What is a lactation consultant?

“A lactation consultant is a valuable member of your healthcare team who supports both mother and baby, providing individualized plans and building your confidence in responding to your newborn’s needs,” says Monica Murphy, RNC, IBCLC, inpatient and outpatient. lactation consultant in San Francisco and member of the BabyCenter Medical Advisory Board.

Lactation consultants are breastfeeding advocates who can help from before your baby is born until the final weeks of weaning. They are qualified to treat common breastfeeding problems along with more serious conditions such as mastitis and blocked milk ducts.

Lactation consultants usually support mothers in how to increase milk supply, find the best position for breastfeeding and manage breastfeeding pain.

International Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) adhere to strict standards. To be accredited, they must complete 90 hours of training, 300 to 1,000 hours of clinical experience, and extensive health science courses. An accredited lactation consultant must also recertify every five years and continue their education.

Whether this is your first time breastfeeding or not, a lactation consultant can help you stay on track and reach your breastfeeding goals. Breastfeeding isn’t always easy – it can be painful, exhausting and even embarrassing if problems arise.

“I wish I had gone to see one when my oldest was a newborn. I was uncomfortable too and felt like I could figure this out on my own,” he says. BabyCenter Community member of GandLsince2012. “In hindsight, the best thing would have been to see a lactation consultant. Breastfeeding is ‘natural’ and yet so difficult. It’s only normal that you need support.”

Here are some reasons why moms stop breastfeeding early:

One study found that 60% of mothers do not breastfeed as long as they would like. But research shows that when a lactation consultant is part of the health care team, moms can breastfeed longer and are more likely to exclusively breastfeed.

One study found that women were more than twice as likely to initiate breastfeeding when they gave birth in a facility with a lactation consultant compared to women who gave birth in a facility without one.

Another study found that four to six months after giving birth, 23% of mothers not seen by a lactation consultant were still breastfeeding, while 53% of mothers who received care from a lactation consultant were breastfeeding.

A lactation consultant can help with:

Working with a lactation consultant

Your lactation consultant will likely be very hands-on, and will see and touch your breasts to help assess and assess problems. It may seem strange, but it will feel more normal at this point, especially if you are trying to help your baby nurse.

The first two weeks of lactation are the most critical time for establishing successful breastfeeding. If you know your hospital or birth center won’t provide a lactation consultant, or you want extra support, you may want to find your own lactation specialist to work with.

You can connect by phone or in person—at home, in their office, or at the clinic—for an initial meeting. Be sure to share your medical history, breastfeeding goals, and any concerns.

Ideally, you will see a lactation consultant within the first three days of giving birth. If they are part of the hospital staff, the lactation consultant may spend about 20 minutes with you as they make their rounds.

Visits with a consultant in private practice usually last 60 to 90 minutes. If possible, plan to breastfeed or pump during your visit. This may mean holding off on feeding for an hour or two in advance – which is easier said than done, as newborns eat on their own schedule.

It is common for your lactation consultant to weigh your baby before and after feeds at outpatient appointments. They will watch you breastfeed or pump, help you with fixation and positioning, answer your questions, solve any problems and give you a confidence boost.

Many women find that one session is all that is needed to solve the problem. However, for ongoing or serious concerns, or for milestones such as returning to work or weaning, you may want to have additional sessions with a lactation consultant. (Three sessions during the breastfeeding period is typical.)

Breastfeeding is ‘natural’ but so hard. It’s perfectly normal to need support.

– Community member BabyCenter GandLod2012

Is a lactation consultant covered by health insurance?

In theory, yes, a lactation consultant is covered by health insurance. The Affordable Care Act of 2010 says non-grandfathered health insurance plans must provide breastfeeding support, counseling and equipment for the duration of breastfeeding.

Your insurance plan will often follow your doctor’s recommendations about what is medically appropriate. Some insurance plans require prior authorization from your provider. So check with your carrier to find out if a referral or “medically necessary” criteria is a prerequisite for your lactation consultant coverage.

If your insurance covers the birth and hospital stay, it should include all breastfeeding services while you are there. If a lactation consultant works with your health care provider or your baby’s provider, those services may be covered by your insurance. Lactation consultants in private practice may not be covered by insurance, and some may not accept insurance.

Contact your health insurance company directly, talk to the benefits coordinator where you or your partner works, or ask your provider or lactation specialist about covered services. Be sure to also ask about any in-network and out-of-network restrictions, and whether there is a limit to the number of consultations covered.

How much does a lactation consultant cost?

The cost of a lactation consultant varies depending on where you live, but typically ranges between $150 and $300 per hour.

Some lactation consultants work on a sliding scale (meaning they will accept a lower rate) if your health insurance doesn’t cover their fee and you can’t afford their regular fee.

If you have health insurance, your lactation consultant visits may be partially or fully covered. Always check with your insurance company before making an appointment so that you are not surprised by out-of-pocket costs.

How can I find a lactation consultant?

To find a certified lactation consultant, visit International Association of Lactation ConsultantsOpens a new window website or ask in your community for an IBCLC.

Childbirth educators, midwives, nurses, obstetricians and pediatricians usually know experienced lactation consultants. Your hospital or birthing center will likely have referrals as well.