North American Board Of Breastfeeding And Lactation Medicine

Physicians are uniquely qualified to diagnose and manage breastfeeding and lactation-related problems using evidence-based medicine. Many lactating families need physician-level care and guidance for medical problems that impact breastfeeding and lactation such as breast masses, low milk production, hyperlactation, induction of lactation, complex medication regimens, thyroid disease, cancer, inflammatory health conditions, infections, etc. Breastfeeding and Lactation Medicine physicians often work alongside lactation consultants and other community supporters to provide team care for lactating families.

Physicians have been drawn to this field from a variety of training backgrounds, including pediatrics, medicine/pediatrics, family medicine, obstetrics/gynecology, breast surgery, preventive medicine, anesthesiology, infectious disease, and others. See our certification requirements. Breastfeeding and Lactation Medicine physicians evaluate, diagnose, and manage breastfeeding and lactation problems for both the lactating parent and the child. Licensed physicians in the USA or Canada are allowed to include all ages in their scope of practice, even if their training is within a certain age range.

The mission of NABBLM is to set the educational standards for the requisite knowledge and skills to practice Breastfeeding and Lactation Medicine, and to provide board certification.  

NABBLM encourages physicians to learn from those who have the experience and knowledge to practice and teach Breastfeeding and Lactation Medicine, and eventually from physicians who are board certified in Breastfeeding and Lactation Medicine. In addition, physicians who are trained in evidence-based breastfeeding and lactation care within their specialties, such as HIV Medicine specialists, psychiatrists, or anesthesiologists are important resources for further education.

The following organizations provide physician-level Breastfeeding and Lactation Medicine educational resources:

• The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine
• The Institute for the Advancement of Breastfeeding and Lactation Education
• The University of Rochester Breastfeeding and Lactation Fellowship
• The American Academy of Pediatrics
• Gold Learning
• Dr. MILK

NABBLM is currently preparing a board certification process for those who have been practicing Breastfeeding and Lactation Medicine for at least 3 of the last 4 years prior to the first board exam.  We are aiming for some time in 2024, but that is a moving target! For more information, see our certification requirements.

Sign up for our newsletter to receive updates on NABBLM’s progress.