FAQs

What is a certified breastfeeding specialist?

The Certified Breastfeeding Specialist (CBS) designation is awarded by Lactation Education Resources to individuals who have completed a minimum of 45 hours of didactic lactation education through the LEAARC recognized comprehensive program offered by LER. In addition, individuals must complete an exam demonstrating their knowledge of basic lactation support and qualification to perform duties. Duties include education and support of breastfeeding families through pregnancy, breastfeeding initiation and the normal course of lactation.

What is an ibclc?

An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) is an internationally recognized healthcare professional specializing in the clinical management of breastfeeding and lactation. The IBCLC credential is the highest credential in lactation care and is internationally recognized. In order to obtain the IBCLC credential, one must complete college-level health science courses, 90+ hours of lactation specific training, and 300-1,000 clinical hours hands on helping families.

What is your professional experience?

I have completed a 95 hour lactation specific course through Lactation Education Resources and passed the Certified Breastfeeding Specialist Exam. I have completed the required Health Science Courses to be eligible to sit for the IBCLC exam, these include courses such as Biology, Human Anatomy & Physiology, Child Development, Nutrition, Communications, Statistics and more. I have interned 550 hours in the postpartum unit of a local hospital providing lactation support to families, in addition to seeing patients outside of the hospital for prenatal and postpartum support. I have experience teaching prenatal courses.

I completed the IBCLC board examination in September 2025 and am waiting on results, due in January 2026. At which point in time, Memorial Breastfeeding, LLC will expand to accept insurance.

what is your personal breastfeeding experience?

My first child was born via scheduled c-section at 39 weeks. While I had planned to exclusively breastfeed him, I did not seek out any prenatal courses or education on breastfeeding prior to his delivery as I assumed it would come easily. By our 2nd night in the hospital, our son had lost a significant amount of weight. I was lucky to find an IBCLC to help me navigate these early days and set me up for a positive breastfeeding experience.

My second and third children (twins) were born at 35 weeks and immediately sent to the NICU. They spent their first two weeks of life in the NICU. Both twins started on nasal gastric feeding, graduated to bottle feeding and eventually graduated to exclusive breastfeeding. I was blessed to have the same great IBCLC to help me through every stage of this experience.

My fourth child was born at 39 weeks via c-section, he was a champ at breastfeeding, but refused to accept a bottle from the very first offer. Back to the IBCLC I went to develop a plan for feedings when I was away,