Lactation Consultants

An international board certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) is a health care professional who specializes in the clinical management of breastfeeding. IBCLCs are certified by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners Inc. under the direction of the US National Commission for Certifying Agencies. IBCLCs work in a variety of health care settings, including hospitals, pediatric offices, public health clinics, and private practice.

Why a Mother Might Need an IBCLC

A board certified lactation consultant is an invaluable asset to breastfeeding mothers by reassuring them when breastfeeding is going well, and by providing information and support to help her prevent and manage common concerns. IBCLCs help with:

• Basic position and latch of the infant
• Breastfeeding in challenging situations, such as breastfeeding twins or triplets, a premature or sick infant, or infants in special medical situations
• Information about practices that promote successful breastfeeding
• Milk expression and storage for mothers who must be separated from their babies
• Prenatal counseling about risk factors that may affect breastfeeding

• Preventing and managing common concerns such as poor latch, inadequate milk transfer or supply, nipple or breast pain, and calming a fussy baby
• Strategies for breastfeeding after returning to work

Available IBCLCs

WIC currently has IBCLCs working in the hospital to support postpartum moms in their first few days of breastfeeding. WIC has available IBCLCs in the office for you to see after every baby enrollment, as well as anytime you have breastfeeding problems.

Some ways to see a lactation consultant are:

• Be referred by the WIC Public health nurse
• Be referred by the breastfeeding peer counselor
• Be referred by WIC staff
• Before or after any appointment as requested