WHAT IS AN IBCLC?
It takes a lot to be an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant.
(1000 hours of lactation support experience, 90 hours of lactation education, 14 health sciences/registered healthcare professional, 4 hour exam, 75 hours continuing education to re-certify every 5 years..)
We're considered the 'gold standard', and support every kind of infant feeding journey.
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But it's not really about us. It's about you.
IBCLCs are here for you and your baby.
Supporting you both as you figure out your way forward together, and cheering you on as you reach your goals, whatever they may be.
HOW CAN AN IBCLC HELP?
IBCLCs are skilled professionals. They can help with 'typical' challenges: cluster feeding; sleep; weaning; feeding in public for example; but they are able to help with more complex issues, including the following:
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Low milk supply
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Breastfeeding, chestfeeding after breast, chest surgery
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Feeding premature, small or poorly babies
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Slow weight gain
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Preparing to feed your baby
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Exclusive pumping
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Responsive bottle feeding
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Relactation & induced lactation
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Support with allergies / CMPA
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Reducing top ups
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Supporting feeding with tongue tie/tongue tie division
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Mastitis / blocked ducts
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Oversupply
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Combination feeding
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Tandem feeding
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Feeding multiples
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Breast, chest abscess
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Ongoing pain when feeding
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A newborn who can’t latch
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Clamping / biting / arching
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Feeding older babies
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Reflux / GERD / GORD
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Feeding through pregnancy, while you grow your baby
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Weaning, winding down
It's important to know who is supporting you.
You can check whether the person supporting you is an IBCLC here.