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La Leche League International
La Leche League is a support group for breastfeeding women and
their families. La Leche League began in Chicago in 1956 as a
response to the need for supportive breastfeeding information.
The league began as a small group and has now grown into an international
organization. La Leche League has local chapters in many U.S.
cities. It presents many helpful hints on parenting and everyday
life with a breastfeeding infant. Local chapters usually have
a series of four classes at regular monthly meetings. Classes
cover basic breastfeeding techniques, nutrition while breastfeeding,
weaning and other concerns. In addition, many chapters have Couples
Meetings where the dad can get involved and Toddler Meetings,
where mothers of nursing toddlers can address their special needs
and concerns. La Leche League meetings and classes are very helpful,
especially for the mother who needs to boost her "breastfeeding
self confidence." Just being around other breastfeeding mothers
discussing their problems, normal developments and concerns, boosts
a mother's confidence in herself and her ability to breastfeed.
Call your local La Leche League leader to find when and where
their meetings are held and plan to attend. Pregnant women, nursing
mothers, and interested health care professionals are always welcome
at any meeting.
La Leche League International web site
Lactation Consultants
The recent trends in breastfeeding have given birth to a new group
of professionals called: Lactation Consultants. A lactation consultant
is a formally trained breastfeeding expert. The International
Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA) celebrated its tenth year
in 1995. ILCA has defined a lactation consultant as "A health
care professional whose scope of practice is limited to providing
education and management to prevent and solve problems and encourage
a social environment that effectively supports the breastfeeding
dyad." A consultant has completed an extensive course of study
in the management of breastfeeding problems. The consultant answers
questions and offers solutions for many breastfeeding difficulties.
The International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners confers
the title of International Board Certified Lactation Consultant
(IBCLC) to those individuals who meet specific training and practice
qualifications and pass the exam. [Requirements For The IBCLE ].
Consultants come from a variety of backgrounds, including nurses,
educators and individuals who have counseled nursing women for
many years. Hospitals often have a lactation consultant associated
with their maternity unit. Training and approach to difficulties
may vary slightly among consultants. The one thing all lactation
consultants have in common is the sincere desire to help women
toward a successful breastfeeding experience. A lactation consultant
should always make her recommendations in conjunction with the
mother's goals and needs, along with the health care provider's
recommendations.
Often a telephone call is all that is needed to correct a problem.
Should the nursing couple need to see a consultant, an appointment
can be made at a convenient time for the mother. It is best if
mother and baby go to see the consultant around feeding time so
that the consultant can observe a full feeding session.
The lactation consultant's practice normally follows the medical model. The consultant takes a complete history of the pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding experience and does a brief physical examination of the infant including observation of a nursing session. The consultant will make recommendations based on her expertise and the individual case. Most lactation consultants have medical backup in case medical referral is needed. A lactation consultant is never a substitute for a physician. Lactation consultants unless they are physicians, do not render medical care; they only treat the feeding difficulty. All medical care will continue to be rendered by the appropriate medical provider. A lactation consultant works together with the medical treatment plan. The consultant will keep a close watch on the mother and baby until the breastfeeding problem has resolved.
Lactation consultants charge for their services. Some insurance companies may pay for the services of the consultant. It has been my experience that most companies currently will not cover lactation consultation. Mom should get a written referral to the lactation consultant and then forward the consultant's bill to the insurance carrier. In many cases the bill will be sent back rejected. If that happens mom should resubmit the bill for review by the insurance carrier. It is believed that by submitting bills in this manner will assist insurance carriers in seeing the need to cover lactation consultant services. The AAP statement asks insurance companies to cover lactation consultation and breastfeeding supplies.
When looking for a lactation consultant, be sure to ask about her background. What is her training? (There are lactation educator, peer support counselor and lactation consultant training programs) If she has been certified by the International Lactation Consultant's Examiners Board she will use the initials IBCLC in her title. Inquire about her personal experience and expertise. Does she refer to outside specialists or other IBCLC's? Are there certain conditions that she does not feel comfortable with? (For example: I send infants with cleft palates to an IBCLC who works on a cleft palate team. She has far more experience with the intricacies of breastfeeding an infant with a cleft palate than I do, so she is the best choice for the mom and baby.) The field of lactation consulting is not actively regulated by any governmental agency as to educational requirements and licensure. Theoretically, anyone can call themselves a lactation consultant. However, only those who have passed the exam may use the initials IBCLC after their name. IBCLC's are regulated by standards of practice set forth by the International Lactation Consultant's Association (ILCA).
To find a lactation consultant in your area, contact area physicians, your local chapter of La Leche League or International Lactation Consultant Association.
Copyright 1999 Marie Davis, RN, IBCLC
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