IBCLC Guide: When to Seek Help, What to Expect, & How to Get Ready

It’s not uncommon for breastfeeding moms to be encouraged to connect with an IBCLC for breastfeeding support. But, what is an IBCLC? When should you seek help from one? What should you expect from a consultation with an IBCLC and how can you prepare for your appointment? We’ve got you covered! Read on for the answers to these questions and more. 

An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) is a specialized healthcare professional who has undergone rigorous training specific to human lactation. It’s important to note that there is a vast difference in the requirements for CLC (Certified Lactation Counselor), CBS (Certified Breastfeeding Specialist), CLS (Certified Lactation Specialist), CLE (Certified Lactation Educator), Breastfeeding Peer Counselor credentials, and those required for IBCLC certification. The IBCLC certification is the gold standard for training and education in human lactation. To even be eligible to apply for and take the IBCLC exam, prospective IBCLCs must meet the following requirements:

• Be a recognized health professional (i.e., Physician, Nurse, Midwife, Speech Pathologist) or complete the study of 14 science subjects at an accredited institute of higher learning (i.e., Biology, Human Anatomy & Physiology, Nutrition, Infant Growth & Development, Medical Documentation, Medical Terminology, etc.)
• Complete 90 hours of lactation-specific education.
• Complete 1000 hours of lactation-specific clinical practice in a supervised setting

Once all of these eligibility requirements have been met, the prospective IBCLCs can apply to take the 175-question IBCLC exam which is only offered twice a year. Once certified, an IBCLC must recertify every five years. Recertification requirements include the certification to perform Basic Life Support, having completed at least 250 hours of practice in Lactation Consulting, and either completing 75 hours of continuing education specific to lactation clinical practice or taking the IBCLC exam. Achieving and maintaining IBCLC certification takes commitment and passion!

While we commonly think of seeking help from an IBCLC for breastfeeding problems, IBCLCs serve a crucial role in preparing for breastfeeding as well. Establish a relationship with an IBCLC during pregnancy so you can be supported from prenatal education until you and your child decide to wean. If breastfeeding difficulties arise, don’t wait to reach out to an IBCLC! The sooner you reach out about problems like pain, milk supply concerns, and latch difficulties, the easier it is to improve them.

Group Classes: consider taking classes to prepare for going back to work and introducing solids.

One-to-One Consultations: 

While all IBCLCs should be well-trained in latching, positioning, milk supply management, breast health, supportive counseling skills, and general breastfeeding support from the prenatal phase through weaning, many IBCLCs have advanced training in one or more specific specialty areas. These specialties may include pumping, hormone management, gut health, oral ties, adoptive/surrogate breastfeeding, breastfeeding and perinatal mental health, breastfeeding and nutrition, and much more. A good IBCLC will listen to your breastfeeding goals and help you make a personalized care plan to help you meet those goals. Personality differences, care approaches, and support styles matter when choosing who will be part of your prenatal and postpartum care team. Just as you should vet your midwife, OB/GYN, or other healthcare provider,  it’s important to vet your IBCLC as well. 

Insurance Coverage/Payment : Did you know that insurance often covers lactation support from an IBCLC? Many IBCLCs accept insurance and if they don’t, they can provide necessary documentation for you to submit a claim for reimbursement from your insurance company. 

Location: Visits are either in-person or done virtually via video conference. Additionally, many IBCLCs offer in-home visits while some also offer visits in a clinic or office setting. Determine which type of visit works best for you. Keep in mind there may be a different cost associated with each type of visit. 

Forms: Most IBCLCs request that you fill out forms such as consent for care and medical history forms prior to your appointment. 

It may be helpful for your partner or a support person to join you at your appointment. Studies show that involving partners and supporting people in breastfeeding education makes a positive impact on a mother’s breastfeeding journey.

In a practical sense, a partner or support person can help take notes, help with baby care, and may even be needed to hold the camera or a flashlight during virtual appointments. 

Have ready any feeding supplies that you normally use. This may include burp rags, pillows, nipple shields, bottles, a breast pump, etc.

• It’s often helpful to make a list of questions that you’d like to ask your IBCLC. This helps to keep the visit on track and to make sure you don’t forget to ask anything. 
• As you consider questions to ask, also identify your chief concerns/goals for the visit. 
• There are no silly questions! Breastfeeding is a learned skill, so don’t be afraid to ask questions!

A thorough lactation consultant visit typically includes a discussion about your general health, the baby’s birth, and how breastfeeding has been going so far. Additionally, the IBCLC will examine your breasts, assess the baby’s oral function, and perform a general physical assessment of the baby. If you are pumping, it is likely that your IBCLC will want to observe at least a portion of a pumping session. If the baby is receiving bottles, your IBCLC may also request to observe a bottle feeding. Your IBCLC should discuss any potential concerns that you have brought up or that they have noticed throughout the visit. They should help you make a plan to move toward your feeding goals. The IBCLC should provide anticipatory guidance regarding the next phases of breastfeeding and baby care and they will advise you on when a follow-up appointment is recommended. 

Information provided in blogs should not be used as a substitute for medical care or consultation.