Licensure of the IBCLC is granted on a state-by-state basis. The journey of each state along the path to licensure will vary. Two states have achieved IBCLC licensure: Rhode Island and Georgia. Each state reached licensure by a different pathway. Their stories, along with lessons learned and recommendations, offer inspiration and hope to the many states working on this issue.
Licensure of the IBCLC has been sought for many years. The purpose of such licensure is to protect the public, advance the profession, and assure access for all mothers to the clinical lactation services of an IBCLC. The path to licensure can be long and convoluted but worth the effort. Thirty-eight states are working on licensure, and two states have achieved this goal. This exploration of the historical context of licensure, the importance of licensure, how licensure happens, and the objections and barriers to licensure endeavors to help light the path to the achievement of licensure of the IBCLC.
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