What is a Lactation Consultant?
A Lactation Consultant, or IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant), has completed coursework, logged clinical practice hours, and passed a standardized exam that covers infant feeding, breast anatomy, milk production, management of breastfeeding complications, and stages of infant development. There are shorter courses that may certify an individual as a breastfeeding support specialist; however, this is different than an IBCLC.
Scientific research documents numerous benefits for the breastfeeding mother and baby. Support, encouragement and access to information are key to a successful breastfeeding experience. Lactation Consultants may be found in many types of settings including hospitals, doctor's offices, clinics or in private practice.
To find a lactation consultant, you can start by asking your doctor's office for a referral, or you can check with the hospital where you plan on delivering. You can also talk to friends who have recently breastfed and may have worked with a LC. You may go online to the International Lactation Consultants Association (ILCA) website (http://www.ilca.org/falc.html) to search in their state-by-state listings of board certified lactation consultants.
Learning to breastfeed can sometimes be challenging and confusing. Working with someone who can guide you though this experience with knowledge and experience will ease your fears and give you the confidence to succeed!
Types of services that may be offered by Lactation Consultants:
- Home visits
- Support groups
- Back to work support
- Prenatal breastfeeding classes
- Breastfeeding support and consultation
- Breastfeeding classes offered during your hospital stay
- Information on use of breast pumps
- Outpatient consults in a clinic or hospital
- A help line for questions after you have been discharged from the hospital