Lactation Support

We want more lactation consultants who do house calls!  We know that there may be many Lactation Consultants in hospital and clinical settings; however most mothers find it difficult to leave home when they have a newborn. They will delay accessing help because of it, which has an impact on her breastfeeding success. We encourage lactation consultants to go to homes and support new mothers within the first days of a baby’s birth.

There are a number of other professionals who can also support your breastfeeding journey without you needing to leave your home. Some Public Health Nurses are certified lactation consultants. You can call the Alberta Public Health line and ask for a nurse who has the IBCLC certification. They can then combine the postpartum home visit with breastfeeding support. Also many birth and postpartum doulas have taken breastfeeding courses and can provide a certain level of hands-on support and reassurance. Search your local doula association website. La Leche League may also be a good place to look for support. Visit  www.lllc.ca to find a group near you.

 

How do you find lactation support?

There are a variety of designations related to lactation support with varying levels of education and services they are able to offer.  Alberta Independent Registered Lactation Consultants website has some good information on how to differentiate between IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant), CBC (Certified Breastfeeding Counsellor), CLE (Certified Lactation Educator) and LC (Lactation consultant or counsellor).

Our Community Resources and Business Listings can be searched for Lactation support in your area.

Abbreviations:

  • BSc: Bachelor of Science

  • BDT: Birth Doula Trainer

  • CBE: Certified Breastfeeding Educator

  • CD: Certified Doula

  • CLC: Certified Lactation Counselor

  • IBCLC: International Board Certified Lactation Consultant

  • LCCE: Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator

  • LE: Lactation Educator

  • LLL: La Leche League

  • MN: Masters of Nursing

  • NP: Nurse Practitioner

  • PCD: Postpartum Doula

  • PES: Placenta Encapsulation Specialist

  • R.Ac.: Registered Accupuncturist

  • RN: Registered Nurse