Here are some examples when booking an appointment with an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) may make a world of difference in reaching your breastfeeding goals.

1. You received some breastfeeding advice you are unsure about

Unfortunately, many health care professionals are not educated in breastfeeding as part of their medical training – this includes family doctors, pediatricians, obstetricians, nurses, speech-language pathologists, and midwives. You may even find a lactation consultant or breastfeeding support person that you do not jive with – but please don’t give up! There are excellent lactation consultants out there, I promise.

If you are having breastfeeding concerns, it is important that you find a health professional that is knowledgeable in breastfeeding. In addition, if you are given advice that you are worried about, it is always OK to get a second opinion from someone you trust that has breastfeeding knowledge.

Some common examples that I have seen:

• A mom is told to discontinue breastfeeding if she is taking an antibiotic for mastitis (there are many antibiotics that are safe to continue breastfeeding with, and frequent removal of the breast milk should be part of the treatment plan to prevent abscess formation
• She is told that she needs to stop breastfeeding because her baby is jaundiced (jaundice is a normal physiological process, but the latch and transfer of milk should be assessed by a lactation consultant)
• Recommendations are given to begin solids without consideration to whether the baby is even ready for solids

Also, please be wary of online breastfeeding support groups. While they are a wealth of knowledge and help many moms get through tough times, it’s important to know that the information given should not be used as medical advice, and some of the common tips and tricks shared may cause problems if used in the improper situation (ie. cutting out dairy when gassiness is caused by a poor latch).

2. You are experiencing breast and/or nipple pain

It is so important that a thorough history and assessment is completed by someone skilled in lactation before determining a cause of breast or nipple pain.

In addition to treating the pain, the IBCLC will work with the client to fix the cause to prevent issues in the future. While online and in-person breastfeeding support groups are helpful in giving tips, tricks, and encouragement if breastfeeding hurts you really need a complete assessment by a lactation consultant (IBCLC).

3. You are unsure if you are making enough milk

Unfortunately, many moms do not reach their breastfeeding goals due to perceived insufficient milk supply. This can become a self-fulfilling prophecy:

A mom thinks her baby is fussy because she doesn’t have enough milk –>

Mom starts giving her baby a bottle after each nursing session –>

Her baby does not wake to feed 8-12 times per day –>

Milk supply decreases –>

Baby becomes fussy at the breast and mom increases formula supplementation.

Before making any recommendations, an IBCLC will complete a thorough assessment of both you and your baby and observe a full breastfeed. Pre/post-feeding weights may also be a helpful tool, though the result must only be taken within the context of the observed feed.

4. You think your baby is having difficulties breastfeeding and/or bottle feeding

When your baby appears to be clicking, choking or gagging during feeds regardless of whether breast or bottle-feeding, there could be a few factors going on including potential tongue tie or disorganized suck. An experienced lactation consultant can help you through these difficult times.

Unfortunately, many moms in these cases will be told that her baby cannot control the flow of her rapid milk-ejection reflex. The mom may then be told to block feed, limiting the baby to one breast per feeding. This then may cause a late onset of decreased milk supply, causing the baby to fall off the growth curve.

If a baby is having these symptoms, he or she must have a complete oral exam to determine why he or she is having difficulties maintaining a seal and thus transferring breast milk.

5. You would like help with re-lactating or inducing lactation from a lactation consultant

There are many instances where the parents (or soon-to-be adoptive parents) need help with re-lactation or inducing lactation. A lactation consultant (IBCLC) can help the parents make informed decisions on alternative feeding methods, medications and galactagogues that may be available, and provide breastfeeding/chest-feeding support.

6. You are pregnant and want to prepare for breastfeeding

Many IBCLCs provide prenatal breastfeeding education in-class or one-on-one. Some information that may be covered includes common breastfeeding positions, what to do if your baby doesn’t latch in hospital, feeding cues, breast milk storage guidelines, and alternative feeding methods.

7. Your baby will not latch onto the breast

While breastfeeding is the normal way to feed an infant, there are times where a baby will not or cannot latch on to the breast well enough to effectively remove the mom’s milk. There are a lot of reasons for this to occur, from medical concerns of the baby, invasive labour & birth interventions, trauma, and mother-baby separation.

When baby won’t latch on to the breast and the mom wants to increase the chances of successful breastfeeding later on, the lactation consultant can help the mom & baby find the best alternative feeding method that suits their circumstances. There is no one-fits-all approach in these cases. IBCLCs also often provide follow-up text and email support after the initial consultation, which can help the mom feel supported while trying these interventions on her own.

8. There are factors involved that make breastfeeding more difficult

It is helpful to have a lactation consultant on-hand from the beginning when there are known factors that may act as breastfeeding barriers. With extra guidance and support, the mom & baby will be more likely to reach their breastfeeding goals. Some of these factors include:

Mom:

• Infertility requiring reproductive assistance
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
• Diabetes
• Disabilities that impair mobility (multiple sclerosis, carpal tunnel syndrome)
• Hormonal imbalances

Baby:

• Prematurity
• Congenital Syndromes
• Ankyloglossia (tongue-tie)
• Twins

9. You feel overwhelmed with breastfeeding

The lack of support for new breastfeeding parents is astounding. Breastfeeding is a normal process, but that doesn’t mean that it is easy, especially in our busy world. Frequent appointments, keeping older children busy and entertaining guests in the early postpartum period can make it difficult for new parents to cope. In addition, new mothers should be monitored closely for mood changes including postpartum blues, depression, anxiety, and psychosis.

A private practice lactation consultant can come to your home and help put you at ease that your baby is displaying normal infant behavior when it comes to feeding frequency, cues, crying and sleeping. Sometimes helping a fussy baby can mean deepening the latch and adding breast compressions. Peace of mind can mean the world.

10. You are unable or choose not to breastfeed

Most lactation consultants are educated in formula preparation and handling and can help you choose the right bottle for your baby and to use paced bottle feeding techniques. In addition to bottle feeding, the lactation consultant can also help with alternative feeding methods such as spoon, cup and finger feeding and at-breast supplementers.

Lactation consultants can also help with baby-led and mother-led gentle weaning.

There are so many reasons to book an appointment with a lactation consultant (IBCLC). If you are struggling with your breastfeeding experience, please do not hesitate to reach out!