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Q: What are the major procedures for becoming an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant?

A: Acquiring IBCLC certification requires each candidate to meet criteria in three different areas: basic health science education; 90 hours of lactation-specific education and 1,000 hours of lactation-specific clinical hours; and working with mothers and breastfeeding babies. The exam is offered annually, around the world in over 50 countries. The pass rate fluctuates each year between 78 and 85 percent. The cost of taking the exam varies between countries. In the US, the cost of the exam is $660. In China, it is $400.