Breastfeeding can be a deeply satisfying and rewarding experience benefiting both mother and baby. For some women the nursing relationship proceeds smoothly. Other mothers may face challenges that cause difficulty with breastfeeding and may lead to untimely weaning.

A Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) is a board certified healthcare professional with specialized skills and up-to-date knowledge of the breastfeeding process and lactation management. A Lactation Consultant provides prenatal instruction in breastfeeding for expectant mothers and offers timely assistance and support for new mothers if problems arise. To solve breastfeeding problems, a Lactation Consultant will work directly with the nursing mother, her family and her doctor to develop a personalized plan to help make breastfeeding a successful and satisfying experience. A Board Certified Lactation Consultant can help you with:

• Information and instruction about breastfeeding
• Assessment and solutions for breastfeeding challenges such as:
• breast refusal / reluctance to nurse
• nipple or breast soreness
• engorgement
• positioning and latch-on problems
• low milk supply
• suck / swallow difficulties
• slow infant weight gain
• jaundice and breastfeeding
• breast infections
• nursing an adopted baby
• cleft lip / palate
• prior breast surgery
• relactation
• medications and breastfeeding
• returning to work or school
• premature, hospitalized or special need infant
• expressing milk for a preterm or ill baby
• breastfeeding twins or other multiples
• Breastpumps and other nursing supplies

Although not every breastfeeding mother and baby necessarily require the help of an IBCLC, it as been demonstrated that "breastfeeding education and access to a lactation consultant can be critical to the successful initiation and continuation of breastfeeding."

Remember: breastfeeding problems are easier to solve when help is sought early.

Reprinted with permission from Chonyi Glassman and Beth Shulman