Becoming an IBCLC
Are you passionate about supporting breastfeeding families and considering a career as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)? Becoming an IBCLC requires dedication, education, and clinical experience. In Singapore, aspiring IBCLCs can pursue Pathway 1 or Pathway 3, the two routes available here.
An IBCLC is a healthcare professional specializing in lactation and breastfeeding support. IBCLCs are certified by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) and adhere to global standards of care.
Two Pathways to Becoming an IBCLC in Singapore
Pathway 1: Clocking Clinical Hours with Breastfeeding Mothers' Support Group (BMSG) - Singapore's Only Breastfeeding Charity
1) Lactation-Specific Education: Complete 95 hours of lactation-specific education through accredited programs (online-based).
2) Clinical Experience: Apply to be a Volunteer Counsellor and gain 1,000 hours of clinical experience providing breastfeeding support through BMSG.
>> More info about BMSG Volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor
3) IBLCE Exam: Once educational and clinical requirements are met, apply for and pass the IBLCE certification exam.
Pathway 3: Mentorship with an IBCLC
1) Lactation-Specific Education: Complete 95 hours of lactation-specific education through an accredited program.
2) Mentored Clinical Experience: Accumulate 500 hours of clinical practice under the direct supervision of an IBCLC mentor. This provides in-depth, practical learning and tailored guidance.
3) IBLCE Exam: After completing your mentorship and education, you can apply to take the IBLCE exam.
Realistic expectations: On an average, most take 3 to 5 years to become an IBCLC
Steps to Get Started
Research and Plan: Decide between Pathway 1 and Pathway 3 based on your current role, availability, and preferences. Contact BMSG to enquire about their annual Counsellor training program or identify a local IBCLC mentor to guide your journey.
Enroll in Education Programs: Sign up with an accredited institution to enroll in a 95-hour lactation-specific course.
Health Sciences Courses: If you do not have a health science certification, you have to complete more than 10 health sciences courses as one of the pre-requisites to sit for the international board examination.
Log Your Hours:
- For Pathway 1, volunteer with BMSG to clock your 1,000 clinical hours
- For Pathway 3, secure a mentorship arrangement with an IBCLC and document your supervised 500 clinical hours.
Prepare for the Exam:
- Review IBLCE guidelines and study resources.
- Consider joining study groups which you can find in Facebook (currently, it's usually US-based).
Why Become an IBCLC in Singapore?
Join a growing network of skilled IBCLCs dedicated to improving breastfeeding support and quality of lactation care for families in Singapore.
Make a meaningful impact on the health and well-being of mothers and babies.
Advance your professional career with internationally recognized certification.
Helpful Resources
- Breastfeeding Mothers' Support Group (BMSG): Visit their website here to learn more about their volunteer opportunities.
- Find an IBCLC Mentor: Use the IBCLC directory in this website or contact local IBCLCs to explore mentorship opportunities.
- IBLCE Official Website: Learn about exam requirements and pathways to certification. Click here.
For all IBCLC certification and recertification information: Visit IBCLC Commission website here.
Join TLM Lactation Community: If you're keen to be amongst individuals who have the same goal to be an IBCLC and for IBCLCs to support one another as well. Click here for more information.
