Lactation Consultants are an essential part of our healthcare system. Many people provide 'Lactation Consulting', but look for that person to have the credentials of IBCLC or International Board Certified Lactation Consultant.
Unfortunately many are offering lactation consulting services without the education, knowledge, skills and credentials. Always ask "Are you an IBCLC?" or "Do you work under an IBCLC?" in order to ensure the highest level of training, experience and expertise. Lactation Consultants who carry the credentials "IBCLC" behind their names are specially trained and qualified to assist with every aspect of breastfeeding. The International Board Certified Lactation Consultant represents the "gold standard" in lactation consultant credentialing.
Most lactation consulting providers are trained in hospital settings and have limited knowledge about breastfeeding beyond the first two days. Choose your lactation consultant carefully. Even if your hospital has a lactation consultant find out before you deliver how many hours the lactation consultant at your hospital spends with each new mother.
How many hours has she worked with mothers and babies
beyond day two, three or four?