What Is A Lactation Consultant? - BabyCenter

What is a lactation consultant?

"A lactation consultant is a valuable member of your healthcare team that supports both the mother and the baby, giving individualized plans and building your confidence in responding to the needs of your newborn," says Monica Murphy, RNC, IBCLC, an inpatient and outpatient lactation consultant in San Francisco and a member of the BabyCenter Medical Advisory Board.

Lactation consultants are breastfeeding advocates who can help from before your baby is born until the final weeks of weaning. They're qualified to treat common nursing problems along with more serious conditions such as mastitis and clogged milk ducts.

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Lactation consultants most often support mothers in how to increase milk supply, find the best nursing position, and manage breastfeeding pain.

International board-certified lactation consultants (IBCLC) are held to strict standards. To be accredited, they must complete 90 hours of training, 300 to 1,000 hours of clinical experience, and extensive health sciences coursework. An accredited lactation consultant must also re-certify every five years and continue their education.

Whether this is your first time breastfeeding or not, a lactation consultant can help you stay on track and reach your breastfeeding goals. Breastfeeding doesn't always come easy – it can be painful, laborious, and even fraught with shame if problems do arise.

"I wish I had gone to see one when my oldest was a newborn. I was embarrassed too and felt like I should be able to figure this out on my own," says BabyCenter Community member GandLsince2012. "In hindsight, seeing a lactation consultant would have been the best thing. Breastfeeding is 'natural' yet so difficult. It's perfectly normal to need support."

Here are some reasons moms stop breastfeeding early:

• Problems with milk production
• Problems with latching
• Concerns about infant nutrition and weight
• Taking medications while breastfeeding
• Unsupportive work policies or lack of parental leave
• Inequitable access to healthcare
• Lack of breastfeeding support at hospitals

One study found that 60% of mothers don't breastfeed for as long as they want to. But research shows that when a lactation consultant is part of a healthcare team, moms are able to breastfeed longer and are more likely to breastfeed exclusively.

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One study found that women were more than two times more likely to initiate breastfeeding when they delivered at a facility with a lactation consultant compared to women who delivered at a facility without one.

Another study found that at four to six months post-delivery, 23% of mothers not seen by a lactation consultant were still breastfeeding, whereas 53% of those who received care from a lactation consultant were breastfeeding.

A lactation consultant can help to:

• Determine the best breastfeeding positions
• Improve your baby's latch
• Develop feeding schedules, especially for premature infants
• Assess nipple soreness and breastfeeding pain
• Recommend a treatment plan for mastitis, plugged ducts, and engorgement
• Boost your milk production
• Select, set up, and start using a breast pump
• Put you on a pumping schedule
• Increase your baby's weight gain

Working with a lactation consultant

Your lactation consultant will likely be very hands on, and will see and touch your breasts to help evaluate and assess problems. That may seem odd, but it will feel more normal in the moment, especially if you're struggling to help your baby nurse.

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The first two weeks of lactation is the most critical time to establish successful breastfeeding. If you know that your hospital or birth center won't provide a lactation consultant, or you want more support, you may want to find your own lactation specialist to work with.

You can connect over the phone or in person – at your home, in their office, or at a clinic – for the initial meeting. Be sure to share your medical history, breastfeeding goals, and any concerns.

Ideally, you'll see a lactation consultant within the first three days of giving birth. If part of the hospital staff, the lactation consultant may spend around 20 minutes with you as they make their rounds.

Visits with a consultant in private practice typically last 60 to 90 minutes. If possible, plan to breastfeed or pump during the visit. This may mean refraining from feeding an hour or two beforehand – which can be easier said than done, since newborns eat on their own schedule.

It's common in outpatient appointments for your lactation consultant to weigh your baby before and after a feeding. They'll watch you breastfeed or pump, help with latching and positioning, answer your questions, troubleshoot any issues, and give you a boost in confidence.

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Many women find that one session is all that's needed to resolve an issue. However, for ongoing or serious concerns, or for milestones like returning to work or weaning, you may want to have additional sessions with a lactation consultant. (Three sessions during the breastfeeding span is typical.)

Breastfeeding is 'natural' yet so difficult. It's perfectly normal to need support. - BabyCenter Community member GandLsince2012

Is a lactation consultant covered by health insurance?

In theory, yes, a lactation consultant is covered by health insurance. The Affordable Care Act of 2010 says that non-grandfathered health insurance plans must provide breastfeeding support, counseling, and equipment for the duration of breastfeeding.

Your insurance plan will often follow your healthcare provider's recommendations on what's medically appropriate. Some insurance plans require preauthorization from your provider. So check with your carrier to find out whether a referral or a "medically necessary" criterion is a prerequisite for getting your lactation consultant covered.

If your insurance covers your delivery and your hospital stay, it should include any lactation services while there. If the lactation consultant works with your healthcare provider or your baby's provider, those services may be covered by your insurance. Lactation consultants in private practice may not be covered by insurance, and some may not accept insurance.

Contact your health insurance company directly, talk to the benefits coordinator where you or partner work, or ask your provider or breastfeeding specialist about covered services. Be sure to also ask about any in-network and out-of-network restrictions, and whether there's a limit on the number of consultations covered.

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How much does a lactation consultant cost?

The price of a lactation consultant varies depending on where you live, but will typically range between $150 and $300 per hour.

Some lactation consultants work on a sliding scale (meaning they'll accept a lower rate) if your health insurance doesn't cover their fee and you can't afford their usual fee.

If you do have health insurance, your visit(s) to the lactation consultant may be partially or entirely covered. Always check with your insurance company before you make an appointment, so you're not surprised by any out-of-pocket costs.

How can I find a lactation consultant?

To find a certified lactation consultant, visit the International Lactation Consultant AssociationOpens a new window website or ask around in your community for an IBCLC.

Childbirth educators, midwives, nurses, obstetricians, and pediatricians usually know experienced lactation consultants. Your hospital or birthing center will likely have referrals as well.

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Key Takeaways

• Lactation consultants are certified experts who can help with a variety of common and more specialized issues related to breastfeeding.
• Research shows that working with a lactation consultant boosts your chances of breastfeeding exclusively and breastfeeding longer.
• You can find a lactation consultant through your healthcare provider, and the cost may be covered by insurance.