When to call an international board certified lactation consultant?

An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) is the only internationally recognized health care professional who specializes in lactation care.

Before your baby is born, a visit with an IBCLC will help you get off to a good start with breastfeeding techniques and healthy milk production.

After your baby is born, an IBCLC can answer questions and help you with any breastfeeding challenges. As your baby gets older, an IBCLC can help you continue breastfeeding if you are separated for work or other reasons.

If you or your baby ever has any health concerns, an IBCLC can help you manage breastfeeding. Breastfeeding has a positive impact on you, your baby and your family. IBCLCs help make it happen!

International Lactation Consultant Association

What does a breastfeeding consultation look like?

1. Usually a minimum of 2 hr home or hospital visit to capture a full feeding from beginning to end, plus listening/chatting time! During this time we assist with breastfeeding latching/technique/positions, pumping support if needed, and ultimately facilitate your breastfeeding plan to empower you to reach your breastfeeding goals.

2. We will ask questions relevant to the health history of mother & baby, birth story, and any previous breastfeeding experience.

3. Assessment of mother’s breasts, latch, baby’s mouth (tongue tie), positioning, technique, breastfeeding props (we love laid back breastfeeding & that doesn’t really need props) and pump if applicable

4. We bring a scale to weigh the baby.

5. Provide a copy of the care plan developed during this time that can be shared with other healthcare providers involved in care of mum and baby.

6. Follow up by email/phone as needed and a summary letter to your primary care provider.

What is the cost?

Depending on your insurance a private in home lactation consultation may be covered and you can receive reimbursement. Please check with your insurance provider.

Thus…

Please contact us.

We link you to local resources listed. We truly believe breastfeeding support is ethically a human right and if cost is impacting your decision to contact us, please share this and we will collaborate a price that is fair. We also offer a free weekly Breastfeeding Drop-In (Kingston Breastfeeding Connection Facebook page

Is it worth it?

Breastfeeding or providing breast milk (yes there are exclusive pumping mums out there who have super hero powers) saves you literally thousands of dollars. Most breastfeeding issues or concierns can be solved with minor adjustments or better understanding of physiology and can be addressed with one consultation visit and appropriate follow up. Purchasing formula costs over $1000 in the first year and double or triple that if specialized formula is required. This estimation doesn’t consider bottles and accessories. (Infact Canada or Baby Center Canada)

Aside from the additional costs of not providing breastmilk, both mum and baby are at increased risks for multiple illnesses and diseases. Providing breastmilk has lifelong affects for both mum and baby. This blog links many recently published meta-analyses All About Baby & Me by Vanessa Christie IBCLC

For more information please contact us! KingstonBreastfeedsConnection@gmail.com