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Finding lactation support

Finding lactation support
Lactation support providers
  • Breastfeeding Peer Counselors have personal breastfeeding experience and about 20 hours of training. They provide individual and community support.
  • Breastfeeding counselors have completed 44 to 55 hours of training in general lactation counseling. They can provide breastfeeding counseling, support normal breastfeeding, and assess latch and positioning. They may be credentialed as a Certified Breastfeeding Specialist (CBS), Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC), or Certified Lactation Educator (CLE).
  • Lactation consultants have more extensive training, including 95 hours of coursework and at least 300 hours of clinical experience in the field. They can address a wide range of breastfeeding situations, including difficult or uncommon breastfeeding problems. They may be credentialed as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), Advanced Lactation Consultant (ALC), or Advanced Nurse Lactation Consultant (ANLC). Many of these professionals are nurses who have undergone this additional specialized training.
  • Physicians with special expertise may be certified as a Fellow of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (FABM) or board-certified with the North American Board of Breastfeeding and Lactation Medicine (NABBLM).

These professionals are available at most hospitals as well as privately. They are an excellent resource for guidance about breastfeeding, as well as information on pumping, milk storage, and bottle feeding breast milk.
International Lactation Consultant Association

portal.ilca.org/i4a/memberDirectory/index.cfm?directory_id=19&pageID=4356

(to find an IBCLC worldwide)
United States Lactation Consultant Association

www.uslca.org/resources/find-an-ibclc

(to find an IBCLC in the United States)
Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association

www.cappa.net/directory

(to find a CLE in the United States)
Other resources for breastfeeding and postpartum support
WIC breastfeeding support (United States):
  • Designated breastfeeding experts
  • Peer counselors
  • Buddy programs
 wicbreastfeeding.fns.usda.gov/get-support-wic
Office on Women's Health Helpline (United States):
  • Guidance about breastfeeding
 www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding
La Leche League International:
  • Extensive information about breastfeeding
  • Online support groups and meetings
  • In-person meetings in some areas
 www.llli.org/get-support
Postpartum Support International:
  • Information and support for postpartum mood and anxiety problems

www.postpartum.net

Phone: 800-944-4773 (in English and Spanish)
Other useful websites for reliable information or support:
WIC: Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children.
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