Growing the IBCLC Workforce: A Florida Needs Assessment.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Lactation Science
• Healthcare Workforce Development

Background:

• Florida has a deficit of International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) compared to the national average.
• Increasing IBCLC numbers, particularly from underrepresented groups, is crucial for supporting breastfeeding.
• Access to lactation education and clinical experience presents significant barriers for aspiring IBCLCs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess interest in a formal IBCLC training program in Florida.
• To identify perceived barriers and facilitators for completing such a program.
• To inform the development of a "Building a Better Breastfeeding Network" project.

Main Methods:

• An online survey was distributed to non-IBCLC students and maternal/child healthcare workers in Florida.
• Descriptive analyses were conducted using Microsoft Excel.
• The survey targeted diverse racial and ethnic groups across the state.

Main Results:

• A significant majority (86%) expressed interest in an IBCLC training program.
• Key barriers included program cost, while flexible schedules and financial aid were identified as facilitators.
• Interest in serving underserved or low-resource populations was high, with Black and Hispanic participants showing greater inclination.

Conclusions:

• A formal IBCLC training program in Florida shows strong potential for success due to high interest.
• Addressing financial barriers and offering program flexibility are critical for attracting diverse students.
• The findings support initiatives to expand the lactation consultant workforce, particularly in underserved areas.