Parent FAQ

An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) provides breastfeeding support and research based information. IBCLC is a globally recognised qualification of expertise in breastfeeding assistance. All IBCLCs have passed an exam and partake in continuous education to keep their skills updated with recent research. All of the Lactation Consultants listed below are currently Board Certified. To check if another Lactation Consultant is a currently certified IBCLC you can go to: http://iblce.org/resources/iblce-registry/

Breastfeeding is the normal and natural way to feed your baby. In the majority of cases, the breastfeeding relationship is successful and positive, but occasionally difficulties arise which may benefit from professional help. Each mother and baby pair are unique and breastfeeding problems vary. A private Lactation Consultant can support you in all situations; for example, if you are unsure whether the breastfeeding is going well, if breastfeeding ended prematurely for you previously, if you or your baby have specific needs. She will assess you and your baby and then help you make a plan for your particular issue. Most breastfeeding issues can be resolved. A Lactation Consultant may also provide individual antenatal consultations or group sessions which may be beneficial to both parents. You can discuss getting off to a good start with breastfeeding or review any difficulties with a previous baby and make a plan to avoid re-occurrence.

At an individual post natal consultation, the Lactation Consultant will take a complete history of the breastfeeding to date and a history of the pregnancy, labour and birth, including any medical issues you may have. Then she will assess you and your baby for breastfeeding issues, generally including an observation of a breastfeeding session. She will support you with your specific issue, for example making the latch more effective. A follow up visit or follow up phone call may or may not be needed to address any outstanding issues that you may still be having. Some IBCLCs provide group postnatal sessions for general learning about breastfeeding and sharing ideas with other new mothers.

Private Lactation Consultant visits will vary in price, depending on the practitioner, service, and travel time (if needed). Please ask your individual Lactation Consultant about this.

Some Private Lactation Consultants will visit you in your own home, and some have an office or clinic for you to travel to. Most are available for phone consultations or follow up consultations, and some are available by Skype. Please ask your individual Lactation Consultant about this.

Look in surrounding counties, as many Lactation Consultants will travel to see patients.

You can verify an IBCLC through the IBLCE website by clicking here.

Some Private Health Insurance plans will reimburse for Private Lactation Consultant visits, so please consult with your individual insurer about this.

If you have a complaint about an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, please go to http://iblce.org/resources/disciplinary-procedures/ ALCI does not endorse any product or service.