05/13/2026
Why IBCLCs Matter 💜 The Role and Impact of IBCLCs
IBCLCs are internationally credentialed lactation experts who play a key role in supporting breastfeeding families through counseling, clinical expertise, education, and advocacy to optimize infant feeding practices and maternal-child health outcomes. IBCLCs must meet stringent eligibility criteria, including completing lactation and health science education, clinical hours, and passing a comprehensive examination.
🔹 Improved breastfeeding outcomes. IBCLCs have a positive impact on breastfeeding initiation, duration, and exclusivity.
🔹 Healthcare cost savings. The integration of IBCLC services has been shown to lower healthcare expenditures by reducing costly infant conditions.
🔹 Equity and access. Services provided by IBCLCs help close access gaps, especially among underserved populations.
Find more details and extensive references in the full paper here, now available in open access 👉 https://doi.org/10.1177/08903344261434475
Ahmed, A. H., Rojjanasrirat, W., Malik, S., Mandell, L., Ansell, M., & Zakarija-Grković, I. (2026). The Role and Impact of the IBCLC: Updated Position Paper. Journal of human lactation : official journal of International Lactation Consultant Association, 8903344261434475. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1177/08903344261434475.
