What is a Lactation Counselor?

Lactation counselors are professional breastfeeding specialists trained to teach mothers how to feed their baby. They help women experiencing breastfeeding problems, such as latching difficulties, painful nursing and low milk production.

The Certified Lactation Counselor®, (CLC) certification is the premier National Certification in Lactation Management for the United States. CLC certification holders have demonstrated competence in the lactation skills, knowledge and attitudes that are essential to helping women in the United States and have agreed to comply with The Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice code of ethics.

CLC certification means that a person has received training and competency verification in breastfeeding and human lactation support including assessing the latching and feeding process, providing corrective interventions, counseling mothers, understanding and applying knowledge of milk production including in special circumstances and other commonly encountered situations. All of this give CLCs a strong foundation with which to help moms and babies.

The CLC certification is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and certifies that the Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice meets the ANSI accreditation program requirements.

An examination is administered by the Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice (ALPP).  The exam consists of two parts: a multiple choice written test (some questions refer to photographs) and a practical video assessment test. A certificate, and the designation Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC), is awarded by the Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice to all learners who pass the exam, and who show ongoing education with 18 or more hours of education every 3 years.