Deciding between becoming a Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) or an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) depends on your career goals, interests, and the level of involvement you wish to have in supporting breastfeeding mothers and infants. Here's a detailed comparison table.
| Aspect | Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) | International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) |
|---|---|---|
| Training | Typically around 45 hours of education | More extensive training, including specific educational requirements and clinical practice hours |
| Scope | Provides basic breastfeeding support and education to mothers and infants | Considered experts in lactation and breastfeeding management, handle complex breastfeeding issues, and provide advanced lactation support |
| Settings | Often work in hospitals, clinics, or community settings | Work in various settings including hospitals, private practice, public health agencies, and lactation clinics |
| Independence | May work under supervision or as part of a team | Can work independently and may have own private practice |
| Responsibilities | Primarily offers breastfeeding counseling and support | Provide comprehensive lactation support, manage complex cases, and offer advanced lactation management |
| Career Opportunities | Limited compared to IBCLCs | More diverse career opportunities, including potential for private practice and consulting |
| Certification Requirements | Completion of CLC training program and passing the CLC exam | Completion of specific educational requirements, clinical practice hours, and passing the IBCLC exam |
| Time and Effort Required | Less time and effort compared to IBCLC | Requires a significant investment of time and effort |
| Cost | Generally lower cost for training and certification | Higher cost due to more extensive training and certification requirements |
| Expertise | Provides basic breastfeeding support | Considered experts in lactation and breastfeeding management |
| Handling Complex Cases | Limited capacity to handle complex cases | Capable of managing complex breastfeeding issues |
| Autonomy | May work under supervision | Can work independently and autonomously |
| Continuing Education Requirements | Varies depending on organization | Mandatory continuing education requirements to maintain certification |
This table provides a comprehensive overview of the key differences between becoming a CLC and an IBCLC, covering aspects such as training, scope of practice, career opportunities, certification requirements, and more.
