IBCLC Practice Exam 2025 – All-in-One Guide to Excelling in Your Lactation Consultant Certification!

The principle that refers to the duty to do good is beneficence. This ethical principle emphasizes the importance of actions that promote the well-being of individuals and the community. In the context of healthcare and lactation consulting, beneficence involves taking actions that contribute positively to the health and welfare of patients, such as providing support and guidance to breastfeeding mothers.

Beneficence goes beyond merely avoiding harm; it actively requires practitioners to take steps that enhance the quality of care and support they provide. For lactation consultants, this might include implementing evidence-based practices to encourage successful breastfeeding, addressing the unique needs of mothers and infants, and advocating for policies that promote breastfeeding in the community.

By focusing on the ethical obligation to do good, healthcare providers can ensure that their actions align with the ultimate goal of fostering positive health outcomes and enhancing the quality of life for their patients. This principle is foundational in medical ethics and guides professionals in making decisions that are beneficial to those they serve.