As you prepare for the arrival of your little one, attending an information session on breastfeeding, taking part in La Leche League meetings, or just sitting down with a lactation consultant or educator can be very helpful – both for gathering  knowledge as well as setting up support when you start your breastfeeding  journey. But as you meet with these “lactation experts”, it’s important to know  who you’re talking to, what qualifications they hold, and what services they’re  able to offer you. Here are a few common acronyms you may come across  when seeking breastfeeding help.

IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) 
IBCLCs are certified by IBCLE (International  Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners). To achieve certification they have had extensive formal lactation-specific education and practice hours. They have also written an exam giving them international certification. Recertification occurs  every 5 years and includes submitting continuing education hours (75 hours in 5  years) and/or re-writing the certification exam.

IBCLCs are healthcare  professionals or experienced breastfeeding support counselors who can work both  in hospital and clinic settings, as well as in private practice. They educate  both breastfeeding families as well as the general public and medical staff,  assess mom and baby for issues beyond normal, advise mothers on galactogauges (medications and supplements to assist in the production of milk) and the impact  of medications and breastfeeding, and make appropriate referrals (such as to a  physician or dentist).

More information  on what IBCLCs have to offer can be found here.

RLC (Registered Lactation Consultant) 
This is another designation International  Board Certified Lactation  Consultants can use in North America. It is  trademarked by IBCLE(International  Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners)

LLLL (La Leche League Leader)
La Leche  League Leaders are volunteers within the La Leche League organization, and are  accredited through LLL (La Leche League Canada, or La Leche League International,  depending on where you’re from reading this) Leaders are mothers who have  breastfeed their babies for at least 9 months at the start of the accreditation  process. Leaders become accredited through required readings, introspection, and  a considerable amount of written curriculum set out by LLL.

LLL Leaders are volunteers. They offer monthly meetings, as well as phone help. Some leaders offer home visits as well, but you will have to check with your local group. LLL leaders are trained to help with basic breastfeeding issues, offer education on a variety of topics related to breastfeeding, as well as offer support, both emotionally and practical support. They can also help a mom discern when more help is needed, and often have a list of community resources, such as local IBCLCs they can refer to.

More information on LLL can be found here (in Canada) and here  (Internationally).

CLE (Certified Lactation Educator)
CLEs  are certified by CAPPA  (Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association). Their certification is  achieved through required readings, workshops, as well as projects and research  that is submitted to a director. The recertification process occurs every 3  years and requires submitting continuing education hours (15 hours in 3 years),  as well as reviewing current research on lactation.

CLEs can educate both  breastfeeding families as well as the general public and medical staff, as well  as provide emotional and practical support to mothers. They can assist with  basic breastfeeding issues (such as latch issues) and help expectant mothers  prepare for breastfeeding. They can also help a mom discern when more help is  needed, and often have a list of community resources, such as local IBCLCs they  can refer to. It is important to note that according to CAPPA, the lactation  Educator Program does NOT “qualify a member to dispense medical advice, diagnose  or prescribe medication”.

More information on what CLEs have to offer  can be found here.

CBC (Certified  Breastfeeding Counselor) 
CBCs are certified through Childbirth International. The certification requirements include practice hours, required readings, and case studies. Unfortunately the scope of practice as well as recertification requirements are unclear.

LC (Lactation Counselor, or occasionally Consultant) 
This is a common title used by those offering breastfeeding help. While it does not carry specific certification alone, many women using this title have obtained knowledge through workshops, reading, and experience that do not fall in a specific certification program. It is important to note that anyone can use this title. There is no certification process.

LE (Lactation  Educator) 
Like LCs, this is a common title used by those offering  breastfeeding help, who do not have certification. Many women using this title  have obtained knowledge through workshops, reading, and experience that do not  fall in a specific certification program, but it is important to note that like the LC designation, anyone can use this title. There is no certification process.

Used with permission by Erie Melnychuk  BScN, IBCLC, RLC. Originally posted on her blog, http://edmontonibclc.blogspot.com/2011/08/ibclc-lc-cle-what-does-it-mean.html