Grandparenting Pathway

The Grandparenting Pathway is for physicians who are established in and have been actively practicing Breastfeeding and Lactation Medicine prior to the establishment of board certification in this field. These physicians have independently obtained extensive knowledge and skills supporting both the parent and the infant/child in Breastfeeding and Lactation Medicine as evidenced by dedicated longitudinal learning in the field and considerable hours of experience.

Grandparenting Pathway Requirements

This pathway opened in 2023 for the October 2023 pilot exam and will continue through the October 2025 exam cycle. Beginning in 2026 this pathway will be closed.

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

  • 45 CME credits directly related to Breastfeeding and Lactation Medicine (BFLM) over the past 3 years will be required to sit for the board exam.
  • A CME certificate must have been obtained.
  • Education from non-BFLM focused databases such as from Up-to-Date, Medscape, ect. 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 and Clinical Experience

  • In order to qualify for the grandparenting process, the applicant must have: 
  • Started practicing clinical Breastfeeding and Lactation Medicine after completion of medical training
  • Started independent practice before January 2020
  • Experience in BFLM practice for at least 3 of the last 4 years
  • The BFLM 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) 
  • Providing feeding supplementation recommendations
  • Over 1000 hours of patient facing time with parent and infant/child should be completed prior to application (for reference, ½ day of clinic per year is 200 hours).
Next Exam: April 2025

Application fee: $100
Examination fee: $1500

Effective 1/1/25 NABBLM will be changing from a differential cost structure to a universal fee structure. This will apply for both the application and examination fees. In an effort to fulfill a commitment we made during the grandparenting period, we will honor the discounted rate for Canadian applicants in the Grandparenting Pathway for the duration this pathway is open.

Resources

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

Candidate booklet for the Grandparenting In exam 2024The details on applying for and taking the exam.
General Knowledge Areas for the Certification ExaminationTopics covered on the certification exam.
Grandparenting-In Exam BlueprintThis document outlines the structure of the certification exam, detailing the various sections and types of questions to help candidates prepare effectively.
2023 Pilot 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.