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Private Practice Lactation Specialists
What is a Lactation Consultant?
By Renee Beebe, M.Ed., IBCLC
A lactation consultant is a skilled healthcare professional who specializes in the study of the science of human lactation (breastfeeding), and in the assessment of breastfeeding women and their children. Lactation consultants come from a variety of professional backgrounds: nursing, education and midwifery to name a few. To ensure that a consultant has the minimum competencies recognized in the field, see an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).
The International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) requires at least 2500 hours of “breastfeeding consultancy,” a bachelor’s degree, and proof of specific education in lactation as a prerequisite for taking the exam. A lactation consultant is expected to maintain her credential with continuing education and re-certification.
Lactation consultants in private practice charge a fee for their work (sometimes covered by insurance) and hospital based clinics may charge a fee or be free (more likely if you’ve given birth in that particular hospital.
When should you seek the help of a lactation consultant?
Although breastfeeding usually is an enjoyable experience, a mother can face challenges in breastfeeding, and a lactation consultant can help by giving her the tools she needs to overcome them. Contact a lactation consultant if you experience any of the following:
- Any nipple pain in the first 24 hours after birth. Women are often told (or they think) the pain will get better over time or “it’s supposed to hurt at first.” It’s NOT supposed to hurt and this is usually a sign that something is not right —probably a problem with the baby’s latch.
- Bleeding, cracked or bruised nipples that are not getting better quickly. (Feeling/ looking better every day or even every feeding.)
- Inadequate or questionable weight gain or inadequate wet/dirty diapers any time. For the 1st 5 days a baby should have at least 1 wet diaper for every day s/he is old. For example; day 1 = 1 wet diaper, day 2 = 2 wet diapers, etc. After day 5 a baby should have at least 6 very wet diapers every day and at least 2 very soiled diapers.
- Baby cannot latch on the breast or seems to latch on but “falls off” after a short time.
- After day 2, baby is at the breast for long periods of times (over 45 minutes of continuous nursing) wants to go to the breast very frequently (every hour or more) or stays on the breast for a very short period of time (less than 5 minutes) or is unwilling to go to the breast at least every 3 hours.
- If you have had breast reduction or augmentation surgery.
A lactation consultant can help the identify the problem, develop a plan to address the problem so that you and your baby can enjoy a long, mutually beneficial breastfeeding relationship for as long as you and your baby desire.
A lactation consultant typically helps with a difficult, short-term situation and your relationship ends relatively quickly. Research shows however, that the most important factor contributing to maintenance of breastfeeding beyond the first few weeks is a good support system. For ongoing, long-term support, consider attending La Leche League meetings or other breast-feeding support groups in your area.
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