Consultation

What takes place at a lactation consultation?

Lactation consultations are offered in the privacy and comfort of the mother's home.  Mothers often request lactation consultations prior to the birth of their baby so that they can be better prepared when their newborn arrives.  After the baby is born, lactation consultations generally last 1 ½ hours and consist of:

• A discussion to obtain a history of the pregnancy and birth as it relates to breastfeeding
• Review of recent feedings
• Infant weight check on a digital scale to determine adequate intake of breast milk
• Physical assessment of mother and baby as it relates to breastfeeding
• Observation of a feeding and assistance if needed
• Discussion of options to resolve feeding difficulties
• Development of an individualized plan of care to enable mothers to successfully meet their breastfeeding goals
• Collaboration with the mother's and infant's physicians as needed
• Follow-up phone calls

What is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)?

An IBCLC is a highly skilled health care professional who specializes in the clinical management of breastfeeding. International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) have demonstrated specialized knowledge and clinical expertise in breastfeeding and human lactation and are certified by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE).  There are more than 17,000 International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) who are providing breastfeeding assistance to mothers and children in 75 countries around the world.

How might an IBCLC assist breastfeeding mothers?
An IBCLC is an invaluable asset to breastfeeding mothers.  IBCLCs provide:

• Support and encouragement to enable mothers to successfully meet their breastfeeding goals
• Comprehensive maternal, child and feeding assessments
• Assistance in developing and implementing an individualized feeding plan in consultation with the mother
• Information to facilitate optimal breastfeeding technique
• Assistance to prevent and manage common breastfeeding issues such as poor latch, inadequate breast milk transfer or supply, nipple or breast pain, and calming a fussy baby
• Strategies to assist with milk expression and storage for mothers who must be separated from their babies
• Strategies for maintaining breast milk supply after returning to work or school
• Assistance for breastfeeding mothers in challenging situations, such as breastfeeding twins or triplets, a premature or sick infant, or infants with specific medical conditions