Last updated on Jul 29, 2024

What does a lactation consultant do?

If you are a new or expecting mother, you may have heard of lactation consultants and wondered what they do. Lactation consultants are health professionals who specialize in helping mothers and babies with breastfeeding. They can provide education, support, and guidance on how to overcome common or complex challenges related to nursing. Here are some of the main aspects of their work.

1 Role and scope

Lactation consultants can work in various settings, such as hospitals, clinics, private practices, or community organizations. They may collaborate with other health care providers, such as pediatricians, obstetricians, midwives, or nurses, to ensure optimal care for mothers and babies. Lactation consultants follow the standards and ethics of the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE), which is the certifying body for this profession.

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GEISA LUZ

Nurse | TEDx Speaker | LinkedIn Creator | Rare Disease Consultant | Post doctorate in Public Health
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Uma consultora de lactaÃ§Ã£o Ã© uma profissional especializada em ajudar mÃ£es e bebÃªs a superarem desafios relacionados Ã amamentaÃ§Ã£o. Ela fornece suporte, educaÃ§Ã£o e orientaÃ§Ã£o sobre tÃ©cnicas de amamentaÃ§Ã£o, posicionamento adequado, resoluÃ§Ã£o de problemas como dificuldades de pega, baixa produÃ§Ã£o de leite, dor durante a amamentaÃ§Ã£o, entre outros. AlÃ©m disso, ela pode oferecer apoio emocional e encorajamento para ajudar as mÃ£es a atingirem seus objetivos de amamentaÃ§Ã£o. Essas consultoras sÃ£o treinadas para trabalhar em diversos contextos, incluindo hospitais, clÃnicas de saÃºde, consultÃ³rios particulares e atendimento domiciliar. Seu objetivo Ã© promover uma experiÃªncia positiva e bem-sucedida de amamentaÃ§Ã£o para mÃ£es e bebÃªs.

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2 Education and certification

To become a lactation consultant, one must complete a specific amount of education and clinical experience in lactation and breastfeeding, as well as pass a comprehensive exam administered by the IBLCE. The requirements vary depending on the background and pathway of the candidate, but they generally include courses in anatomy, physiology, nutrition, psychology, counseling, and infant development. The exam covers topics such as breastfeeding initiation, management, complications, and termination, as well as ethics, advocacy, and research.

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3 Services and fees

Lactation consultants can offer a range of services to mothers and babies, such as prenatal education, postpartum visits, breastfeeding assessment, latch and positioning assistance, milk supply issues, nipple pain and damage, mastitis and other infections, tongue-tie and lip-tie evaluation and referral, pumping and storage advice, weaning and transition support, and more. The fees for lactation consulting may vary depending on the location, duration, and type of service. Some insurance plans may cover part or all of the cost, but it is advisable to check with your provider before booking a consultation.

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Sandra Kafui Efua N.

Pediatric Medical Coachâ„¢ | Co-founder & Owner | Pediatric Resident Candidate | Clinical Research Associate | Lactation Consultant | Pediatric Advocate | Parent Coaching | Passionate about Child Health Care
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-Insurance plans differ from country to country. -There could be limitations in providing all services in full from country to country. Find out about how it can be done in the country you find yourself in and find means of how to get your full services approved legally, so mothers with their little ones can be supported during their breastfeeding journey.

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4 Benefits and challenges

Lactation consulting can be a rewarding and fulfilling career for those who are passionate about breastfeeding and maternal-child health. Lactation consultants can make a positive difference in the lives of many families by helping them achieve their breastfeeding goals and overcome any difficulties. They can also enjoy the flexibility and variety of working in different settings and with diverse clients. However, lactation consulting can also have some challenges, such as maintaining certification and continuing education, dealing with emotional and physical stress, coping with liability and legal issues, and balancing work and personal life.

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GEISA LUZ

Nurse | TEDx Speaker | LinkedIn Creator | Rare Disease Consultant | Post doctorate in Public Health
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Alguns desafios incluem: - Emocionalmente exigente: Lidar com mÃ£es que podem estar enfrentando dificuldades emocionais relacionadas Ã amamentaÃ§Ã£o pode ser desgastante. - HorÃ¡rios Irregulares: O trabalho como consultora de lactaÃ§Ã£o pode exigir disponibilidade em horÃ¡rios nÃ£o convencionais, incluindo fins de semana e feriados. - PressÃ£o para Solucionar Problemas: Muitas vezes, as mÃ£es esperam soluÃ§Ãµes rÃ¡pidas para seus problemas de amamentaÃ§Ã£o, o que pode gerar pressÃ£o sobre a consultora para encontrar uma resposta eficaz.

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Sandra Kafui Efua N.

Pediatric Medical Coachâ„¢ | Co-founder & Owner | Pediatric Resident Candidate | Clinical Research Associate | Lactation Consultant | Pediatric Advocate | Parent Coaching | Passionate about Child Health Care
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Working with mothers who want very quick solutions can also make your work difficult and add lots of pressure as some may end up not cooperating at all, which sometimes doesn't bring positive feedbacks but its not always supposed to be successful, if a mother decides to quit their breastfeeding journey, its your duty as a lactation consultant to support her decision. Always remember it's their journey not yours, ours is to guide.

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5 How to find a lactation consultant

If you are looking for a lactation consultant, there are several ways to find one near you. You can ask your health care provider, your local hospital or clinic, or your friends and family for recommendations. You can also search online for directories or websites of lactation consultants or professional associations, such as the International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA) or the United States Lactation Consultant Association (USLCA). When choosing a lactation consultant, make sure to check their credentials, experience, availability, and fees, and to communicate your expectations and needs.

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6 Hereâ€™s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that donâ€™t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What does a lactation consultant do?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Role and scope

2 Education and certification

3 Services and fees

4 Benefits and challenges

5 How to find a lactation consultant

6 Hereâ€™s what else to consider

Consulting

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Directory

What does a lactation consultant do?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Role and scope

2 Education and certification

3 Services and fees

4 Benefits and challenges

5 How to find a lactation consultant

6 Hereâ€™s what else to consider

Consulting

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