What is a lactation consultant
What is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant?
An IBCLC is a health care professional who specializes in the clinical management of breastfeeding. IBCLCs are certified by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners Inc. under the direction of the US National Commission for Certifying Agencies. IBCLCs work in a variety of health care settings including hospitals, pediatric offices, public health clinics, and in private practice.
A Lactation Consultation May Be Helpful If:
- Your breasts or nipples hurt during or after breastfeeding.
- Your baby seems hungry after feeding.
- Your baby is wetting fewer than one diaper each 24 hours for each day of age up to five days (one on day 1, two on day 2, three on day 3, etc.), and then 6-8 per day from day five on; OR is stooling (pooping) less than 3-5 times a day in the first 6 weeks.
- Your baby is slow to gain weight.
- Your new baby is jaundiced.
- You have had breast surgery.
- You or your baby have a special health care need.
- Feeding is frustrating for you or your baby.
- Your baby is premature, hospitalized, or has a birth defect.
- You need to increase your milk supply or your baby's weight gain.
- You are planning to return to employment or school.
- You would like coaching to understand normal breastfeeding behavior.
