Become a Lactation Consultant
​If you are interested in becoming a Lactation Consultant there is a process to be followed which incorporates both clinical experience and breastfeeding knowledge.
There are a variety of pathways possible and many, but not all, applicants are already health professionals. For more info visit the link below.
Become a Lactation Consultant
The exam covers the whole breastfeeding episode from the breast changes at puberty right through to the weaning process which may be 2 years and beyond.
NZLCA educational opportunities will extend your breastfeeding knowledge and assist you to prepare for the exam.
The International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) is an international organisation.
Vicki Patterson is the IBLCE Coordinator for New Zealand and the local representative.
THE EXAMINATION PROCESS
The International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) sets and administers the competency exam by which IBCLCs are certified. The exam assesses knowledge and skills in the following areas, as they relate to the practice of a lactation consultant:
ANATOMY
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Physiology & endocrinology
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Nutrition & biochemistry
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Maternal & infant immunology & infectious disease
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Maternal & infant pathology
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Maternal & infant pharmacology & toxicology
PSYCHOLOGY
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Sociology & anthropology
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Growth parameters & developmental milestones
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Interpretation of research
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Ethics & legal issues
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Breastfeeding equipment & technology
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Public health & advocacy
IBCLC REQUIREMENTS
​​​​Certification is for 5 years, and recertification is required. After 5 years IBCLCs may re-certify by continuing education, but must re-certify by exam after 10 years.
Check to see what seminars / conferences are coming up, and how many Continuing Education Recertification points (CERPs) are available for attending. CERPs can be obtained by presenting at conferences and attending and presenting case studies to other lactation consultant local groups. On line breastfeeding modules are also a way of increasing CERPs.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Contact Information (New Zealand)
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New Zealand Coordinator: Vicki Patterson
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Email: newzealand@iblce.org
Regional Office (in Australia)
IBLCE office in Queensland
Email: Kerrie – apaadmin@iblce.org
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Email: Karolyn – apa@iblce.org