IBCLCs are collaborative members of the healthcare team whose professional Code of Conduct and Scope of Practice require accurate documentation and reporting to the primary healthcare provider.

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We propose inclusion of documentation and reporting requirements from the IBLCE into the Nursing Board regulations for lactation consultants.  

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IBCLC licensure will increase access to the most qualified and vetted lactation care providers.

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        Poor duration rates signify the need for lactation support.

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Breastfeeding families want and need professional lactation support as a standard of care in hospitals

and after discharge.

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IBCLCs offer evidence-based clinical lactation care to enable successful breastfeeding,

fulfilling a public health imperative.

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IBCLCs can provide a valuable service for physicians, enhancing primary care services in the medical home.

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• Licensure supports the integration of the IBCLC into a standard healthcare practice to prevent harm from poor feeding to safely maintain exclusive breastfeeding and to extend any breastfeeding.

• IBCLCs work collaboratively with physicians in hospitals, physician offices, clinics, private practices, WIC and public health settings and are required to document and report to the primary care providers.   

• IBCLCs do not encroach on the scope of practice of physicians, nurses, midwives or any other licensed healthcare provider.

• Licensure of IBCLCs will enable physicians to direct-bill for lactation care in their offices, saving physician time and increasing profitability while improving patient satisfaction.

• IBCLC care may reduce sick visits, especially for feeding difficulties, thereby supporting capitation limits and facilitating the goals of high quality, cost-effective healthcare.

• Licensure by the state will identify a qualified lactation professional to alleviate physician concerns regarding negligent referral.  

• State licensure meets insurer criteria and government regulations for provider credentialing.

• Third-party reimbursement facilitates racial and socioeconomic healthcare equity.

 

Breastfeeding problems persist and result in weaning without lactation care.

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✔ 73% of PA mothers want to breastfeed.

✔ 71% of mothers’ experience breastfeeding problems during their hospital stay.

✔ 92% of first-time mothers and 83% of ALL mothers have problems in the week after hospital discharge.

✔ 60% of mothers wean before meeting their own goals.

✔ Mothers without knowledgeable lactation support wean before they plan, depriving themselves and their  

     babies of the health benefits of breastfeeding and risking postpartum depression.

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Figure 2 Erin A. Wagner et al. Pediatrics 2013;13: e865-e875 ©2013 by American Academy of Pediatrics

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Just a few contacts with an IBCLC triples the likelihood of breastfeeding at one year.

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Efficacy of the IBCLC to improve breastfeeding initiation, intensity and duration is established by over 40 studies available at:  http://tinyurl.com/IBCLCefficacy

 

Licensure of the IBCLC within the Pennsylvania Nursing Board ensures rigorous preparation for professional and

clinical lactation care, assured communication with the primary care team, and state oversight.

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