FAQs

What is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)?

The credential IBCLC denotes a health care professional who is a board certified specialist in the clinical management of lactation. 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 to assist mothers with breastfeeding difficulties. .

Beverley is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. How can she help me breastfeed my baby?

Beverley offers the following services at Breastfeeding Resources.

• prenatal breastfeeding education
• postpartum home and office visits
• new mothers' support groups
• rental of hospital-grade electric breast pumps

When should I call for an appointment?

A pre-natal breastfeeding class or private consultation is an excellent way to prepare for successful breastfeeding. Many mothers also schedule a consultation in the first few days at home, to ensure that breastfeeding gets off to a good start.

An appointment to plan for managing breastfeeding and working is usually timed for about a month before returning to work.

Mini-consultations to learn how to pump and store breastmilk are scheduled at any time after three weeks postpartum.

What situations would suggest the need for a consultation?

Here are some typical reasons for seeing a board certified lactation consultant. Early help resolves difficulties faster, builds a sense of confidence and provides support. Call if you are experiencing any of the following :

• difficulty positioning baby at breast
• baby who refuses to breastfeed
• latch on problems
• breastfeeding is painful
• concerns about milk supply
• recurring breast infections
• slow weight gain
• fussy baby
• feeling overwhelmed
• baby with gastro-oesophageal reflux
• over-abundant milk supply (spraying milk, baby chokes, pulls off breast)
• questions about diet and breastfeeding
• breastfeeding after reduction surgery
• breastfeeding a premature baby
• breastfeeding twins and triplets
• managing a toddler and the new baby
• relactation and adoptive breastfeeding
• breastfeeding and returning to work
• questions about pumping and storing breastmilk
• special situations e.g. baby with Down Syndrome, cleft lip and/or palate
• need for reassurance that breastfeeding is going well

How long should I breastfeed my baby?

Breastfeeding for even one day is a special gift to your baby. Read this article to learn how breastfeeding benefits your baby at every age : one day, one week, one month, one year and beyond.

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