When Do I Need an IBCLC?

When I first started my journey toward becoming a lactation consultant, I thought my main job would be latching babies to the breast. I was excited for this new career ahead, but I only understood a tiny portion of what was to come! Sure, if a baby is having trouble latching, we always try the least invasive options first, like positioning. If a baby can’t latch, there is usually something bigger is going on. My heart fell in love with the marriage of sharing this intimate space with parents and the nerdy, investigative side of lactation that I didn’t know existed.

So when should parents reach out to an IBCLC? Here are a few instances:

• latch is painful

• nipple damage

• deep pain in the breast(s)

• baby falls short of recommended wet and dirty diaper counts (breastfed babies should be pooping many times a day in the first 6 weeks)

• baby can’t stay awake at the breast

• feedings are too short

• feedings are too long

• baby is not gaining enough weight

• your parent instinct is telling you something is just not right

IBCLCs take a health history, get details of your labor and delivery, and examine you and baby to get a good glimpse into feeding issues. We as a profession want you and your family to feel confident in your infant feeding choices and I am here to help with that! No question or concern is too silly. Sometimes the smallest detail can be the biggest clue.