You and your baby deserve the very best care possible, from a qualified, experienced, and compassionate health care professional. Unfortunately, not all mothers get accurate, up-to-date breastfeeding information or support in a timely manner. Many of them struggle unnecessarily and end up weaning their babies prematurely. They often blame themselves, but the opposite is true. Mothers do not fail at breastfeeding. It is our society that has let them down.
Pregnant parents are often encouraged to interview and choose a pediatrician before their baby is born. It is also a good time to interview and choose a Lactation Consultant.
For example, did you know that anybody can call themselves a Lactation Consultant? However, only those with extensive experience and training, and who have passed an rigorous exam, are entitled to put the letters IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) after their name.
It is a good idea to schedule an interview (which should be free of charge) to see if the Lactation Consultant is a good fit for your family’s needs. Be sure to include these questions on your list.
What are your qualifications?
How many years have you been practicing?
When did you last attend a breastfeeding conference to update your knowledge and meet the continuing education requirements for recertification?
What kind of experience do you have? Do you work in a hospital situation where you see mostly newborns, or do you have a more general practice where you see the whole range of breastfeeding, from newborns through to older nurslings?
Did you nurse your own children?
Do you encourage mothers to call anytime for general information and to determine if their concerns warrant an office visit?
How flexible are your office hours? Do you schedule your consultations around babies’ nursing patterns ?
Do you encourage mothers to bring their partners or other support people to consultations?
Do you allow enough time during consultations to put everyone at ease and to address all of the mother’s breastfeeding and parenting concerns?
Do you take a complete history, offer a written care plan and do follow up?
Do you offer prenatal consultations to teach breastfeeding basics and help to build mothers’ confidence in their ability to both nourish and nurture their babies at the breast?
Do you offer consultations so that mothers who will be returning to work or school can discuss their options?
Do you have the knowledge and expertise to help mothers and babies who are facing special breastfeeding challenges?
Do you follow the World Health Organization’s recommendations on weaning?
Do you abide by the World Health Organization’s Code of Marketing of Artificial Breastmilk Substitutes?
How much do you charge and when are fees payable?
Is there a sliding scale for low-income families?
Do you offer special packages and gift certificates?
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