Abstract
BackgroundOptimising breastfeeding rates is a public health priority. Studies have shown that all forms of extra breastfeeding support increase breastfeeding rates, including support provided by trained health professionals. International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) are trained healthcare professionals in the clinical management of breastfeeding and human lactation. The IBCLC certification is a sought-after credential and can only be obtained after passing the exam administered by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE). In Slovenia and Croatia, the IBLCE exam has been offered since 2006 and 2009, respectively. In this study, our aim was to 1) determine which candidate characteristics are associated with a passing grade on the IBLCE exam; and 2) analyse differences between candidates from Slovenia and Croatia, given Slovenians’ higher achievements in the past.MethodsIn February, 2017, a 4-page, 36-question survey was sent via Survey Monkey to the available email addresses of all past IBLCE exam candidates in Croatia and Slovenia. Questions covered sociodemographic data, breastfeeding education, exam preparation, motivation and experience taking the IBLCE exam.ResultsNinety-two participants completed the online survey: 36 from Croatia and 55 from Slovenia, giving a response of 47 and 52%, respectively. No significant difference was found in pass rates between the two countries, despite Slovenians being younger and spending more time observing normal breastfeeding dyads. Variables found to be significantly more common among respondents who passed the IBLCE exam included: attending breastfeeding conferences/symposiums, using a breastfeeding atlas and studying with others. Statistical predictors of IBLCE exam success were: number of hours of bedside teaching, perceived clarity of photographs and breastfeeding conference/symposium attendance. Respondents who reported that they had attended a breastfeeding conference/symposium, had less hours of bedside teaching and perceived exam photographs as completely clear, were 7.49 (95% CI 2.26, 24.84), 0.48 (95% CI 0.28, 0.82), and 3.49 (95% CI 1.17, 10.41) times more likely to pass the exam, respectively.ConclusionBreastfeeding conference attendance, less bedside teaching and perceived clarity of exam photographs may be predictors of IBLCE exam success. Further studies on larger samples of exam candidates are required to confirm our findings and determine other factors associated with passing the IBLCE exam.
Highlights
Optimising breastfeeding rates is a public health priority
Apart from being a clinical expert in the management of breastfeeding and human lactation, International board certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) contribute to breastfeeding programs and policies, conduct necessary research, advocate for optimal infant and young child feeding, provide education to families and health professionals, and collaborate with all involved in the care of mothers, infants and children
Two questions (Question 16 and Question 17) were from Hartwig and Dunlosky’s survey on study strategies of college students [11].We addressed the following topics: sociodemographic characteristics, previous breastfeeding education, International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners’ (IBLCE) exam preparation and IBCLE exam experience
Summary
Studies have shown that all forms of extra breastfeeding support increase breastfeeding rates, including support provided by trained health professionals. International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) are trained healthcare professionals in the clinical management of breastfeeding and human lactation. A recent Cochrane systematic review of 100 randomised controlled trials found that all forms of extra breastfeeding support increase breastfeeding rates, including support provided by trained health professionals [2]. International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) are certified healthcare professionals in the clinical management of breastfeeding and human lactation. To obtain the IBCLC credential, candidates must pass a rigorous exam, having satisfied the prerequisites of extensive clinical practice experience in management of lactation/breastfeeding and education in human lactation, breastfeeding and general health sciences [4]
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