LactaLearning Glossary
Related to the Lactation Profession:
IBLCE - International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners
The organization that certifies IBCLC professionals and provides lactation CERPs.
IBCLC Continuing Education (CE) Self-Assessment - The CE Self-Assessment is required for all IBCLCs who choose to recertify by CERPs. IBLCE emails all IBCLCs a link to this 70-question test within 18 months of certifying or recertifying. Of the 75 total CERPs required to recertify, up to 20 CERPs (30%) will be based on the results from your CE Self-Assessment.
CERPs - Continuing Education Recognition Points awarded by the IBLCE
One CERP = 60 minutes of instructional time
For example, 75 CERPs are required for an IBCLC to get recertified.
IBCLC Detailed Content Outline (DCO) - The basis for content covered in the IBLCE exam.
ILCA - International Lactation Consultant Association is the professional organization for IBCLCs worldwide.
USBC - United States Breastfeeding Committee
WHO - World Health Organization
WIC – U.S. government food assistance: Women Infants Children
Nursing Contact Hours - Approved continuing education credits for nurses; nurses must earn 24 nursing contact hours every two years in the U.S.; lactation education that qualifies as nursing contact hours counts towards these 24 hours.
BFHI - Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative; UNICEF and WHO launched the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative to encourage health facilities worldwide to better support breastfeeding. In some countries, this initiative is called the Baby Friendly Initiative.
International Peer Support Groups:
LLLI - La Leche League International
U.S.A. Peer Support Groups:
Breastfeeding USA – a national non-profit.
BMBFA - Black Mother’s Breastfeeding Association, a Detroit, Michigan-based non-profit.
ROSE - Reaching Our Sisters Everywhere, a national non-profit.
Lactation Certifications:
IBCLC - International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant
Certification for an IBCLC requires 95 hours of training, a written test and clinical hours; the IBLCE organization grants certification.
CCLS* - Clinical and Communication Lactation Specialist
95-hour course that prepares a person to take the test to become an IBCLC; the course results in a CCLS certification if a person does not want to pursue the IBCLC certification. Note: CCLS also stands for Certified Child Life Specialist in another industry.
LCE* - Lactation Counselor Educator – requires 50 hours of training
CLC - Certified Lactation Counselor
CBS -Certified Breastfeeding Specialist
CLS- Certified Lactation Specialist
*Proprietary to LactaLearning