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Disclaimer: Although every effort is made to be accurate and up-to-date, this site is for information and education only and is not a substitute for medical advice, attention, diagnosis or treatment. If you are concerned about your health or that of your child, please consult your family's health care provider. Always check with your health care provider that you are doing what will be best for you and your baby.

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Helping mothers to succeed and thrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

A Lactation Consultant is a skilled health care professional who specializes in the evidence-based management of human lactation (breastfeeding), and in the assessment of breastfeeding women and their children. IBCLCs have the experience and skills necessary to help mothers breastfeed their babies in both routine and challenging situations. 

The International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) requires practitioners to have thousands of hours of experience in helping mothers with all aspects of breastfeeding and thorough education in human lactation as a prerequisite for taking the intensive international board exam. A Lactation Consultant is expected to maintain his/her credential with ongoing continuing education, and re-certification every five years. To ensure that a consultant has the minimum competencies to practice as a Lactation Consultant, see an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).

Hospital-based IBCLCs may offer in- and/or out-patient services at a local hospital, while those in private practice offer consultations in their office or in a client’s home. Lactation Consultants charge a fee for their service (which may be covered by health insurance).

Hospital-based IBCLCs may offer in- and/or out-patient services at a local hospital, while those in private practice offer consultations in their office or in a client’s home. Lactation Consultants charge a fee for their service (which may be covered by health insurance).

 

To read a great article on how to avoid a negative support experience and how to find a trustworthy and knowledgeable lactation consultant, click here.

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Because breastfeeding is so precious and important, there are many wonderful people who can help with preparation for and management of breastfeeding, including La Leche League Leaders, Breastfeeding Peer Counselors, Certified Lactation Counselors (CLCs) who have completed a course (of usually 5 days) and then passed an exam, and IBCLCs.

If you would like to ensure that your breastfeeding assistant is exceptionally qualified and experienced in evidence-based lactation management, choose a Lactation Consultant who is IBCLC certified.

A lactation consultation can reassure a mother and build her confidence in her ability to breastfeed her baby. Breastfeeding advice is personal, specific, current and evidence-based.

A Lactation Consultation may include the following:

· Review medical history to identify possible factors for concern

· Review of birth, and current and past breastfeeding experiences

· Visual and physical examination of the mother’s breasts,

· Assessment of the baby’s oral anatomy and suck

· Observation of at least one complete breastfeeding session

· Adjusting latch and positioning as necessary, with opportunity to practice the suggestions

· Assessment of baby’s intake, output, behavior and weight gain

· Weighing your baby on an accurate digital baby scale

· Assistance in reading baby's cues and recognizing when he/she is feeding effectively

· Written care plan summarizing recommendations

· Suggestions for the use of tools to enhance or maintain lactation

· Referral to any specialists or other services as needed

· Follow up, as needed

· A comprehensive report of the consultation will be sent to your or your baby’s physician, upon your request

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While breastfeeding is usually an enjoyable experience and it is a wonderful natural process, it is also a learned skill for both mother and baby. Sometimes there can be significant unexpected challenges. A skilled Lactation Consultant can help by giving her the understanding and practical tools that she needs to overcome them.

If you would like assistance in preparing to breastfeed your baby or babies, if you have had poor breastfeeding experiences in the past, or if you concerns with breastfeeding currently, a Lactation Consultant can help you.

Many mothers figure out breastfeeding on their own without the help of a lactation consultant, but a consultation can quickly facilitate comfortable and enjoyable breastfeeding, and prevent all sorts of stressful and negative experiences (including the sadness of ‘giving up’).

 

Schedule an in-home or in-hospital appointment with our IBCLC for any of the following:

Each insurance company and plan has different rules, and may cover all or a portion of the consult. Often hospital-grade breast pumps are covered by insurance if there is a specific medical need.

Payment in full (or as arranged in advance) is required at the conclusion of the consultation.

We will happily supply you with a “superbill” that lists insurance diagnosis codes after the consultation, for submission to your health insurance provider. Insurance claims are the responsibility of the client.

For additional assistance on getting your insurance claims paid, click here.

A doula is a woman who “mothers the mother”, encouraging and offering comfort techniques and practical support. There are Birth Doulas who help mothers through labor and delivery, and Postpartum Doulas who help when you get home. 

Returning home with one (or more!) babies can be a daunting task. Labor is exhausting and coping is harder if you are tired. Babies do not come with instruction books. Each one is unique.  A Doula can help with your questions, concerns, and help you feel more confident about your new life.

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Helping mothers to succeed and thrive.

Here are a few points to consider…

· Breastfeeding provides all a baby needs to develop and thrive for the first six months of life.

· Breastmilk is always available, fresh, in the right amount and at the right temperature.

· Breastmilk is a living fluid containing active cells that fight bad bacteria and viruses in your baby.

· Breastfeeding allows a baby to “borrow” immunity from the mother until his/her immune system matures.

· Breastfeeding is much cheaper and easier than bottle feeding.

· Breastfeeding is good for the environment: it does not need processing, packaging, transporting or manufacturing.

Babies fed artificial baby food (formula) are at risk:

· A five times higher risk of admission to hospital with diarrhea and vomiting.

· Twice as likely to die of SIDS.

· Higher number and severity of respiratory, ear and urinary tract infections.

· Lower average scores on tests of neurological development.

· Increased risk of allergies and greater intensity of problems from allergies.

· 20% higher risk of mortality in the first year of life.

· Increased risk of developing insulin-dependent diabetes as a child.

· Greater risk of obesity and higher blood pressure.

· Increased risk of breast and other cancers in mothers who don't breastfeed.

 

For much more information, please see “Other Resources”.

Every year, more evidence highlights the differences in health outcomes for formula fed babies vs. breast fed babies. Please note that even large scale international studies indicate generalized results. Not every, or even most formula fed babies are sick and not all breastfed babies are healthy. There are times that a baby should be fed infant formula. However, even a small amount of breastmilk can help mitigate the risks, so it is always worth trying to resolve difficulties.