CLE vs. CLC: Which Lactation Certification Is Right for You?

When considering certifications in lactation support, two prominent options are the Certified Lactation Educator™ (CLE®) and the Certified Lactation Counselor® (CLC®). Here’s a comparative overview to assist in your decision-making:

Certified Lactation Educator™ (CLE®):

• Focus: Educating and supporting families about breastfeeding, preparing them for the breastfeeding journey, and teaching classes on lactation.
• Training Requirements: Completion of a 20-hour training program.
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• Certifying Organization: Offered by the Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association (CAPPA).
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• Scope of Practice: CLEs are qualified to teach families about preparing for their infant, how lactation works physiologically, common challenges to expect, and other general lactation support.

Certified Lactation Counselor® (CLC®):

• Focus: Providing clinical breastfeeding counseling and management support to families, addressing common breastfeeding challenges, and offering practical solutions.
• Training Requirements: Completion of a 45-hour course, followed by a certification exam.
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• Certifying Organization: Administered by the Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice (ALPP).
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• Scope of Practice: CLCs are trained to assess and provide care for families experiencing complex breastfeeding issues, incorporating evidence-based approaches to clinical practice as members of the healthcare team.

Considerations for Your Decision:

• Career Objectives: If your goal is to educate and prepare families for breastfeeding through classes and workshops, the CLE® certification may be more aligned with your interests. If you aim to provide hands-on clinical support and counseling to address breastfeeding challenges, the CLC® certification would be more appropriate.
• Existing Knowledge: Given your existing knowledge, you might find the CLC® course more comprehensive, as it delves deeper into clinical management and counseling techniques.
• Certification Process: Both certifications require completion of their respective training programs and passing a certification exam. The CLC® certification is valid for three years and requires 18 hours of continuing education for renewal.
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For more detailed information on each certification, you can visit the official websites of CAPPA for the CLE® certification and ALPP for the CLC® certification.