CLC vs. IBCLC: What’s the Difference — and Why Families Deserve Both
If you're searching for breastfeeding support or wondering who to contact when your baby won’t latch, you’re not alone. Many new parents find themselves trying to choose between a Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).
But here’s the truth: it’s not about choosing one over the other. It’s about understanding how these two roles work together to support families.
At Live Light Birth & Family, we believe in layered care—ensuring you receive the right support at the right time.
What Is a Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC)?
A CLC provides foundational, evidence-based lactation support. CLCs are trained to assist with:
Prenatal breastfeeding and chestfeeding education
Latch and positioning guidance
Normal infant feeding behavior
Early troubleshooting of common feeding issues
CLCs are often the first point of contact for families navigating the early days of infant feeding. They are highly skilled in supporting new parents through common challenges and identifying when more specialized care is needed.
At Live Light, our postpartum doulas are trained in newborn feeding basics, and our in-house CLC, Claire Dixon, is available for direct support during the early postpartum period.
What Is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)?
An IBCLC is a clinical lactation professional with the highest credential available in the field. IBCLCs specialize in:
Complex latch or milk transfer concerns
Feeding issues with premature or NICU babies
Assessment of tongue and lip ties
Support for induced lactation or relactation
Addressing hormonal or anatomical concerns that affect milk supply
When challenges move beyond the scope of a CLC, families are referred to IBCLCs for advanced clinical care.
It’s Not Either/Or — It’s a Continuum of Care
Lactation support is not a hierarchy. It’s a care continuum, much like other areas of maternal health:
Midwives specialize in supporting physiologic, low-risk birth
OBs manage more complex clinical situations
Maternal-fetal medicine doctors handle high-risk pregnancies
In the same way, CLCs and IBCLCs complement one another. Each plays an essential role in supporting families through their feeding journey.
When providers collaborate rather than compete, families receive timely, appropriate, and effective care.
What Collaborative Lactation Support Looks Like at Live Light
At Live Light Birth & Family, our model centers on collaboration. Our postpartum doulas are trained to recognize typical newborn feeding behaviors and to flag when something may require additional attention.
Claire Dixon, our in-house CLC, provides direct access to foundational lactation support, reducing wait times and offering real-time guidance. If advanced care is needed, she refers to our trusted network of community IBCLCs. This model creates true continuity of care and ensures that families are supported at every level.
Why Layered Care Matters
When each provider works within their scope and refers intentionally, families benefit in multiple ways:
Faster access to the right type of support
Reduced stress and fewer delays in care
Clear expectations and better outcomes
A more sustainable system for care providers
Families deserve a team, not a single hero. When we normalize collaboration, everyone benefits.
Looking for Lactation Support in Detroit?
Whether you're preparing for your first feeding experience or navigating unexpected challenges, Live Light Birth & Family is here to support you.
Our care team can help you understand what’s normal, what’s not, and when to connect with a specialist. With in-house support and strong community partnerships, you’ll never have to figure it out alone.
Contact us today to learn more about our postpartum and lactation services.