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Advanced Lactation Consultant (ALCs) and Advanced Nurse Lactation Consultants (ANLCs) are individuals who have successfully completed the Healthy Children Project’s Advanced Issues in Lactation Practice Certification Program, an Accredited ANCC Nursing Skills Competency Program™ and are also certified by the Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice (ALPP).
ALCs and ANLCs have successfully completed a 45-hour training and have successfully passed a criterion-referenced examination, and demonstrated the competencies and skills required to provide safe, evidence-based counseling for pregnant, lactating and breastfeeding women including:
- Ability to construct and maintain conditions that predispose mothers and babies to an uncomplicated breastfeeding experience through counseling, education and support;
- Ability to monitor and evaluate behavioral, cultural and social conditions predisposing mothers and babies to an uncomplicated breastfeeding experience;
- Ability to assess for, monitor and evaluate physical conditions that predispose mothers and babies to a complex breastfeeding experience;
- Ability to monitor and evaluate behavioral, cultural and social conditions that predispose mothers and babies to complex breastfeeding experiences;
- Ability to identify and advocate for aspects of breastfeeding management programs that facilitate optimal health outcomes;
- Ability to assess breastfeeding using a multi-faceted approach;
- Ability to use counseling skills and techniques that are supportive to breastfeeding mothers and babies;.
- Ability to identify and advocate for public health strategies that serve to protect breastfeeding;
- Ability to coordinate care consistent with standards of professional ethics and behavior;
According to the ANCC, the ANCC’s Nursing Skills Competency Program addresses concerns regarding competency by validating that a skills program meets national design standards. It offers a national performance benchmark for selecting continuing education and skills training courses. Participants can validate and claim continued proficiency in their specialized skills. ALPP develops and administers the ALC/ANLC examination to assess the knowledge and skills that underlie competent practice in lactation counseling. The development, administration and scoring of the ALC/ANLC exam, after participants have met the skills competency requirements, promotes competency in lactation management, skills, and knowledge and thereby fulfills the mission of ALPP.
The purpose of the ALC and ANLC certification is to protect the public by identifying individuals who have advanced competencies in lactation management skills and knowledge.
This scope of practice addresses the foundation activities that ALCs and ANLCs have the knowledge and skill to accomplish. Many individuals who hold the ALC or ANLC credential have other licensure and education, including nurses, peer counselors, doulas, dietitians, nutritionists, physicians, midwives, occupational and speech therapy, mental health counselors, etc. Because of the diverse background and training of ALCs and ANLCs, this listing does not encompass activities that many ALCs and ANLCs may conduct under the umbrella of other licensure, training, or knowledge.
Thus, the ALPP ALC or ANLC has demonstrated readiness to:
- Promote breastfeeding as the optimal method of infant feeding and care.
- Counsel and educate pregnant women and mothers regarding breastfeeding.
- Conduct comprehensive assessment of mother and child related to breastfeeding
- Develop a care plan specific to the needs identified through assessment and counseling
- Assess the needs of women and babies who are at risk of, or currently experiencing lactation difficulties, providing care and triaging referral to other care providers as needed