North American Board Of Breastfeeding And Lactation Medicine

The North American Board of Breastfeeding and Lactation Medicine sets the standard in physician training, knowledge, skills, and certification in Breastfeeding and Lactation Medicine for Canada and the USA

Certification Requirements

For complete information please see our Candidate booklet exam 2024.  The booklet has details on qualifications to sit for the exam, as well as details on applying for and taking the exam.  The 2023 pilot exam candidate book is archived here.  The NABBLM policy manual can be reviewed at this link.

What are the topics covered on the certification exam?  See our list of General Knowledge Areas for the Certification Examination

The educational background and licensure requirements for NABBLM include the following:

  • 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 some other 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

Breastfeeding and Lactation Medicine Experience and Knowledge Requirements to Sit for the Grandparenting Board Exam Include:

  • Having practiced breastfeeding and lactation medicine independently post-training for 3 of the last 4 years at a diagnostic and management level.
  • 45 CME credits related to lactation over the past 3 years. The CMEs must be taught by physicians or PhD researchers who are knowledgeable about lactation. A CME certificate must have been obtained. Education from non-BFLM focused databases such as from Up-to-Date and Medscape are not acceptable (even when CME is awarded). In order to demonstrate consistent and longitudinal ongoing learning, at least 10 CME credits per year must have been earned during each of the last 3 years with a total of at least 45 CME credits.

Required Scope of Practice for the Grandparenting Board Exam:

  • Attestation to having the knowledge and skills to evaluate and manage both the lactating parent(s) and child(ren) when caring for breastfeeding or lactating patients.
  • Attestation to the understanding that breastfeeding and lactation medicine involves the care of both the parent(s) and child(ren), and acknowledgement that routine assessment of both are included in one’s medical decision making.

  • What is the scope of the exam? Check out the exam blueprint

NABBLM is compliant with the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes.

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