What is an IBCLC?
An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) is a health care professional who specializes in the management of breastfeeding support, to help improve breastfeeding outcomes.
An IBCLC is the only internationally recognised professional breastfeeding qualification. It is awarded by The International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE); the examining body. Before sitting the IBCLC exam, candidates must demonstrate extensive clinical experience (1000 hours) and advanced lactation education (at least 90 hours). They must abide by Professional Standards 1 and recertify every five years to ensure they are up to date. They can help with any breastfeeding issues including complex situations, high-risk babies, oral assessment and more.
Why You May Want To Hire An IBCLC?
An IBCLC like Diana, and Better Together Breastfeeding Support, can help get you on track and working towards your breastfeeding goals. IBCLC’s have the highest standards of care and take a thorough and wholistic approach to care for you and your baby. At Better Together Breastfeeding Support, you will be provided with knowledge and experience that is based on evidence based practice as we work through your breastfeeding challenges.
An IBCLC can help you with Prenatal Breastfeeding Education – To prepare you for your best start before baby comes. This will help to give you information and the tools to know how and when to start breastfeeding your baby. It will also give you information on how to promote and protect your supply if for some reason you are unable to initiate breastfeeding right after birth.
Some other reasons that you may benefit from a Lactation Consult, but are not limited to the following:
- Latching Difficulties
- Sore/Cracked Nipples
- Breast Pain
- Tongue Tie
- Low Milk Supply
- Pumping
- Paced Bottle Feeding
- Increasing Supply
- Slow/Poor Weight Gain
- Engorgement
- Plugged Ducts
- Mastitis
- Tandem Breastfeeding
- Starting solids
- Returning to work
- Weaning
- Reassurance and Guidance