What is an IBCLC?

International Board Certified Lactation Consultants(IBCLCs) are trained to international standards in supporting mothers and babies in their breastfeeding journey. They have extensive knowledge of all areas related to lactation and are qualified to help with both simple and more challenging breastfeeding issues.

All IBCLCs are initially certified by examination by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners and are required to recertify every 5 years either by exam or accredited continuing education programs. IBCLCs are required to abide by a code of professional conduct and ethics.  All IBCLCs are listed on the international register:  www.iblce.org

 

Certification as an IBCLC protects the public by identifying qualified lactation consultants, increasing patient confidence, and helping to sustain a maternal-child health team that delivers evidence-based care for new families.

 

How IBCLCs make a difference

The first month is a critical time during which the right support can help women who experiences problems such as painful nipples, inadequate milk supply (real or perceived), or infant-based challenges. Women that don’t receive this support will often feel frustrated and are likely to stop breastfeeding earlier than they had hoped.

A lactation consultant can help women to overcome these difficulties, empowering them to breastfeed for as long as they want.

 

 

A Lactation Consultation May Be Helpful If:

 

• Your breasts or nipples hurt during or after breastfeeding.

• Your baby seems hungry after feeding.

• Feeding is frustrating for you or your baby.

• You would like coaching to understand normal breastfeeding behavior.

• You are planning to return to employment or school.

• Your baby is wetting fewer than one nappy each 24 hours for each day of age up to five days (one on day 1, two on day 2, three on day 3, etc.), and then 6-8 per day from day five on; OR is stooling (pooping) less than 3-5 times a day in the first 6 weeks.

• Your baby is slow to gain weight.

• Your new baby is jaundiced.

• You have had breast surgery.

• You or your baby have a special health care need.

• Your baby is premature, hospitalized, or has a birth defect.

• You need to increase your milk supply or your baby's weight gain.