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What
is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant?An 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 should I seek the services of 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.
Know when to get help with breastfeeding
once you are discharged from the hospital
You
need some help with breastfeeding if:
- You feel pain that is not going
away. Breastfeeding should not hurt. Pain is a sign that something is not right. If your nipples ever look red, cracked or
bleed, then your baby may not be latching well at the breast. This is easy to fix with some help.
- Severe
pain, swelling or red areas on the breast. If breast feel warm/hot to the touch, this could be a sign of an infection.
- After
day 3 and the baby is still having:
- Very long feeds (over 45 minutes of continuous
nursing) and still not content after feeding -
Very short feedings
(less than 5 minutes) -
No interest in feeding
at least every 3 hours -
Weight loss of more
than 10% of birth weight
these could all be signs that the milk is not transferring
from the breast to the baby
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