ILCA has many resources to help students prepare for the rewarding profession of lactation consulting and feel confident and prepared for practicing as an IBCLC®. Students are encouraged to become familiar with a wide range of literature, scientific studies, texts and journals. These resources are a good foundation to prepare for the profession and are important reference texts for clinical practice. The IBLCE® Blueprint of Knowledge and Skills for IBCLCs identifies the important areas of study and ILCA’s Core Curriculum for Lactation Consultant Practice outlines the content in each area. ILCA provides these resources for information purposes only. ILCA does not endorse any materials, products, or services of lactation courses or other programs.
General Lactation Texts (available through the ILCA Store)
- Hale T and Hartmann P. (2007) Hale and Hartmann’s Text book of Human Lactation. Hale Publishing.
- Lawrence R and Lawrence R. (2010) Breastfeeding: A Guide for the Medical Profession. (7th Ed) Elsevier/Mosby.
- Lauwers J and Swisher A. (2010) Counseling the Nursing Mother. (5th Ed) Jones & Bartlett.
- ILCA. Eds. R Mannel, P Martens & M Walker. (2013) Core Curriculum for Lactation Consultant Practice. (3rd Ed) Jones & Bartlett.
- Riordan, J and Wambach K. (2010) Breastfeeding and Human Lactation. (4th Ed) Jones & Bartlett.
- Walker M. (2011) Breastfeeding Management for the Clinician. (2nd Ed) Harcourt Brace. Jones & Bartlett.
Clinical Skills and Exam Practice References (available through the ILCA Store)
- Kutner L and Barger J. (2010) Clinical Experience in Lactation: A Blueprint for Internship. (3rd Ed) Lactation Education Consultants.
- Smith L. (2011) Comprehensive Lactation Consultant Exam Review. (3rd Ed) Jones & Bartlett.
- Wilson-Clay B and Hoover K. (2008) Breastfeeding Atlas. (4th Ed) Lactnews Press.
Courses and Clinical Instruction
Guide to Selecting a Course
Directory of Lactation Management Courses
LEAARC Approved Courses
ILCA Study Modules
Clinical Instruction Directory
Online Sources for IBLCE-required Continuing Education Courses
Resources Available from ILCA
Preparing for the Profession
Professional Practice Documents
Frequently Asked Questions
Resources Available from IBLCE
IBLCE International
Becoming a Lactation Consultant
Blueprint of Knowledge and Skills for IBCLCs
Clinical Competencies for IBCLC Practice
IBCLC Scope of Practice
IBLCE in the Americas:
Directory of CERP Providers
Upcoming CERP approved programs
IBLCE in Europe:
Pre-Exam Education Programs
Continuing Education Programs
IBLCE in Asia-Pacific:
CERP Programs
Online Resources
www.bfmed.org Clinical Protocols of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine
www.breastfeeding.asn.au Breastfeeding Review journal available by subscription from Australian Breastfeeding Association
www.ilca.org Journal of Human Lactation available to members of the International Lactation Consultant Association
www.ilca.org Print and Media Reviews available to members of the International Lactation Consultant Association
www.internationalbreastfeedingjournal.com International Breastfeeding Journal
www.who.int Resources available from World Health Organisation, Geneva
- Complementary Feeding: Family foods for breastfed children (2000)
- Evidence for the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding. (1998)
- Global Strategy for Infant and Young Child Feeding. (2003)
- HIV and Infant Feeding. A guide for health care managers and supervisors and Guidelines for decision makers. (1998)
- Hypoglycaemia of the Newborn: Review of the Literature. (1998)
- International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes. (1981)
- Nutrient Adequacy of Exclusive Breastfeeding for the Term Infant During The First Six Months of Life. (2002)
- Protecting, Promoting and Supporting Breastfeeding: The Special Role of Maternity Services. WHO/UNICEF Statement. (1989)
- Relactation: Review of experience and recommendations for practice. (1998)
Questions?
Education: education@ilca.org
Certification: info@iblce.org
ILCA Student Membership: info@ilca.org
