New parents often have questions about doing the “right” thing to help their babies grow healthy and strong. Breastfeeding is the best gift you can give your baby, and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) is your trusted breastfeeding expert! The letters “IBCLC” identify lactation consultants who have demonstrated both the experience and skill to help you reach your breastfeeding goals. In fact, the IBCLC certification is the premier global certification in this important health care specialty.
You Can Count on an IBCLC!
IBCLCs help new families to a great start, find solutions when concerns arise, and answer questions parents often have about feeding their baby. IBCLCs can show you how to:
- Position and latch your baby
- Help you breastfeed after a caesarean section
- Make sure you produce plenty of milk
- Breastfeed more than one baby
- Prevent most breastfeeding concerns
- Find solutions if breastfeeding is uncomfortable or not working well at first
- Breastfeed a premature baby, or a baby with special needs
- Breastfeed even when your baby is sick or in the NICU
- Use a breast pump
- Breastfeed after you return to work or school
How to Find a Lactation Consultant
- Check the IBCLC Care Directory to find recognized hospital-based facilities and community-based health agencies that hire currently certified IBCLCs.
- The Find a Lactation Consultant (FALC) Directory, listing IBCLCs in your community who are available to take referrals, is available on the International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA) website.
- Ask your hospital or physician for the names of IBCLCs in your community who can help you with your breastfeeding questions and concerns.
- To determine if a lactation consultant in your community is a currently certified IBCLC, please check the IBLCE Registry.
Learn more about the history of IBLCE and the IBCLC certification at www.iblce.org/about-iblce!