specific clinical practice hours within the last 5 years

Yes, as long as they are pro-breastfeeding

No, they must be a qualified health professional and have 500 lactation-specific clinical practice hours within the last 5 years

An IBCLC must also be a qualified midwife

Yes, and candidates must have a minimum of 90 hours of lactation specific education within the last 5 years and have a health sciences background

No, but they must be a female and candidates must have a minimum of 90 hours of lactation specific education within the last 5 years and have a health sciences background

No, different practitioners such as nurses, doctors and doulas also aspire to become IBCLCs. Candidates must have a minimum of 90 hours of lactation specific education within the last 5 years and have a health sciences background

You have to have breastfed a baby yourself to become an IBCLC

Yes, it really helps you become a good LC because you know what it feels like

No, anyone who meets the eligibility criteria and passes the exam can become an IBCLC

No, but you have to have tried to breastfeed if you are a mother

A Breastfeeding Counsellor is the same as an IBCLC

No, a Breastfeeding Counsellor is a person who provides a counselling service to mothers who have not been able to breastfeed

No, a Breastfeeding Counsellor is an experienced breastfeeding mother who trains but is not certified to voluntarily support other mothers

Yes, IBCLC is the American name but Breastfeeding Counsellor is more commonly used in Europe

A mother has to pay to receive help from an IBCLC

Yes, because she can get free help from other services like the NHS if she needs it

No, her GP may refer her to an IBCLC's private practice and the NHS will cover the costs

No, an IBCLC may work privately but they may also work for a hospital or other community service, providing free care at the point of use

Once you pass the IBCLC exam you are a lactation consultant for life

No, IBCLCs must remain current through continuing education and re-examination every 5 or 10 years

Yes, it is a very in-depth course and the content is adequate to qualify you for life

Yes, as long as you do not give up working as a LC for more than 2 years at a time

IBCLCs abide by a code of ethics

Yes, one important principle is that of nonmaleficence, the duty to do no harm

No, because the certification is international and beliefs of what is 'ethical' can very greatly depending on the country and culture in which you work

No, they should try and practice ethically but there is no specific code

Well it all sounds very well, but do IBCLCs actually make a difference?

Not statistically, analysis of breastfeeding data from clinical research shows that hospitals with LCs had equal breastfeeding rates at hospital discharge to those without LCs

Yes, analysis of breastfeeding data from clinical research shows that hospitals with LCs had more than 2 times an increase in breastfeeding rates at hospital discharge

Well it cannot be proven, but mothers seem to like IBCLCs

What is an IBCLC? The quiz! (by Jessica Thorpe)

Test Your Knowledge: What is an IBCLC?

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