Barbara Haase1, Emily Brennan2, Carol L Wagner3. 1. 1 Medical University Of South Carolina, Department of Women's and Children's Services, Charleston, SC 29425, USA. 2. 2 Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) Library, Charleston, SC, USA. 3. 3 Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Pediatrics, Charleston, SC, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) have been in existence for over 3 decades, are currently represented in 110 countries, and have the only internationally recognized certification to provide safe and evidenced-based care for breastfeeding women and their infants. RESEARCH AIM: To review the literature about the efficacy of IBCLCs on breastfeeding outcomes as well as studies that have examined the effectiveness of the IBCLC's role. METHODS: The design was a scoping review of the literature and critical analysis using PRISMA guidelines of existing studies published from 2008-2019. Qualitative and quantitative studies were reviewed. RESULTS: Twelve (N =12) studies met inclusion criteria. Seven themes emerged in the analysis including studies of the role of IBCLCs in resident physician education; IBCLC's role in breastfeeding interventions and the management of breastfeeding problems; the impact of IBCLCs in inpatient and outpatient settings; and the impact of geographic access to IBCLCs on breastfeeding rates. Certification of and ongoing professional development of IBCLCs are also discussed. CONCLUSION: In this scoping review of existing literature assessing the effectiveness of IBCLCs in promoting and supporting breastfeeding, it is clear that IBCLCs play a positive role in supporting breastfeeding throughout the world. However, there are certain limitations that must be addressed. Recommendations for future research and clinical practice are discussed in the context of present limitations to breastfeeding expertise and support.
BACKGROUND: International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) have been in existence for over 3 decades, are currently represented in 110 countries, and have the only internationally recognized certification to provide safe and evidenced-based care for breastfeeding women and their infants. RESEARCH AIM: To review the literature about the efficacy of IBCLCs on breastfeeding outcomes as well as studies that have examined the effectiveness of the IBCLC's role. METHODS: The design was a scoping review of the literature and critical analysis using PRISMA guidelines of existing studies published from 2008-2019. Qualitative and quantitative studies were reviewed. RESULTS: Twelve (N =12) studies met inclusion criteria. Seven themes emerged in the analysis including studies of the role of IBCLCs in resident physician education; IBCLC's role in breastfeeding interventions and the management of breastfeeding problems; the impact of IBCLCs in inpatient and outpatient settings; and the impact of geographic access to IBCLCs on breastfeeding rates. Certification of and ongoing professional development of IBCLCs are also discussed. CONCLUSION: In this scoping review of existing literature assessing the effectiveness of IBCLCs in promoting and supporting breastfeeding, it is clear that IBCLCs play a positive role in supporting breastfeeding throughout the world. However, there are certain limitations that must be addressed. Recommendations for future research and clinical practice are discussed in the context of present limitations to breastfeeding expertise and support.
Entities:
Keywords:
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant; breastfeeding; breastfeeding benefits; breastfeeding duration; human milk
Authors: Bridget Basile Ibrahim; Julia D Interrante; Alyssa H Fritz; Mariana S Tuttle; Katy Backes Kozhimannil Journal: Children (Basel) Date: 2022-07-19