What is a Lactation Consultant?
What is an IBCLC?
An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) is a health care professional who specializes in the clinical management of breastfeeding. IBCLCs are certified by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners, Inc. (www.iblce.org) under the direction of the U.S. National Commission for Certifying Agencies.
When is lactation support needed ?
- Latching or positioning difficulties
- Painful nipples
- If baby has a low output of wet or dirty nappies
- If your baby is unsettled or cries excessively
- With any sore, cracked or bleeding nipples
- Engorged or painful breasts
- Oversupply or undersupply
- Baby has a low weight gain
- If feedings last longer than 1 hour
- If baby is fussy/wakeful or colicky
- Mastitis
- Returning to work
- Special circumstances, twins, maternal health ie: diabetes, hypertension in pregnancy.