International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC®) is the certification granted by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners.  It requires continuing education and repeated testing to maintain the IBCLC credential.  An IBCLC usually has another health care degree in an area such as nursing, medicine, or dietetics.  IBCLCs  are trained to provide specialized breastfeeding support and clinical lactation management.  For certification information, visit the following site: https://iblce.org/step-1-prepare-for-ibclc-certification/.

Certified Lactation Educator™ (CLE®) is granted by CAPPA after completion of five days of classroom instruction, written coursework, and community observation. The certificate is a statement of education and does not require continuing education to maintain certification.  A CLE can provide basic breastfeeding education and support. For course information visit the following site: http://www.cappa.net/lactation-educator.

Certified Lactation Counselor® (CLC®) is granted by the Center for Breastfeeding Education after completion of a five-day training that provides comprehensive breastfeeding management with a strong focus on counseling skills. A CLC can provide basic breastfeeding education and support. For more information visit the following sites: https://centerforbreastfeeding.org/ or https://www.alpp.org/.

Certified Lactation Specialist Course (CLSC®) is a five-day course along with a test designed for health professionals who want to improve their skills in working with breastfeeding moms and their babies.  This certification is a stepping-stone to the IBCLC credential and exam.  All areas of the IBCLC exam are covered in this course.  This certification is valid for five years.  For more information visit the following site: http://lactationeducationconsultants.com/course_clsc.shtml.

Certified Breastfeeding Educator™ (CBE™) is granted by Lactation Consultant Services™ in Oklahoma after attendance and participation in the Breastfeeding Educator Program™, attendance for three days of didactic instruction, participation in small group activities during the Breastfeeding Educator Program, clinical role-playing, and an exam. The certification is in effect for five years and a one-day update is required for recertification.  A CBE can provide basic breastfeeding education and support. For course information visit the following site: http://lactation-consultant-services.webstarts.com/program_overview.html.

 

USBC has a useful summary table of Lactation Support Provider descriptions that includes peer counselors and other educators.