How To Choose A Lactation Consultant
Long before I even became a mom for the first time, I had always intended to breastfeed. I actually prefer the word ‘nursing’ over ‘breastfeeding’ because it better captures the all-encompassing comfort that the process provides to parent and child. The thought of nursing my baby just clicked with me as the ideal way to provide food, comfort, and connection with the newest little life I had created.
When my newborn was immediately whisked away to the NICU with low blood sugar and low body temperature, I found myself alone and afraid in a hospital room with no idea how to pump milk when I had to be separated from my baby for the entire first week of his life.
When our family finally went home, I got lucky in my ability to nurse my son. It troubled me to think it was sheer dumb luck that caused my success and not because I actually had the tools, support, knowledge, and the right people in place to help me do it.
That rocky start shook my world and made me realize just how crucial proper lactation support is for new parents. In the weeks and months that followed, I was determined to not only successfully nurse my son, but also to help other moms have a smoother experience. I wanted to equip them with the knowledge and confidence to prepare for the unexpected.
That's what led me to become a board-certified lactation consultant and start IMMA—to provide the kind of personalized, compassionate care that I wish I had access to.
I know firsthand how important it is for new and expecting parents to find the right lactation consultant (LC) for their needs—from my own experience and that of my patients. It's not a one-size-fits-all situation. Your LC should be someone you feel comfortable being vulnerable with, who understands your unique circumstances, and who can provide the perfect blend of clinical expertise and emotional support.
Here are 4 tips to help you choose the best lactation consultant for you:
Look for an IBCLC. The gold standard in lactation care is the International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) credential. IBCLCs have undergone rigorous academic and clinical training, making them uniquely qualified to provide comprehensive breastfeeding support. While there are other types of lactation providers out there, the IBCLC designation ensures you're working with someone who has met the highest professional standards.
Start your search early. Don't wait until the contractions start to begin looking for a lactation consultant. Ideally, you'll want to connect with an IBCLC sometime during your third trimester of pregnancy. This allows you to get to know them, ask questions, and start building that important rapport before your little one arrives. Many LCs also offer prenatal consultations to help prepare you for those first few critical days and weeks of breastfeeding. Getting that foundation in place ahead of time can make a world of difference once your baby is born and you're navigating the learning curve of new parenthood.
Prioritize in-person support (when possible). While virtual lactation consultations can be incredibly helpful, especially in those early postpartum days, there's something invaluable about having an LC physically present to observe feedings, provide hands-on guidance, and really get to know you and your baby. If you have the option to work with an in-person IBCLC, I highly recommend taking advantage of that. That said, telehealth can be a great option if you live in a remote area or have other logistical challenges.
Find someone you click with. Choosing a lactation consultant is a lot like dating—you want to find someone you genuinely connect with and feel comfortable opening up to. Your LC will be seeing you and your baby at some of your most vulnerable moments, so it's important that you feel safe, heard, and supported. Don't be afraid to interview a few different consultants until you find the right fit. Pay attention to factors like their communication style, bedside manner, and ability to tailor their approach to your specific needs.
At IMMA, our team of IBCLCs is dedicated to providing the kind of personalized, compassionate care that I wish I had access to as a new mom. We understand that every nursing journey is unique, and we're here to empower you with the knowledge, tools, and emotional support you need to reach your goals, whatever they may be.
If you're expecting or thinking about growing your family soon, I encourage you to start your search for the perfect lactation consultant now. The more prepared you are, the smoother those first few weeks and months can be.