How to Choose a Lactation Consultant

Breastfeeding has so many health benefits for new moms and babies, but it’s also a new skill that many moms find challenging (and sometimes, downright demoralizing). If you’re having trouble nursing, are worried about supply issues, or are experiencing any pain while feeding, it’s worth finding a lactation consultant before giving it up all together.

What Is a Lactation Consultant?

A lactation consultant, or International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), is a certified healthcare professional who specializes in supporting and helping women who are breastfeeding or are experiencing breastfeeding challenges. They have specialized knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience in breastfeeding management and the physiology of lactation.

Lactation consultants provide evidence-based guidance and support to mothers during pregnancy, during the fourth trimester, and throughout the breastfeeding journey. They offer individual consultations where they assess mother and baby’s breastfeeding techniques, help with positioning and latching, offer advice on increasing milk supply, and address any and all difficulties or concerns a mother might have.

How Do You Find a Lactation Consultant?

Since breastfeeding issues tend to require immediate assistance, time is of the essence. But take a deep breath, because there are a range of options for quickly finding a lactation consultant, and many don’t require enormous effort (you’ve got enough on your plate).

Check in with your village. Ask friends, family, your obstetrician, midwife, doula, or pediatrician for their recommendations—they’re a great resource for finding a list of trusted lactation consultants in your community.
Use online directories. There are several national online directories specifically dedicated to helping you quickly find local lactation consultants. Sites like the International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA) and the United States Lactation Consultant Association (USLCA) have search tools for location consultants near you.
Reach out to breastfeeding support organizations. Groups like La Leche League International (LLLI) and Breastfeeding USA have resources and directories of certified lactation consultants.
Crowdsource on your social channels. Consider joining local parenting groups on platforms like Facebook—you can ask for recommendations and may receive valuable suggestions and personal experiences from other parents in your community.
Contact your insurance provider. If you have health insurance (or if you have Medicaid—lactation services are covered without prior approval), contact your insurance rep for a list of covered providers.

Once you’ve compiled a list of potential lactation consultants, you can research their credentials, experience, and reviews to help you make an informed decision (we’ll cover questions to ask potential providers, below).

When to Call a Lactation Consultant

Experiencing breastfeeding challenges can be majorly stressful and deeply emotional, but don’t be scared to reach out for help! A lactation consultant will be helpful if you’re experiencing any of the following:

Your baby isn’t latching onto to your breast properly
Feeding your baby is painful
Your nipples are sore, cracked, bleeding, or misshapen after feeding
Your baby has lost weight or is not gaining weight at the expected rate, per your pediatrician
Your baby is not producing enough wet and dirty diapers every day, per your pediatrician
You’re concerned you have milk supply issues
You’re having trouble getting your baby positioned to nurse
Your baby is falling asleep at your breast, or is refusing to feed
You’re experiencing mastitis or clogged ducts frequently
Your pediatrician or the hospital staff has mentioned tongue tie or other tethered oral issues
Your baby has been diagnosed with reflux or food sensitivities
You’d like reassurance that your breastfeeding journey is in working order from an experienced professional

Always remember that lactation consultants are there to support and empower you in your breastfeeding journey. They offer personalized guidance and troubleshooting that address your specific challenges to help you achieve your breastfeeding goals. If you’re unsure whether to call a consultant, don’t hesitate to reach out! They’re experienced professionals who can provide valuable assistance and serious peace of mind.

What Should You Ask a Lactation Consultant?

Before deciding on a lactation consultant, you’ll want to know:

How much experience do they have working with moms who share your challenges?
Do they specialize in certain areas of lactation?
Are your breastfeeding goals in alignment?
How accessible are they if you have an urgent need?
Do they offer in-person or online consultations?
How do they feel about formula feeding and supplementation?
Do they take insurance, and if not, what is their fee structure?

Be sure to be straightforward and honest about any specific challenges or questions you may have so that the lactation consultant you ultimately choose to work with is the right fit for your needs.

What Should You Expect During a Lactation Consultation?

We find that pregnancy and childbirth often minimize hang ups that you may have had about your body, personal space, and privacy, but all the same, expect your lactation consultant to get up close and personal.

Your consultant will first assess your baby for possible tongue or lip ties, and ask about their general health and weight gain. They’ll also assess your breasts and nipples (this is no time for modesty—there are hungry mouths to feed—literally!), and ask general questions about your health and lifestyle that could influence milk production.

Your consultant will observe you nursing to evaluate your baby’s latch and offer guidance with proper positioning for effective feeding (this may include physically manipulating and moving your breasts, as well). Your baby will be weighed before and after a nursing session with a very sensitive scale to determine exactly how much milk they’ve ingested while feeding.

Every lactation consultation will vary depending on the consultant’s approach and your specific concerns. But the ultimate goal for any consultant is to support you in your breastfeeding journey, ensuring that both you and your baby have a rewarding experience.

Does Insurance Cover Lactation Consultants?

While insurance coverage for lactation consultant services can vary depending on your provider and plan, under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) most are required to cover certain preventive services, including breastfeeding support, supplies, and counseling. What does that mean for you? It’s likely that your insurance plan provides coverage for a lactation consultant without copays.

If your insurance plan does not cover these services or you don’t currently have insurance, there are other resources available for support including community clinics, breastfeeding support groups, and other public health services.

Many new moms find breastfeeding challenging, and ultimately quit nursing earlier than they initially intended. Before you throw in the towel, it’s worth reaching out to a lactation consultant. They can address these challenges, offer support and guidance throughout your breastfeeding journey, and help you achieve your breastfeeding goals.