What is an IBCLC and how can they help me?

An IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) is a health professional who is experienced in providing lactation support and has undertaken further study to ensure expert breastfeeding and lactation care. 

The qualification is credentialed by the IBLCE (International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners), and considered the worldwide standard that demonstrates the practitioner’s knowledge and skill to practice in the field of lactation consulting. 

Can provide you with up to date, evidence-based care across the perinatal period to manage:

· Positioning and attachment

· Nipple or breast pain

· Milk supply – low or over supply

· Engorgement

· Mastitis

· Expressing milk – via hand expression or pump

· Storage of milk

· Sterilisation of equipment

· Feeding with a nipple shield or via syringe, cup or bottle

· Breastfeeding premature babies or babies with health issues

· Breastfeeding after breast reduction or augmentation

· Expressing & storing breastmilk 

· Feeding breastmilk to a breastfed baby 

· Complementary/mixed feeding 

· Weaning/introducing family foods 

We can also provide support with and education about:

· Antenatal preparation for breastfeeding

· What to expect in the first few days

· Normal newborn behaviour 

· Infant wake/sleep cycles 

· Newborn feeding reflexes 

· Breast anatomy & changes during pregnancy

· How the breasts make milk 

· Letdown reflex 

· Role of hormones 

· Importance of skin-to-skin contact