Clinical Competencies for IBCLC Practice

Much of the clinical practice of the International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) consists of systematic problem solving in collaboration with breastfeeding mothers and other members of the health care team.

The checklist includes most of the clinical/practical skills that an entry level IBCLC needs in order to be satisfactorily proficient to provide safe and effective care for breastfeeding mothers and babies. The list is designed to encompass common breastfeeding situations and the challenges which are encountered most frequently by Lactation Consultants. Clinical instructors will be able to use this checklist as an appropriate guide in providing individualised education. A list of possible sites for obtaining clinical/practical experience appears at the end of the list of competencies.

Candidates are encouraged to become familiar with other documents that address the role of the IBCLC. A more detailed description of the role is provided in the Standards of Practice for IBCLC Lactation Consultants published by the International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA). ILCA has other documents that candidates and IBCLCs should be well acquainted with. You can access the ILCA web site at www.ilca.org or from our Links page.

Summary of Clinical Competencies

• » Communication And Counselling Skills
• » History Taking And Assessment Skills
• » Documentation And Communication Skills With Health Professionals
• » Skills for First Two Hours After Birth
• » Postpartum Skills
• » Problem-Solving Skills
• » Skills for Maternal Breastfeeding Challenges
• » Skills for Infant Breastfeeding Challenges
• » Management Skills
• » Skills for Use of Technology and Devices
• » Skills for Breastfeeding Challenges Which Are Encountered Infrequently
• » Skills For Meeting Professional Responsibilities

For a complete copy of the Clinical Competencies Checklist please Click Here or you can download it from the Download Centre on this web site.