IBCLC stands for International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. The highest accredited healthcare professionals specializing in lactation. IBCLCs can work in many different healthcare settings, from hospitals to private practices. While you may come across other acronyms for lactation consultants, only IBCLC's have completed the rigorous training requiredto become internationally recognized lactation experts. IBCLC certification programs require 2-5+ years, and candidates must complete 90 hours of lactation-specific education and 1,000 hands-on hours of clinical training. And to maintain their accreditation, IBCLC's must earn their recertification every 5 years. Learn more here https://lactationnetwork.com/blog/what-is-an-ibclc/

Your lactation consultant can help you recognize signs such as adequate weight gain, wet and dirty diapers, and the baby's behavior during and after feedings.

Your lactation consultant can provide strategies such as frequent breastfeeding or pumping, ensuring proper latch, and other techniques to help increase milk supply. The best way to make more milk, is to remove more milk. You body will make what is removed.

Breastfeeding benefits everyone. It offers numerous health benefits for both the mother and the baby in addition to benefiting the environment and economy. Here are some of the key advantages:

Benefits for the Baby:

1. Nutritional Superiority: Breast milk provides the ideal balance of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that infants need for healthy growth and development. Breastmilk changes during the day and over time as your baby grows to meet their developing needs. 

2. Immune System Support: Breast milk contains antibodies and other immune-boosting compounds that help protect infants from infections and illnesses, reducing the risk of respiratory infections, ear infections, gastrointestinal diseases, and childhood leukemia. 

3. Reduced Risk of Chronic Conditions: Breastfeeding is associated with a lower risk of chronic conditions later in life, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.

4. Enhanced Cognitive Development: Studies suggest that breastfeeding is linked to improved cognitive development and higher IQ scores in children.

5. Better Digestive Health: Breast milk is easier for babies to digest compared to formula, which can lead to less gastrointestinal discomfort and fewer instances of constipation and spitting up. Breastmilk is essential in establishing the gut microbiome from day one, contributing to their mental development.

6. Bonding and Emotional Connection: Oxytocin, often called the "love hormone" is released during breastfeeding offering calming effects on the mother while fostering a sense of emotional connection between mother and child.

7. Lower Risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS): Research indicates babies breastfed until two months of age and older had a 62 percent lower risk of SIDS, while babies who were exclusively breastfed during the same time period had a 73 percent lower risk. After two months of breastfeeding, your baby may also have a reduced risk for food allergies.

Benefits for the Mother:

1. Postpartum Recovery: Breastfeeding helps the uterus contract and return to its pre-pregnancy size more quickly, which can reduce postpartum bleeding.

2. Weight Management: Breastfeeding can help mothers lose pregnancy weight faster, as it burns extra calories. It also helps prevent metabolic syndrome later in life.

3. Reduced Risk of Certain Cancers: Studies have shown that breastfeeding lowers the risk of breast and ovarian cancers.

4. Lower Risk of Chronic Conditions: Women who breastfeed have a reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline.

5. Cost-Effective: Breastfeeding can save money on formula, bottles, and feeding supplies. Breastfed babies are also less likely to need orthodontia and speech therapy because the sucking and pausing patterns particular to breastfeeding lead to greater oral development. It also influences the airway and shape of the roof of the mouth. 

6. Convenience: Breast milk is always available, requires no preparation, and is at the right temperature, making it easy to feed the baby anytime and anywhere. Middle-of-the-night and on-the-go feedings are quicker and easier. It's especially important during emergencies, such as natural disasters.

7. Emotional Benefits: Many mothers report feeling a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment from breastfeeding. Breastfeeding mothers also experience lower rates of postpartum depression.

Additional Benefits:

1. Environmental Impact: Breastfeeding is a more sustainable choice, as it reduces the need for formula production, packaging, and transportation.

2. Community Support: Breastfeeding can foster a sense of community among mothers, as they often share experiences and support each other.

Your lactation consultant can help you navigate combination feeding, addressing concerns about milk supply and ensuring your baby receives adequate nutrition.

Breastfeeding provides essential health benefits for both the baby and the mother, promoting physical, emotional, and financial well-being. Public health organizations, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), strongly recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, followed by continued breastfeeding along with appropriate complementary foods for at least two years or longer.

The best time to see an IBCLC is when you feel you need education or support.

Here are some common milestone consults:

Pregnancy

Day 3-4

Day 10-14

Week 4-6

3-4 Months

Going Back to Work

Integrating Solids

Weaning