When you’re pregnant or a new mom, breastfeeding support is one of the most important things you can get. A lactation consultant or certified lactation counselor can help with your goals and any challenges that you may face during breastfeeding.
Both of these professionals undergo extensive training and education to provide competent expertise and knowledge to you. They work in hospitals, doctor’s office, WIC clinics, private practice, and other settings.
Education/Training
A lactation consultant is a health care professional who provides breastfeeding support. They provide consultations in hospital settings, physician offices (e.g., pediatrics, obstetrics), public health clinics, private practice and in businesses through employer support programs.
They may also offer tele-video or telephone consultations to help new parents in their home. They consult with mothers about their birth, pregnancy, and breastfeeding history. They also observe breastfeedings and take pre- and post-feeding weights to determine how much milk a baby is receiving at her breasts.
The path they choose will determine the education and clinical experience required to become lactation consultants. A few lactation consultants aspire to become nurses. Others choose to pursue a certificate or diploma program that requires a mandatory internship in a hospital, or other medical setting.
Aspiring lactation consultants should choose an accredited allied health program to ensure they meet the educational and clinical requirements for board certification as an Ibclc. This credentialing process is overseen by the International Board of Lactation Examiners (IBLCE).
The IBLCE offers three routes to becoming an Ibclc. Applicants must meet eligibility criteria in at minimum one of the following areas: 1) Health sciences education; 2) Lactation-specific education; and 3) Lactation-specific clinical experience. Before being eligible to take the Ibclc, applicants must have completed 14 approved healthcare courses.
Ibclcs must have a basic knowledge of nutrition and lactation, and adhere to a code for professional conduct. They are an important part of the health team and help to protect breastfeeding mothers as well as their babies from infection.
To stay current on the latest research and best practice in breastfeeding, a lactation consultant must also fulfill continuing education requirements. These requirements include attending seminars, reading articles, and watching videos that relate to the latest scientific developments in lactation.
As a certified lactation consultant you can find employment in a variety places, including hospitals, public health, and physician offices. You can also be self-employed and run your own business. You can grow your private practice by marketing and gaining referrals from other health care professionals.
Fees
A lactation consultant can be defined as a breastfeeding expert who is International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. They are trained to provide complete care for babies and mothers throughout the breastfeeding journey.
They work in a wide range of settings, including hospitals, clinics, WIC offices and birthing centers. Some Ibclcs may also work in private practices.
Ibclcs need to keep up with their education and expertise through continuing education courses and professional texts, malpractice insurance, and re-certification every five years. Although this is not a lucrative career, it can be very rewarding to help new families reach their breastfeeding goals.
Fees for lactation consulting vary widely, depending on the type of services offered and the location. Some Ibclcs provide home visits while others work out of a central office. Some Ibclcs offer phone or video consultations for clients across the country.
If you have any questions about whether an Ibclc offers these services, please contact the practice and ask for details on the cost. Most Ibclcs will gladly answer your questions and help determine if this career is right for you.
Expect to pay between $80 and $200 for a lactation consult. This is a very reasonable amount for a private, one-on-one consultation.
Typically, a lactation consultant spends between 1 and 2 hours with you (and your baby) during the initial visit. They will ask you about your prenatal, birth, breastfeeding, and other information. They will then observe your breasts, your baby and your milk expression. The nurse will then conduct a feeding assessment and make recommendations to help you improve your breastfeeding experience.
The initial consultation is free, but you may be asked to pay for subsequent sessions if they are needed. Some Ibclcs offer follow-up calls to help you monitor your progress and address any additional questions.
Ibclcs can solve most breastfeeding challenges. They are highly qualified and experienced professionals. They also know that breastfeeding is a slow process and require patience. They will be there for you and your family no matter what challenges you may face on your breastfeeding journey.

Certification
It’s a great choice for parents to breastfeed, but it can be difficult. A lactation consultant will help you overcome breastfeeding obstacles so that your baby can continue to be nursed successfully.
There are many places where lactation consultants can be found, including private practices, hospitals, clinics, and clinics. They can also be a support person for your breastfeeding goals and work with your doctor or pediatrician. Some services will be covered by your insurance, while others might not. Check with your insurance company to see if they cover lactation consultants.
Although some health care professionals are called “lactation consultants”, only certified lactation counselors and lactation educators have the skills and training to support breastfeeding. These health care professionals are International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) and have undergone a rigorous certification process.
These IBCLCs have extensive knowledge about all aspects of lactation and are trained to international standards. They have the skills to handle simple and complex breastfeeding issues, such as helping a mom learn to breastfeed, finding a comfortable nursing position, and providing emotional support.
A lactation consultant’s primary duty is to help you breastfeed. They can help you get started, answer your questions about breastfeeding and milk production, provide information on local support groups, and offer counseling.
They can also provide support anytime you have a breastfeeding challenge or setback, such as when you aren’t making enough milk, your nipples hurt or your baby refuses to latch on. They can also help you to use a breastfeeding pump, provide advice on weaning, or recommend other feeding methods.
Many women experience difficulties during breastfeeding. These problems can be unpleasant or even painful. You might need to visit a lactation specialist more than once in your breastfeeding journey.
Talk to a lactation consultant immediately if your baby is having difficulty eating. You can’t always trust what you read online or in a magazine or book, so it’s good to talk with someone who’s experienced with your specific situation.
A lactation consultant is most beneficial to NICU parents. In fact, a recent study shows that NICU mothers are more likely to nurse their babies home than mothers who deliver uncomplicatedly.
Experience
They provide education and support to breastfeeding, pregnant, and postpartum women. They can be found in hospitals, clinics, private practices, and public health settings. They are also known by the International Board Certified Lactation Consultants, (IBCLCs).
IBCLCs are the only healthcare professionals to have an internationally recognized credential in breastfeeding. They must adhere to strict professional standards and demonstrate specialized knowledge and skill to practice as an IBCLC.
They can assist with breastfeeding problems such as latching, baby holds, tongue-tie and plugged ducts. They can also help with education about pumping, returning to the workplace, and other topics.
Many mothers find that their LCs are the best resource they have for all things breastfeeding-related. They will listen and offer strategies they may not have considered.
A good IBCLC will look at your concerns holistically, so they can help you with any underlying issues. Your IBCLC may recommend craniosacral or body work to alleviate nipple pain.
Another benefit of IBCLCs is their inclusion on your team. They don’t have an agenda or judgement. They will not pressure you into using a feeding technique or schedule, but they will provide honest feedback and support for your decision.
An IBCLC can help your family make a plan for the future by helping you to breastfeed. They can also educate you about breastfeeding, pumping, and return to work, as well as give you tips on how to make breastfeeding a positive experience for your whole family.
IBCLCs are skilled in the care of lactation patients and have extensive education and guidance. They have at least 1000 hours of supervised practice in breastfeeding.
There are several routes to becoming an IBCLC. The first is for those who are already working in a paid, or volunteer, job that provides breastfeeding care. These include nurses working in maternity, breastfeeding counselors, and other community-based lactation support providers.