Effectiveness of the IBCLC: Have we Made an Impact on the Care of Breastfeeding Families Over the Past Decade?

Abstract

Background: International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) have been in existence for over 3 decades, are currently represented in 110 countries, and have the only internationally recognized certification to provide safe and evidenced-based care for breastfeeding women and their infants. Research aim: To review the literature about the efficacy of IBCLCs on breastfeeding outcomes as well as studies that have examined the effectiveness of the IBCLC’s role. Methods: The design was a scoping review of the literature and critical analysis using PRISMA guidelines of existing studies published from 2008–2019. Qualitative and quantitative studies were reviewed. Results: Twelve ( N =12) studies met inclusion criteria. Seven themes emerged in the analysis including studies of the role of IBCLCs in resident physician education; IBCLC’s role in breastfeeding interventions and the management of breastfeeding problems; the impact of IBCLCs in inpatient and outpatient settings; and the impact of geographic access to IBCLCs on breastfeeding rates. Certification of and ongoing professional development of IBCLCs are also discussed. Conclusion: In this scoping review of existing literature assessing the effectiveness of IBCLCs in promoting and supporting breastfeeding, it is clear that IBCLCs play a positive role in supporting breastfeeding throughout the world. However, there are certain limitations that must be addressed. Recommendations for future research and clinical practice are discussed in the context of present limitations to breastfeeding expertise and support.

The risk-risk trade-offs: Understanding factors that influence women’s decision to use substances to boost breast milk supply

“…Finally, as women in this study were seeking breastfeeding support and information from many different sources, there is evidence to suggest that women are not systematically engaging with or being directed to an IBCLC when problems arise [1]. IBCLC professionals are seen to be the best-practice approach to accessing breastfeeding support as they are trained based on globally recognised, evidence-based standards [50]. However, access to IBCLC in this study was mixed, in some cases participants could not say with certainty whether the lactation consultant they engaged with was an IBCLC, and others identified barriers around access including cost (for private consultations) and accessibility which they saw as limited because of high demand for these services (particularly in public health care).…”

Modesty and Security: Attributes Associated With Comfort and Willingness to Engage in Telelactation

“…Women in our study who perceived telelactation as offering support to women "wherever they needed it" were less likely to feel uncomfortable using telelactation, suggesting that marketing this attribute may be effective in increasing uptake. Lactation professionals have a positive effect on breastfeeding exclusivity and duration [47,48], and telelactation, which allows for live counseling to mothers outside of normal clinical hours, offers a less time consuming and more accessible [13] way for women to attain breastfeeding support than in person consultations.…”

Factors associated with the maintenance of exclusive breastfeeding in the late postpartum

“…Created in the 1980s, to receive the title of Lactation Consultant, the professional must be accredited by the International Board of Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC), the only internationally recognized professional lactation certification body to provide safe and evidence-based care for breastfeeding women and their babies (3).…”