In plain words
A lactation consultant is a health professional who helps with breastfeeding and pumping. Many hold a credential called , which stands for International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. That credential requires specific training, supervised clinical hours, and an international board exam. Lactation consultants can help with latch, milk supply, pain, infant weight checks, pumping, and feeding babies with special needs. They may work in hospitals, clinics, offices, or private practice. Some are nurses, doctors, or dietitians, and some are peer counselors with a different kind of training. A provider can refer a mother to one. Coverage for visits depends on insurance or program.
The deeper version
The International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) credential is administered by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE). It requires health-science or lactation-specific education, a minimum number of supervised clinical hours, and passing an examination covering lactation physiology, infant feeding assessment, and clinical management. Lactation consultants use , structured latch and oral assessment tools, and feeding observation, and they coordinate with physicians and pediatricians on medication, , and weight questions. Evidence that lactation support improves breastfeeding duration comes mostly from observational studies and trials of support services. The controversy concerns whether credentialed care adds benefit beyond trained .
Where it comes up
- Finding a lactation consultant (and what IBCLC means)Feeding Your Baby
- Tongue and lip tiesFeeding Your Baby
- Getting a deep latchFeeding Your Baby
- Low milk supply: real, perceived, and what helpsFeeding Your Baby
What mothers here say about lactation consultant
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Sources
- International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners — IBCLC Certification Requirements
- World Health Organization and UNICEF — Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative: Revised, Updated and Expanded for Integrated Care, 2009