1. Number of Certified Lactation Consultants
- International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC) Count:
- As of recent estimates (2023), there are approximately 5,000 to 6,000 IBCLCs practicing in the United States. This number has been gradually increasing as more professionals seek certification, but it may not be sufficient to meet the growing demand.
2. Demand for Lactation Consultants
- Birth Rates and Breastfeeding Trends:
- The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that in 2022, about 83% of infants were ever breastfed, and 58% were breastfed at 6 months.
- Increasing awareness of breastfeeding benefits has led to higher demand for lactation support services in hospitals, clinics, and community settings.