What is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)?
A healthcare professional who specializes in the clinical management of human lactation and breastfeeding. An IBCLC is certified by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners, which is considered the “gold standard” in the field. This certification requires rigorous education, hands on training, and re-certification every 5 years. Learn more here: International Lactation Consultant Association, United States Lactation Consultant Association
Why choose an IBCLC?
An IBCLC is trained to help establish and sustain breastfeeding, create a care plan for complex feeding issues, and remain sensitive to each individual’s unique needs and goals. The benefits of breastfeeding to baby, mother, family, and the environment are well known. Strategies for overcoming difficulties that can sometimes arise with breastfeeding are not always well known or identified by other health professionals. An IBCLC has the expertise to help with these specific challenges.
What are some difficulties Lactation Consultants help with during a visit?
Lactation Consultants address persisting painful latch, slow weight gain, clogged/plugged ducts, mastitis, low milk supply, insufficient mammary tissue or hypoplasia, inverted/flat nipples, tongue tie, and many more complications. An IBCLC can help identify underlying causes to these problems and provide you with an effective plan for moving forward.
Does insurance cover the cost of a Lactation Consultant?
As part of women’s preventative services, coverage options made possible by the Affordable Care Act are required to cover breastfeeding support, supplies and counseling. Learn more here: Breastfeeding Benefits. For Nurture Columbus Insurance options click here: Navigating Insurance. For any out of network plans, Nurture Columbus will provide you with a Lactation Visit Receipt (LVR) for you to submit to your insurance company or if you provide your insurance information on your intake for we will submit your insurance claim on your behalf for possible reimbursement depending on your plan’s coverage; however, Nurture Columbus is not responsible for reimbursement.