15 Reasons To Call A Lactation Consultant (Today)

Breastfeeding is a mother's gift to herself, her baby, and the earth. ~Pamela K. Wiggins

A lactation consultant is a trained professional who can help women learn how to feed their babies from the breast. The title "Lactation Consultant" is not trademarked, and may be used by lactation professionals with varying degrees of experience and education. Each professional and supporter has a passion for breastfeeding, and a valuable place within the lactation community. 

 

An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) has met the extensive clinical and educational qualifications for, and passed the exam given by, the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBCLE). Because it is an international organization, the standards and scope of practice for IBCLCs are the same worldwide. IBCLCs provide evidence-based lactation support for you and your baby and are especially important if you are having significant problems with milk supply, have a baby that is preterm or has medical challenges, if you've had a previous undesireable breastfeeding experience, or if you are feeding multiple children. Essentially, if you are having challenges initiating or sustaining breastfeeding for any reason, it is a great idea to call a lactation consultant. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, certain lactation services and supplies are covered by insurance and tax-deductible. Find an IBCLC or other breastfeeding support in your area here, to address any of the concerns below: 

1. To help guide you on how often your baby should be nursing

2. To help your baby achieve a proper latch and teach you how to facilitate that latch... to avoid pain or blisters

3. To review positions and holds that are optimal for you and your baby

4. To help determine if you are producing enough milk (Spoiler Alert: You probably are)

5. To help you find ways to increase and maintain your milk supply 

6. To ask questions about prescribed supplementation or medication

7. To help navigate the world of pumping and storage

8. To help guide your food and beverage choices, as well as the frequency of your meals and snacks

9. To answer questions about nursing a baby with a cleft palate, lip tie, tongue tie, or other differences

10. To help identify the signs and symptoms of infections like thrush or mastitis

11. To provide techniques to overcome gastroesophogeal reflux (GERD).

12. To help address issues such as colic, gas, and general fussiness that may be related to nursing. 

13. To ask about feeds that are too short (less than 5 minutes), or too long (more than 50 minutes).

14. To address fussing, crying, or clicking sounds at the breast.

15. To get help with an infant who is avoiding the breast after a nursing pattern has been established. 

Also, if mom feels like something just isn’t right it probably isn’t and it’s time to call the lactation consultant.

 7 Things You Might Not Know About Lactation Consultants

Some of the less complex breastfeeding issues may be easily addressed by other lactation professionals including:

Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) has taken a 45-hour class, and has passed the corresponding exam. Successful completion of the course signifies that the learner has met the required competencies and has a firm grounding in information and counseling skills required to provide basic support to breastfeeding mothers and children. Successful candidates have demonstrated competency in breastfeeding counseling, breastfeeding assessment and support skills. 

Certified Lactation or Breastfeeding Educator has taken a 20+ hour course in order to teach breastfeeding classes, usually in hospitals and clinics. Lactation Educators may work with pregnant women and their families in community perinatal health programs such WIC. They may be employed in a “Store” or “boutique” that rents or sells breastfeeding clothes and equipment.
 

Link: Lactation Consultants Need To Diversify Yesterday 

by Kimberly Seals Allers of Mocha Manual 

WIC Peer Counselors receive a 20-hour training course that includes breastfeeding basics, counseling skills, and emphasis on the role of peer counselors in making referrals for circumstances outside the realm of normal breastfeeding. They serve as role models help new moms in their first days of breastfeeding and provide information about what moms can expect during the first days and weeks of baby’s life. They also provide follow-up counseling on the phone or in the clinic. There is evidence indicating that peer support is often more effective in helping a mother to initiate and sustain breastfeeding over time, than other lactation professionals. 

 

Breastfeeding Support Organizations like Reaching Our Sisters Everywhere (ROSE)  Breastfeeding USA, and La Leche League host mom-to-mom meetings, facilitated by an experienced mother who is trained in basic breastfeeding education, counseling, support, and referrals. 

OB/Gyns, Midwives, Pediatricians, and Nurses are highly skilled in their areas, but rely on the support of specially trained lactation professionals to resolve breastfeeding issues. Ask your provider for a referral if you have questions or concerns about your breastfeeding journey. 

Birth Doulas, Postpartum Doulas, Mothers, Sisters, Friends, Husbands, and other Moms can also offer great breastfeeding support in their own way, but read this first! 

Online Support Groups, Breastfeeding Hotlines, Local Coalitions, and Books can also be a source of breastfeeding support, or stress relief.

We celebrate everyone who makes breastfeeding accessible, manageable, and sustainable! 

How were you most supported along your breastfeeding journey? 

 

How have you helped to support another mom on hers?