Succession Planning for Lactation Consultants

At a tertiary care center in the northeast, the international board-certified lactation consultants (IBCLCs) skilled at supporting families in the specialized NICU settings are nearing retirement age, necessitating a succession plan that includes education and preparation for the IBCLC exam and state licensure.

There was a lack of sufficient qualified nursing professionals to succeed the current IBCLCs. To become an IBCLC, prior to starting the role, the international board certification exam must be passed, followed by state licensure. The IBCLC role is more specialized in a neonatal intensive care (NICU) setting as compared with the postpartum unit, creating another potential gap in knowledge.

In 2023, a shared understanding of the need for continued breastfeeding and breastmilk feeding support, along with nurse education in the NICU, and succession planning for the IBCLC role created a collaborative effort between the hospital leaders, lactation consultants, and the union. Engaging stakeholders at various levels led to the successful initiation of the program.

Sixteen applicants were accepted into the inaugural cohort. The program was designed to support nurses who chose the IBCLC pathway, including dedicated clinical time in the NICU, postpartum, and outpatient settings, and test preparation support.

Support of nursing leaders and nursing peers who chose the IBCLC training was key. Of the 16 applicants, 14 have passed the exam. Two candidates are slated to take the exam next year. Three nurses secured IBCLC positions in the NICU and in the postpartum units. Other participants have stayed in their bedside positions, supporting breastfeeding across the hospital.