If you’re preparing for birth or you just had a baby and you’re wondering, “Do I really need a lactation consultant?” then you’re not alone.
Most new moms, especially first-time moms, assume breastfeeding will come naturally. You’ve heard it’s a bonding experience. It’s what your body was made to do. But then baby is born… and breastfeeding turns out to be painful, confusing, or downright stressful.
As a labor nurse turned preconception and birth coach, and new mom – I’ve seen this story play out too many times. And I can confidently say: a lactation consultant can be the difference between quitting early and breastfeeding with confidence.
Let’s break down what they do and why it matters.
What Is a Lactation Consultant?
A lactation consultant is a trained expert in infant feeding, including breastfeeding, pumping, combo feeding, and even formula support. If your baby is struggling to latch, you’re not producing enough milk, or you’re simply unsure what’s normal, this is who you call.
There are different types of consultants, including:
- IBCLCs (International Board Certified Lactation Consultants) – the highest level of certification
- CLCs (Certified Lactation Counselors)
- Infant feeding specialists
Each one offers unique training and services, but all can help you feel more confident and supported during one of the most vulnerable times of motherhood.
Why Lactation Support Is So Important – Especially for Black Mothers
Studies show that Black women are less likely to receive breastfeeding support in hospital settings and are more likely to stop breastfeeding earlier than they planned. This is often due to systemic bias, lack of access, or not knowing that help even exists.
Having a lactation consultant on your birth team, especially one who understands your cultural needs and advocates for you, can dramatically shift your experience. Whether it’s assessing for lip or tongue ties, guiding you through painful latch issues, or just being someone to text at 3am when you’re overwhelmed and crying, they are invaluable.
Common Breastfeeding Struggles They Can Help With
- Painful latch or nipple trauma
- Baby not gaining weight
- Oversupply or low milk production
- Pumping guidance for returning to work
- Navigating bottle refusal or nipple confusion
- How to store and prepare breast milk
- Support with formula feeding if needed
- Emotional overwhelm and feeding anxiety
Even if you’re not breastfeeding, a lactation consultant can help safely dry up your milk, choose the right formula, and show you how to feed your baby with confidence.
What If Everything Is Going Fine?
The reality is not everyone will need a lactation consultant. But here’s what I tell my clients:
You’d rather have support on standby than scramble when things go wrong.
Imagine it’s 2AM, you’re swollen, sore, hormonal, your baby won’t latch, and you’re Googling “how to get baby to latch” through tears. That’s not the moment to start searching for a lactation consultant near you.
I’ve been there. My baby had both a tongue tie and a lip tie. We got help early, and I saw the difference. I had a consultant who made house calls, assessed our latch, did pre- and post-feed weight checks, and reminded me that I was doing enough, even when I doubted it.
How to Find a Lactation Consultant Near You
- Ask your hospital if they offer in-hospital lactation support
- Check your insurance for covered visits with IBCLCs
- Use your FSA or HSA to pay for private sessions
- Look for private practice lactation consultants who do home visits or virtual consults
- Ask your birth coach or doula for referrals
Some insurance policies even cover up to six visits, so don’t miss out on what you’ve already paid for.
The Best Time to Connect with a Lactation Consultant?
Before your baby is born.
Yes, really.
When you book a birth coaching session with me, we walk through every layer of your birth team, including your postpartum support team. That means you don’t just get educated about birth, you also get resourced for what comes after.
Ready to Build Your Birth & Feeding Plan with Confidence?
Whether you’re a first-time mom or you’ve done this before, you deserve personal support, guidance, and peace of mind.
✨ Book a personalized birth coaching session with me and get the strategy, resources, and encouragement you need to feel empowered in your feeding journey—whatever that looks like for you.
🔗 Schedule your session today
Thriving in motherhood starts with feeling supported from day one!
Keywords used: lactation consultant near me, breastfeeding support, IBCLC vs CLC, how to get baby to latch, Black breastfeeding support, when to hire a lactation consultant, pumping vs breastfeeding, birth coaching for new moms
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