IBCLC

IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant)

An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) is a healthcare professional who specializes in providing expert advice and support to breastfeeding mamas. IBCLCs are highly trained and certified to assist with a wide range of breastfeeding challenges, offering personalized guidance to promote successful breastfeeding. Their training includes extensive clinical hours, working hands-on with families, and didactic lectures to ensure competency.

Why you might want to consider an IBCLC during your breastfeeding journey

It’s important to recognize the benefits of working with an IBCLC and understand how to find the right one for your needs. Here are some considerations and tips:

Benefits

• Expert guidance: Provides professional advice on breastfeeding techniques, positioning, and latch to ensure effective feeding.
• Problem-solving: Helps address common breastfeeding issues such as nipple pain, low milk supply, engorgement, and mastitis.
• Emotional support: Offers encouragement and reassurance, helping to build confidence and reduce anxiety about breastfeeding.
• Personalized care: Tailors advice and support to your specific needs and breastfeeding goals.
• Resource connection: Connects you with additional resources, support groups, and healthcare providers as needed.

Tips for Finding an IBCLC

• Ask for recommendations: Seek recommendations from your obstetrician, pediatrician, midwife, primary care provider, or other healthcare professionals.
• Research online: Look for IBCLCs in your area using online directories, breastfeeding organization websites, or community health center listings.
• Check credentials: Ensure the consultant is certified by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE). The term “lactation consultant” is not regulated, but the term “IBCLC” is. Other lactation consultants may be CLCs (certified lactation consultants) or CBSs (certified breastfeeding specialists). These consultants are different than an IBCLC and require less training, but can still be helpful with many breastfeeding problems.
• Interview potential consultants: Schedule an initial consultation to discuss their experience, approach to care, and how they can meet your needs.
• Consider compatibility: Choose a consultant with whom you feel comfortable and who respects your breastfeeding goals and values.

Common Services Provided by IBCLCs

• Latching assistance: Help with achieving a proper latch to ensure effective feeding and prevent nipple pain.
• Milk supply support: Guidance on increasing or managing milk supply and understanding your baby’s feeding needs.
• Pumping: Information on how to pump effectively, store breastmilk, and manage feeding when away from your baby.
• Weaning: Support for transitioning from breastfeeding to solid foods or formula.
• Breastfeeding challenges: Assistance with common issues such as sore nipples, engorgement, mastitis, and tongue-tie.
• Education and resources: Offers information on breastfeeding techniques, newborn feeding patterns, and maternal nutrition.

Physical limitations or health circumstances

Certain conditions can influence the need for and use of an IBCLC:

• Low milk supply: Mamas concerned about low milk supply can find support and practical advice from IBCLCs.
• Latching difficulties: If you experience latching problems or pain, an IBCLC can provide tips and encouragement to help you and your baby.
• Postpartum depression: An IBCLC can offer emotional support and resources for managing postpartum depression and anxiety. Many new moms’ anxiety during the postpartum period can be worsened by feeding concerns; an IBCLC can help address these and empower mamas to feel confident in their abilities to provide for their babies.
• Preterm birth: Parents of premature babies may need specialized guidance on breastfeeding and maintaining milk supply.

Other terms

Understanding related terms can help you better manage your breastfeeding experience with the support of an IBCLC:

1. Latch: The way your baby attaches to your breast. A good latch is important for effective breastfeeding. Learn more about latching baby deeply.
2. Milk supply: The amount of breastmilk produced by the mama. IBCLCs can offer tips on how to increase or manage supply.
3. Engorgement: Swelling and discomfort of the breasts due to milk accumulation, which can be relieved with proper breastfeeding techniques.
4. Mastitis: An infection of the breast tissue that results in breast pain, swelling, warmth, and redness. IBCLCs can provide guidance on prevention and treatment.
5. Breastfeeding support group: A community of mamas who come together to share experiences, offer support, and gain information about breastfeeding.