Finding Lactation Support- A Resource Guide
This is a list of possible resources for finding a Lactation Consultant. It will continue to expand as I find more to add to the list, but it’s somewhere for you to get started now. I do not personally recommend any specific network since it’s all about finding that right fit person for you, and I only know the names of providers I have worked with in my local area.
Possible Resources
Personal Recommendations:
This is where asking friends and family for advice comes in handy. Ask for the name and contact information of the lactation consultant they really liked (and only if they really liked them). Remember, you can always have a chat with the lactation consultant ahead of time to ask about their experience, get pricing and coverage info, feel out their personality, and see if it’s a good fit for you.
The Lactation Network:
Checks your insurance coverage and pairs you with an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant). You can also search for a specific lactation consultant who is a provider through their network. If covered by your insurance, you will receive an email with the approved visits ahead of time and your provider can request more visits if necessary. Check out the TheLactationNetwork.
The Nest Collaborative:
Provides online virtual lactation consultations and accepts several insurances. But note, they are only online and for some concerns in person evaluation is ideal. Check out the TheNestCollaborative.
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC):
Provides lactation consultant support to those below a specific household income. Their website provides the details on who qualifies for WIC based services. Here’s more information on qualifying for WIC.
Internet Search:
There are also many private practice lactation consultants working out there just waiting to be found by you, just be sure to ask important questions and that you feel comfortable with your support person no matter how you find them.
Here are some questions you can ask:
What is your certification level? (Anyone can call themself a lactation consultant since it is not a licensed profession except in four U.S. states. This also means, there are several ‘certification’ options available online. The IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) credential requires education as well as hands-on experience, but you may find someone with another certification who has extensive experience for your needs and is a great fit.)
How much experience do you have working with mother-baby dyads with similar goals to mine? (For example, exclusive breastfeeding, mixed bottle and breastfeeding, exclusive pumping, the need to wean at a predetermined time, or specific conditions that you or your baby may have, etc.)
What is your cost for services?
What type of availability do you have? (If you have a breastfeeding issue, it is unlikely you’ll want to wait a week to see someone. So knowing a professional’s policy on returning communication and scheduling is helpful.)
Where do you work? (Do they come to your house or would you need to pack up your baby and their gear to go see them at an office?)
I hope these resources help you get to the right provider to fit your needs and saves you a little time on the hunt. If you are on the fence and unsure as to whether or not you need a lactation consultant, check out the visual guide below.
