Why a Nurse Practitioner (and/or) an IBCLC?

Experience and skill set matter

Education and experience

Nurse practitioners (NPs) are registered nurses who have advanced university education and nursing experience. NPs are required to obtain thousands of practice hours prior to entering a rigorous Masters program. This combination enables them to have an increased skillset to provide full-service care. This includes the ability to assess, diagnose, order tests, prescribe, refer and manage full-scale care.

International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) are the gold standard of care for chestfeeding parents. IBCLCs complete specific education in human lactation and pass a certification exam. In addition, IBCLC candidates must have up to 1000 hours of breastfeeding counselling prior to challenging the exam. This combination of education and experience ensures families are getting highly qualified and specialized care.

It helps to have both when managing many women’s health, pediatric and family health concerns!

Skill set

Nurse Practitioners have the scope to:

  1. Assess and diagnose illnesses and conditions

  2. Order and interpret laboratory and diagnostic tests

  3. Prescribe medications

  4. Perform procedures

  5. Refer to specialists and other consultants.

NPs work in partnership with other healthcare practitioners such as physicians, midwives, mental health professionals, pharmacists and social workers to keep you and your family well.