Lactation Support: One Size Doesn't Fit All!

One of the keys to having a successful long term breastfeeding relationship is SUPPORT. This support doesn't have to be from a certified professional, sometimes simply online support of someone saying "YOU CAN DO IT!" is all that you need. That being said, there are many times when seeing someone in person to help address a problem is needed. There are a few different places to turn to in this case!

First you have your local peer to peer support groups. Two of the biggest support groups are LLL (La Leche Leauge) and Breastfeeding USA. Most of the time you can find a  meeting within 30 miles of your house. Sometimes you have 2 or 3 locations to chose from! Each group is run by a leader who has applied and shown that she is a good fit to run the local group. LLL and Breastfeeding USA have specific criteria a woman must meet before she can become a leader. You can read all about how to become a LLL leader or Breastfeeding USA counselor here:https://www.llli.org/docs/lad/thinkingaboutleadership.pdf and https://breastfeedingusa.org/content/get-involved. Sometimes leaders may be trained lactation support professionals, sometimes not. If you are confused about something or concerned it is always a good place to start to look for help. LLL or Breastfeeding USA can help direct you. Many have phone numbers and email addresses online and can field calls nights and weekends. 

Secondly is your local hospital. Many hospitals now days have a lactation support group that is run by an on site lactation professional. These are similar to a peer to peer support meeting in that usually they are free to attend. The person running the group may be a certified lactation consultant or they may simply be a nurse with lactation experience. Many hospitals also now have a "warm line" that you can call to speak to a nurse for assistance. 

Last we have what most people have heard of: a lactation consultant. 

BEWARE: Just because someone says they are a lactation consultant does NOT mean they have all the certifications. Sometimes a nurse with some lactation experience can say "yes, i'm a lactation consultant!" 

When you meet a lactation consultant you want to make sure they are certified. Ask! Most are certified IBLCE (http://www.iblce.org/) . A breastfeeding counselor is most likely certified CLC (http://www.talpp.org/clc.html) . Even on hospitals own lactation staff they may not have anyone who is certified. You can locate certified lactation consultants online: http://www.ilca.org/why-ibclc/falc

No matter whom you are seeking breastfeeding support from in person, one of the keys is that YOU feel comfortable. If the advice of a professional or a peer support group doesn't sound right to you, question it. Don't take advice from someone just because they have more experience/a certification/are getting paid. Just like there are bad doctors there are also bad lactation consultants. Yes, even some with an IBCLC certification are NOT good consultants. 

A few warning signs to look for: 
- someone who belittles you or makes you feel stupid
- a consultant who touches you without asking first. 
- Someone who doesn't keep searching for an answer. IE: You keep saying you are in pain but they keep insisting that everything is fine so you have to deal with it. 
- someone who is not supportive. 
- someone who only offers band aid solutions without finding the real problem
- someone who tries to encourage you to "pump to measure output". 
- someone who tells you the 20 minute every 2 - 3hour rule.
- someone who you feel like isn't listening to you/helping you.

Lactation support can be expensive. While a support group is usually free a longer consultation with a certified consultant costs much more. The good news is that under the new health care plan insurance companies should cover the cost of lactation support. (http://www.medelabreastfeedingus.com/tips-and-solutions/142/lactation-consultant-coverage). It is best to call your insurance provider and find out what they will cover. Some may have an in network consultant to visit.