What is in a name?

When is comes to breastfeeding support, there are plenty of credentials that get tacked on to the end of names, but what do they mean? CLEC?  IBCLC?  What do any of the titles mean?  For such a simple sounding thing, Lactation is a big field, and there are many mantels that are donned in the name of education and assistance.  This list aims to help clear the clutter of abbreviations and clarify what these mysterious letters mean, and just what those titles can do for you.

PC = WIC Peer Counselor.   This title is just what is says it is, a PEER counselor.  Women that have been where you are, breastfed their own children, and can help you in a way that no book can.  It’s a “been there, done that” kind of assistance that proves invaluable for many.  Additional requirements include at least 16 hours of lactation specific education, proven documentation, and 1-2 meetings on average per month.  For more information How to Become a PC

BSS = Breastfeeding Support Specialist.  This is a conferred by CAPPA, the Childbirth and Post Partum Professional Association, or ICEA, the International Childbirth Education Association, after attending a weekend class.  Similar to a Peer Counselor, able to address normal breastfeeding situations.

LLL – Le Leche League Leader.  These women are often at the forefront of information and guidance, supporting and leading local Le Leche League chapters through meetings, activities and difficulties.  To become a leader a woman has to be of a certain caliber, able to handle the stresses of both parenting and leading well and with sensitivity.  The process to become a LLL leader includes nursing your own child for at least 9 months, education, reading material, support, applications, memberships and a true commitment to the position and helping other mothers.  A great resource for any mother.  For more information http://www.llli.org/faq/leader.html

CLE = Certified Lactation Educator.  This someone who has graduated from a Lactation Education course of at least 45 or more hours and generally teaches Breastfeeding Education Classes.  Can help with normal breastfeeding issues or concerns.

CLC = Certified Lactation Counselor. This someone who has graduated from a Lactation Education course of at least 45 or more hours.  Often found in Breastfeeding centers, Lactation retail stores or teaching breastfeeding classes.   Can help with normal breastfeeding issues or concerns and refer to a Lactation Consultant for more complicated issues.

CLEC = Certified Lactation Educator Counselor.  This someone who has graduated from a Lactation Education course of at least 45 or more hours, has supervised clinical work.  Often found in Breastfeeding Centers, Lactation Retail stores or teaching breastfeeding classes.  Can Assist with normal breastfeeding issues or concerns and refer to a Lactation Consultant for more complicated issues.

IBCLC = International Board Certified Lactation Consultant.  This is the crème dela crème of the Lactation world.   Has undergone rigorous course work, clinical training and passed an International exam, they are certified to help with many (all) breastfeeding issues, be they normal or complex.  Can be found in Private Practice, working at a hospital

This post was originally posted on my previous site, Mothersmilk101.com in 2015 – that domain name is no longer owned by me due to my neglect in renewing it (yes..yes, I know) thus all information I have saved in backup is slowly being transferred to this blog. Thank you!

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