Fellowship Pathway

The Fellowship Pathway is for physicians who have obtained extensive knowledge and skills supporting both the parent and the infant/child in Breastfeeding and Lactation Medicine AND have completed a NABBLM accredited fellowship program.

Fellowship Pathway Requirements

Educational Background and Licensure Requirements

  • Graduation from an accredited allopathic or osteopathic medical school in the United States or Canada, or possession of Final Certification by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) if graduated from a medical school in a different country.
  • Possession of a current, valid, unrestricted license to practice allopathic or osteopathic medicine in a state or jurisdiction of the United States, or province or territory of Canada.
  • Current or previous board-certification by a medical specialty board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) or the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) for physicians practicing in the United States OR current or previous certification by the College of Family Physicians of Canada or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada for physicians practicing in Canada.

Education Requirements

  • Successful completion of a NABBLM accredited fellowship program

Required Scope of Practice and Clinical Experience

  • The candidate must acknowledge and attest that they have the skills and knowledge to independently practice full scope Breastfeeding and Lactation Medicine. This practice involves both the parent and their infant/child throughout the whole duration of human lactation (2+ yrs) to include all of the following (more comprehensive list at NABBLM knowledge categories):
  • Taking a comprehensive BFL history of both the lactating parent and child
  • Performing an exam of the lactating breast
  • Performing a breast pump assessment
  • Evaluating infant oral anatomy and function
  • Evaluating feeding and assessing milk transfer
  • Evaluating infant and toddler growth
  • Ordering and interpreting labs and diagnostic imaging for parent and child
  • Documenting on both parent and child
  • Managing parent mental health concerns (screen, refer, treat)
  • Managing treatment for BFL conditions (e.g., mastitis, hyperlactation, vasospasm)
  • Managing milk production issues (e.g., insufficient or over-production)

List of NABBLM Accredited Programs

Fellowship Programs: LILAC | Lawrence Family Medicine Residency

Comprehensive Program: Deep Dive

Next Exam:
11/3/26-11/11/26

Application expected to open September 2026

Application fee: $100
Examination fee: $1500

Resources

Access essential resources to help you succeed in achieving your certification.

General Knowledge Areas for the Certification ExaminationTopics covered on the certification exam.
Exam BlueprintThis document outlines the structure of the certification exam, detailing the various sections and types of questions to help candidates prepare effectively.
Exam Candidate BookThe details on applying for and taking the exam.
NABBLM Policy ManualThis NABBLM policy handbook provides comprehensive guidelines on organizational policies, procedures, and standards, ensuring clarity and consistency for all members and stakeholders.