Lactation Professional Articles

  • What are CERPS and I-LEH?

CERPs or Continuing Education Recognition Points are special education points for lactation consultants. CERPs are a type of continuing education credit awarded to lactation professionals who participate in certain types of lactation education programs. CERPs are recognized and awarded by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE), which is the organization responsible for certifying lactation professionals as International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs).

There are three types of CERPs

L-CERPs: Lactation Continuing Education Recognition Points are for education specifically for Lactation Consultants

    Examples include:

    • Breast anatomy in relation to lactation
    • Clinical skills for IBCLCs
    • Clinical documentation for IBCLCs
    • Influence of culture on breastfeeding
    • The Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding
    • Breastfeeding management
    • Breastfeeding research
    • Nutrition during lactation

    E-CERPs: Ethics Continuing Education Recognition Points are for education on Ethics related to IBCLC practice

      Examples include:

      • Practice ethics for lactation consultants
      • Informed Consent
      • Health workers and the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes
      • Conflict of interest
      • Knowing your limits; when to refer
      • Human rights and infant feeding choice
      • Dealing with a colleague whose practice is not based on scientific principles and up-to-date information
      • Copyright and intellectual property

      R-CERPs: Related Continuing Education Recognition Points for education related to Lactation but not specifically for Lactation Consultants.

        Examples include:

        • General anatomy
        • Infant growth and development
        • Research methods and statistics
        • Cultural differences in health practices
        • Cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
        • Postpartum depression
        • Counseling or communications skills
        • Adult education principles
        • Family dynamics
        • Infant Massage Practices
        • Nutrition (if not lactation-specific)
        • Complementary therapies (overview sessions only)

        One CERP is equivalent to sixty (60) minutes of instructional time in subjects listed above as provided by IBCLE. You can get CERPs from events or online classes. 

        I-LEHs are India Lactation Education hours. While CERPs are globally recognized and in the context of international expertise and learning, The I-LEHs are specific to India. Breastfeeding and lactation issues are similar in terms of anatomy, however, they are also dictated by racial, social, and cultural factors. Therefore, for a Lactation Professional practicing in India, it is important to include India-specific coursework in his / her education. I-LEHs are recognized by ALPI (Association of Lactation Professionals India). Programs offering I-LEHs have been evaluated and approved by ALPI.

        Begin Ed India offers both CERPs and I-LEHs through its various course options, training, and conferences. Begin Ed India is India’s FIRST long-term CERP Provider through IBCLE (CL2023-1IN).

        To obtain additional information go to the IBLCE website: IBCLC Commission  ibclc-commission.org.

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