**Please note: I am not a doctor and any concerns with your baby’s health, milk intake or weight gain need to be addressed with a pediatrician. A Lactation Consultant should always be consulted but following a doctor’s directions for the health of your baby is most important while working on lactation issues.
Let’s be frank, breastfeeding isn’t always as “natural” as it is made out to be. For some, yes, it comes easy. For others, their entire experience is plagued with issues. Or perhaps you are somewhere in the middle with minimal issues but issues just the same.
Breastfeeding problems are more common than you would think.
So no matter where you fall on the “issues” spectrum, it is important not to feel discouraged.
Yes, breastfeeding should be a natural process and yes, most issues can be overcome but that doesn’t mean the journey is always easy. Sometimes it takes work.
A certified Lactation Consultant can be your best friend when it comes to issues that you cannot overcome. You may need to find a Lactation Consultant for advice if:
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You tried increasing your milk supply with minimal results -
Are having issues pumping and not seeing any output
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Suffering from clogged milk ducts
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Been experiencing sore nipples for extended period of time
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Unsure if your baby is getting enough milk
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Are considering supplementing
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Baby is experiencing weight gain issues
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Baby is not latching on your breast or is having difficulty
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Your baby cries at the breast
What is a Certified Lactation Consultant?
A Lactation Consultant is a professional breastfeeding specialist that is trained to help lactating mothers learn how to feed their babies, address milk supply issues, breast pain when feeding, low weight gain in breastfed babies, teaching mothers how to express milk using a breast pump, addressing latching issues, and much more.
A Lactation Consultant can work in a doctor’s office, hospital, clinic, or have a private practice. They will have taken and passed the license exam given by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBCLE). It is a lengthy process to become certified and requires not only education courses but also many, many hours of hands on supervised work with lactation mothers.
This is why getting the professional advice from a one is so valuable. They have the education and training to address even the most difficult breastfeeding issues.
It should be noted that a person can call themselves a “lactation consultant” without getting the internationally recognized certification (IBCLC) since the term is not trademarked. They may have taken some simple, short courses. It is best to look for a consultant that has the trademarked IBCLC as their credential. They have the education and training to best assist you.
Working with a Certified Lactation Consultant can make or break a mother’s breastfeeding success in some cases. Most issues can be addressed. Some take time and patience but working with a professional will greatly increase your odds of achieving your breastfeeding goals.
How to Find a Lactation Consultant
With the internet, finding a lactation consultant is just a few clicks away! Here are some websites and resources that you can use to search for a Lactation Consultant near you:
- ILCA – International Lactation Consultant Association: Easy way to search for a certified IBCLC around the world.
- USLCA – United States Lactation Consultant Association: Here you will find Private Lactation Consultants that can make home visits, consultations in a clinic or private setting, and referrals for breast pumps and supplies.
- La Leche League – Your local group leaders can often refer you to a certified lactation consultant.
- Your Hospital – Typically while you are in the hospital after giving birth, a Lactation Consultant will visit you or at the very least will be available if you request one. I highly recommend that you do try to see one before you leave the hospital. They typically will give you information to take home on how to contact them once you are home should you have any questions or issues. Keep this information and use it! If you lost it or never received it, simply call your hospital and ask if they have a Lactation Consultant that you can speak with.
- Breastfeeding Support Groups -Facebook groups or other online support groups are a great way to ask for a lactation consultant referral. Look for groups in your area.
- Breastfeeding USA – Like La Leche League, this organization offers support groups and resources for moms. Your local leader will be able to recommend an LC.
What to Expect at your Appointment with a Lactation Consultant
Your visit with a Lactation Consultant will be a one-on-one, hands-on consultation.
During this appointment, your Lactation Consultant may/will (note: An LC may not do all the following. It will depend on the issues you are facing/experiencing):
Gather a history of the issue you are experiencing/ask questions- Assess your baby – check their mouth for lip/tongue ties
- Assess your breast and nipples
- Weight your baby before and after breastfeeding to get the exact ounces your baby is taking in
- Observe you breastfeeding your baby
- Help you hands-on with latching your baby and showing you different holds while breastfeeding
- Help educate you on overcoming the issue you are facing and show you how
- Assist with fitting you with breastshields for pumping
- Show you how to use a breast pump or help you with a hospital grade rental
- Answer any of your questions
To get the most out of your visit, write down your questions beforehand so you don’t forget anything. Wear a nursing-friendly top and nursing bra as your consultant will need to observe how you are feeding and latching your baby.
Will Insurance Cover My Consultation with a Lactation Consultant?
The answer to this is that it depends…
The Affordable Care Act of 2010 covers a broad range of topics one of those was requiring that health care plans cover breastfeeding support and supplies. The coverage amounts and specific for each individual plan will vary, however.
The first step would be calling your health care provider and asking them the following questions:
- Are Lactation Services covered by your plan?
- How many consultations/visits will they cover?
- Do they have an in-network list of consultants you need to use?
- Will they reimburse for consultants outside your network?
Lactation Consultants will offer cash options so you can opt to pay out of pocket. That fee will vary depending on where you live and the services you need but you might expect to pay a hundred dollar or more for a consultation.
Never let a problem continue to grow because you are afraid to ask. Remember, you are NOT alone and there are recourses available to help you work through any issues you are facing!
Have questions about the process of finding a Lactation Consultant or what to expect at your appointment? Drop me a comment below!
Here are Some Common Pumping Issues and What you Can do About Them –
Clogged Ducts & Mastitis & Pumping, oh my!
Not Pumping Enough Breast Milk
Why does My Breast Milk Smell Sour?
Thrush While Pumping – What is it & How to Get Rid of it
Pinning it For Later!
It’s good to know that there are a lot of organizations to choose from when it comes to looking for a lactation consultant. I’m planning to have a baby with my husband soon and I would like to make my pregnancy as natural as possible. Obviously, that will also have to involve being able to produce enough breastmilk for my baby after I give birth.
It’s good to know that an in-home lactation consultant has the right education and training to address even the most difficult breastfeeding issues. My wife just gave birth to our son and she appears to have some problems with lactation and breastfeeding. I guess I have to reach out to the experts and have them come to our wife so that they can work out on the issues that she is experiencing.
Hi James,
Working with a certified lactation consultant is always the best first step in addressing breastfeeding issues. Some issues can be resolved very easily and quickly with proper technique so you are doing the right thing by contacting one! I think all new mothers should visit a LC a few times to help them feel more comfortable and reassure them that they are doing everything right. Misinformation is one of the reasons so many moms wean too early.