What is a Lactation Consultant?
From:http://americas.iblce.org/what-is-an-ibclc
The International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) credential identifies a knowledgeable and experienced member of the maternal-child health team who has specialized skills in breastfeeding management and care. The IBLCE certification program offers the only international certification in lactation consulting.
IBCLCs have passed a rigorous examination that demonstrates the ability to provide knowledgeable, comprehensive lactation and breastfeeding care. Attainment of the IBCLC credential signifies that the practitioner has demonstrated knowledge to:
With a focus on preventive health care, IBCLCs encourage self-care, empowering parents to make their own decisions. IBCLCs use a problem solving approach to provide evidence based information to pregnant and breastfeeding women and make appropriate referrals to other members of the health care team. IBLCE has established Professional Standards for IBCLCs to follow and abide by. IBCLCs must renew their certification every five years, either through continuing education or by re-examination.
IBCLCs have passed a rigorous examination that demonstrates the ability to provide knowledgeable, comprehensive lactation and breastfeeding care. Attainment of the IBCLC credential signifies that the practitioner has demonstrated knowledge to:
- work together with mothers to prevent and solve breastfeeding problems
- collaborate with other members of the health care team to provide comprehensive care that protects, promotes and supports breastfeeding
- encourage a social environment that supports breastfeeding families
- educate families, health professionals and policy makers about the far-reaching and long-lasting value of breastfeeding as a global public health imperative.
With a focus on preventive health care, IBCLCs encourage self-care, empowering parents to make their own decisions. IBCLCs use a problem solving approach to provide evidence based information to pregnant and breastfeeding women and make appropriate referrals to other members of the health care team. IBLCE has established Professional Standards for IBCLCs to follow and abide by. IBCLCs must renew their certification every five years, either through continuing education or by re-examination.
Do I need a Lactation Consultant?
Why is it that providing your child with the most natural experience in the world can be such a challenge? While you and your baby are filled with natural feeding instincts, chances are you haven't seen too many mothers nursing their babies. Or, maybe the birth experience interfered with early breastfeeding. What seems so natural often requires patience, education and expert support. By having an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant come to your home, you get one-on-one attention and care designed specifically for you and your baby. Whether it be to overcome the challenges of a difficult birth or the first week, learn about pumping, or prepare to return the workplace, a home visit may be the optimal way to get closer to the breastfeeding experience you envisioned.
While some new parents appreciate a consultation to confirm that breastfeeding is going well, you should definitely contact a Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) if you experience any of the following:
While some new parents appreciate a consultation to confirm that breastfeeding is going well, you should definitely contact a Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) if you experience any of the following:
- Nipple pain--seriously, breastfeeding should not hurt
- Inadequate weight gain in baby after day 4
- No breast changes or feeling of "fullness" by day 5
- Sore nipples or any injury to nipples
- Difficulty in latching
- Inadequate diaper output
- Very long feedings after day 3...more than an hour
- Baby feeding less than 8-12 times in 24 hours
- Premature babies, multiples or difficult birth experience
- Breastfeeding after breast surgery
Payment Information
Payment is due at time of service. We accept most major credit cards. .
Insurance Information
After your visit, you will be provided with a detailed, coded receipt that you may submit to your insurance company.
Although Oak Leaf Lactation does not bill insurance on your behalf, the billing information we provide may be submitted for reimbursement. While many insurance companies do cover lactation care, we cannot guarantee that services will be covered by your company. Some families choose to use funds from their pre-tax medical spending accounts to cover lactation services. Please check with your plan or account provider to see what options you may have.
Oak Leaf Lactation is excited to announce that we offer lactation visits covered by Aetna. Please call for more information.
Although Oak Leaf Lactation does not bill insurance on your behalf, the billing information we provide may be submitted for reimbursement. While many insurance companies do cover lactation care, we cannot guarantee that services will be covered by your company. Some families choose to use funds from their pre-tax medical spending accounts to cover lactation services. Please check with your plan or account provider to see what options you may have.
Oak Leaf Lactation is excited to announce that we offer lactation visits covered by Aetna. Please call for more information.