What is a Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)
Siobhan O Shea IBCLC
Breastfeeding is a natural process but may not come naturally to every mum, if areas of concern arise who can you call? As new mums we meet a variety of health professionals but our first point of contact for breastfeeding help is often a midwife, public health nurse, GP or paediatrician. However, breastfeeding knowledge and training differs greatly among health professionals, for some it may have been as little as a few hours of education.
Other helpers specific to breastfeeding in Ireland include peer supporters or breastfeeding buddies, hospital Infant Feeding Specialists and International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs), but who’s who?
Peer supporter or breastfeeding buddy
A peer supporter is usually a woman who has had experience of breastfeeding her own baby, she may have had 16-36 hours breastfeeding education and will help and support with basic breastfeeding concerns under supervision. She will usually be a volunteer or work as part of a breastfeeding group. Difficulty arises if a referral pathway or specialist is required.
Breastfeeding counsellor
Le Leche League of Ireland (LLLI) is a wonderful resource for breastfeeding mums. A breastfeeding counsellor will be an experienced breastfeeding mother who has breastfed her own baby for at least six to twelve months. Training consists of two years part time training in breastfeeding education. Breastfeeding counsellors are usually unpaid volunteers and will help and support mothers with common breastfeeding issues with onward referral to further professionals.
International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)
An IBCLC is highly qualified and the gold standard when it comes to breastfeeding. They can help with complex breastfeeding situations, high-risk babies, oral assessment and more. IBCLC is the only internationally recognised professional breastfeeding qualification.
It is awarded by The International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE), the examining body.
Before sitting the IBCLC exam, candidates must demonstrate:
Extensive clinical experience (1000 hours)
Advanced lactation education (at least 90 hours)
They must be a healthcare professional or have completed education in 14 health science subjects
They must abide by Professional Standards.
Every five years an IBCLC must show they have kept up to date with evidence-based information and clinical skills.
IBCLC is the only internationally recognised professional breastfeeding qualification
Is there a fee?
Some IBCLCs work in hospitals but many IBCLCs are in private practice and fees will be payable for a breastfeeding consultation. The fee usually consists of the following:
Pre visit work such as plotting your baby’s weight chart and looking up any drugs the mother may be taking or researching specific medical issues relevant to an individual case.
Travel time and mileage within a certain distance of the IBCLCs home or office, options for travel available
Up to two-hour home visit or office consultation where a thorough medical and feeding history for mother and baby will be taken, the baby’s tongue/oral function and breastfeeding technique will be assessed, improvements on breastfeeding techniques and positioning will be explained, and a plan of care will commence in order to get breastfeeding back on track
An Individualised care plan explaining everything that has been discussed, in case mum forgets information
A letter to your doctor or public health nurse where appropriate, to inform your health professionals of the care plan, or to ask the doctor’s opinion about any medical concerns
Full email/telephone support for a set period of time following the visit is often includes follow up with the practitioner giving time to assess the care plan and talk through any concerns still remaining and make changes if needed.
Finding an IBCLC
IBCLCs can be found for Ireland in the following directory:
Find a Lactation Consultant (ALCI) Association of Lactation Consultants of Ireland
SUMMARY
Overall, hiring an IBCLC can be a valuable investment in your breastfeeding journey. Whether you're a first-time mum or have breastfed multiple children, an IBCLC can provide expert guidance and support to help you achieve your breastfeeding goals.
An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) holds the highest qualification in breastfeeding. Find one who will spend the time needed with you one-to-one to cover every aspect of your breastfeeding history, put a care plan in place, and continue to support you until breastfeeding is no longer a problem for you.
