Breastfeeding Certifications
What do all the letters mean?
Lactation resources are organized by Private Practice, Hospital-Based, and Community Support. Explore the category that fits your needs.
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ALC
Advanced Lactation Consultant
Completed 90 hours of lactation-specific training.
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ANLC
Advanced Nurse Lactation Counselor
Completed 90 hours of lactation education as a nurse.
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BEC
Breastfeeding Educator Certification
Completed course requirements and attended 10 breastfeeding meetings.
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BC
Breastfeeding USA Counselor
Breastfed for at least 1 year and completed Breastfeeding USA counselor training.
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CBE
Community Breastfeeding Educator
Completed 20 hours of lactation education.
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CBC
Certified Breastfeeding Counselor
Completed mentored online training and provided 30 hours of breastfeeding support.
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CBS
Certified Breastfeeding Specialist
Completed either 45 or 90 hours of lactation-specific training.
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CLC
Certified Lactation Counselor
Completed 45–52 hours of lactation training and passed a final assessment.
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CLE
Certified Lactation Educator
Completed 20 hours of lactation education.
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CLEC
Certified Lactation Educator Counselor
Completed 45 hours of lactation-specific education.
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CLS
Certified Lactation Specialist
Completed 45 hours of lactation training.
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IBC
Indigenous Breastfeeding Counselor
Completed 45 hours of culturally grounded lactation training.
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IBCLC
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant
Completed 90 hours of lactation education, 300–1000 hours of clinical practice, and passed the IBLCE exam.
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LLLL
La Leche League Leader
Breastfed for at least 9 months and active LLL member; completed leadership prep.
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WIC Peer Counselor
WIC Peer Counselor
Completed 20–50 hours of training and breastfed for at least 6 months.