IBCLC stands for International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. This is the highest accredited healthcare profession specializing in lactation. Unfortunately anyone can call themselves a lactation consultant, so it is important to ask for credentials.
They have completed the rigorous training required to become internationally recognized lactation experts. This includes training for 2-5+ years, and completing 90 hours of lactation-specific education plus health science courses and have a range of 300-1,000 hands-on clinical experience as well as the requirement to maintain/renew their credentials per the IBLCE.
Other lactations roles are also valuable and needed, but are meant to be peer support vs. clinical. An IBCLC is an invaluable role on the healthcare team for a breastfeeding dyad and are there to give you the personalized, expert care you deserve.