What is the difference between a clc and IBCLC?

Understanding the Differences: CLC vs. IBCLC
In the realm of breastfeeding support, two acronyms often come up: CLC (Certified Lactation Counselor) and IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant). While both professionals play crucial roles in assisting breastfeeding mothers, their training, certification processes, and the scope of their practice differ significantly.
Certification and Training
The primary distinction between a CLC and an IBCLC lies in their educational pathways and certification requirements. A CLC typically completes a 45-hour lactation-specific training course and is certified through the Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice. This training equips them to provide basic breastfeeding support and education, making them suitable for addressing common breastfeeding challenges.
In contrast, the IBCLC designation requires a more rigorous and comprehensive certification process. Aspiring IBCLCs must complete a minimum of 90 hours of lactation-specific education and accumulate 1,000 hours of supervised clinical practice in lactation care. This extensive training prepares IBCLCs to handle a wider array of breastfeeding issues, including complex medical conditions and breastfeeding difficulties.
Scope of Practice
Both CLCs and IBCLCs are dedicated to supporting breastfeeding mothers, but their scope of practice varies. CLCs are often found in community settings such as WIC clinics, Baby Cafés, and private practices, where they provide support for straightforward breastfeeding concerns. They are well-equipped to educate mothers on basic breastfeeding techniques and offer encouragement.
On the other hand, IBCLCs possess a deeper understanding of lactation physiology and can assess and manage more complicated breastfeeding situations. They are trained to develop care plans for mothers facing challenges such as low milk supply, latch issues, or breastfeeding with medical complications. This higher level of expertise allows IBCLCs to work in diverse environments, including hospitals, private practices, and home visits, where they can provide tailored support based on individual needs.
Conclusion
In summary, while both CLCs and IBCLCs are valuable resources for breastfeeding mothers, the key differences lie in their training, certification, and the complexity of issues they are qualified to address. CLCs offer essential support for common breastfeeding challenges, while IBCLCs are equipped to handle more intricate cases, making them a vital resource for mothers facing significant breastfeeding hurdles. Understanding these distinctions can help parents choose the right type of support for their breastfeeding journey.

Is the CLC exam hard?

The CLC examination is a challenging certification test. Many people retake one or both portions of the exam for a variety of reasons, including if they are making up time from a previous exam location.

How much does a CLC make?

What are Top 10 Highest Paying Cities for Certified Lactation Counselor Clc Jobs

City	Annual Salary	Hourly Wage
San Francisco, CA	$70,303	$33.80
Santa Clara, CA	$70,081	$33.69
Sunnyvale, CA	$70,034	$33.67
Livermore, CA	$69,994	$33.65

What is the best lactation certification?

The IBCLC is the ‘Gold Standard’ in lactation support and takes years to accomplish with many other requirements. Only an IBCLC can be a Registered Lactation Consultant (RLC). Healthy Horizons staff are highly trained professionals and are predominately International Board of Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC).

What is the difference between CLC and IBCLC?

How are IBCLCs different from CLCs? A Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) is a lower credential than IBCLC, appropriate for helping breastfeeding parents with simple problems. To obtain the CLC credential, a candidate only has to take a 4.5-day course and a test.

What is the hardest certification exam to pass?

Here is the list of top 20 the toughest exams in world:

• Gaokao Exam in China.
• IIT JEE Advanced.
• Civil Services Exam (CSE)/UPSC.
• All Souls Prize Fellowship Exam.
• USMLE.
• Master Sommelier Diploma Exam.
• ICAI CA/ ICMAI Exams.
• CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert)

What is the difference between a certified breastfeeding specialist and a lactation consultant?

IBCLCs tend to come from a clinical background—many are doctors and registered nurses—while CLCs are usually more holistic-minded (think registered midwives and doulas). If you’re more academic minded and feel better in the hands of someone with extensive certification, then an IBCLC might be the best fit.

How much does a CLC get paid?

What are Top 10 Highest Paying Cities for Certified Lactation Counselor Clc Jobs

City	Annual Salary	Hourly Wage
San Francisco, CA	$70,303	$33.80
Santa Clara, CA	$70,081	$33.69
Sunnyvale, CA	$70,034	$33.67
Livermore, CA	$69,994	$33.65

What can a CLC do?

Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) Overview
CLCs are often the first point of contact for mothers who are experiencing difficulties with breastfeeding. They are able to provide accurate information, demonstrate effective breastfeeding techniques and troubleshoot problems.

What is the highest level of lactation consultant?

International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)
However, there is one certification that stands above the rest, the International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). “The IBCLC is really the gold standard.’);})();(function(){window.jsl.dh(‘Z8hnZ-nKHJ21wN4PxKG-8A4__39′,’

How long does it take to become a CLC?

The time needed to become a lactation consultant is anywhere from one to five years. All three International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) pathways require applicants to take a minimum of 90 hours of lactation-specific courses within the five years immediately prior to applying to take the exam.