The journey to becoming an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) is rigorous and rewarding, requiring dedication to education, hands-on experience, and a passion for supporting families. Along the way, I’ve learned just how impactful this role can be—not just for individual families but for entire communities. Here are five surprising things you might not know about becoming an IBCLC.

1. It’s More Than Just a Certification—It’s a Lifelong Commitment

Becoming an IBCLC isn’t a quick process—it’s a comprehensive journey designed to prepare consultants for complex and diverse breastfeeding challenges. There are 3 pathways to enter into this profession, each one requiring clinical experience helping new families. I am taking pathway 2, The requirements include:

• 95+ hours of lactation-specific education.
• 1,000+ hours of clinical experience (depending on the pathway).
• Completion of health science courses such as anatomy, nutrition, and psychology.

Even after passing the IBCLC exam, the commitment continues. IBCLCs are required to renew their certification every five years and must earn 75 continuing education credits during each cycle. This ensures they stay up-to-date on the latest research, techniques, and guidelines.

Why is this ongoing learning so important? Breastfeeding outcomes improve dramatically when families receive evidence-based support. Research shows that mothers who work with an IBCLC are:

• 2.28 times more likely to continue breastfeeding at 6 months.
• 4 times less likely to stop breastfeeding within the first few days postpartum due to lactation challenges.

2. Hands-On Experience Is Non-Negotiable

IBCLCs must have real-world experience before becoming certified, and for good reason—breastfeeding isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey. Each family faces unique circumstances, and lactation consultants must be equipped to adapt.

I’ve been gaining hands-on experience as a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor at the HACAP-WIC clinic, where I’ve supported dozens of families. My role includes:

• Helping mothers with latch issues by providing peer support, information, resources, and referrals
• Supporting families dealing with low milk supply or oversupply.
• Offering encouragement to parents balancing breastfeeding with work or other responsibilities.

This practical experience is critical. According to the CDC, only 25% of infants in the U.S. are exclusively breastfed at 6 months, even though breastfeeding is recommended by the World Health Organization for at least two years. With trained lactation support, these numbers can improve dramatically.

3. It’s a Community Effort

While becoming an IBCLC requires individual dedication, it’s also about building and contributing to a supportive community. I’ve had the privilege of joining the Iowa Breastfeeding Coalition, where I collaborate with other advocates to improve breastfeeding rates and accessibility across the state.

Through this coalition, I’ve learned about initiatives to address breastfeeding disparities. For example:

• In Iowa, Black infants are 21% less likely to be breastfed than white infants, due to systemic barriers and lack of culturally competent care.
• Rural communities often lack access to lactation consultants, leaving families without critical support during the early weeks postpartum.

Attending family-focused festivals in Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, and North Liberty has also been a rewarding part of this journey. These events allow me to meet families, share resources, and help normalize breastfeeding in public spaces—a crucial step in fostering a breastfeeding-friendly culture.

4. The Education Is Intense (and Worth It)

Preparing for the IBCLC exam means diving deep into every aspect of lactation science, from the biology of milk production to the social and emotional factors that influence breastfeeding. I’m currently enrolled in a 100-hour lactation education course through LER which covers topics such as:

• Managing milk supply issues.
• Supporting breastfeeding for premature and medically complex infants.
• Navigating cultural and societal influences on breastfeeding practices.

In addition to this course, I’m earning college credits in health sciences to meet the rigorous Pathway 2 requirements. The academic side of this journey is challenging, but it’s essential for ensuring that IBCLCs can handle even the most complex situations.

Statistics show why this knowledge matters:

• 83% of mothers say they want to breastfeed, but only 57.6% are still doing so at 6 months due to lack of support and education.
• Access to an IBCLC increases the likelihood of breastfeeding success, particularly in vulnerable populations.

5. It’s About More Than Milk

At its core, becoming an IBCLC isn’t just about helping mothers feed their babies—it’s about empowering families. Breastfeeding can be an emotional journey, filled with highs and lows. As an IBCLC-in-training, I’ve learned that small moments of support can make a lasting impact.

For example, studies show that breastfeeding has significant benefits for both mother and child:

• Infants who are breastfed have a 36% reduced risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
• Mothers who breastfeed have a 26% lower risk of breast cancer and a 32% lower risk of ovarian cancer.

But the journey isn’t always easy. Many families face challenges like:

• Returning to work without proper breastfeeding accommodations.
• Judgement for breastfeeding in public.
• Misinformation about breastfeeding and formula feeding.

As an IBCLC, my role will go beyond providing technical guidance—I’ll be an advocate, a cheerleader, and a resource for families navigating these challenges.

Why This Journey Matters

The journey to becoming an IBCLC is demanding, but every step is worth it. This credential isn’t just a title—it’s a promise to families that they will receive compassionate, informed, and personalized care.

For me, this path has been about more than reaching a professional milestone. It’s about making a tangible difference in the lives of mothers and babies, helping them build bonds that will last a lifetime. If you’ve ever considered working with an IBCLC or pursuing this journey yourself, know that it’s a commitment to something truly impactful.

Together, we can create a world where every family feels supported, confident, and empowered to give their children the best start in life.