What Does a Lactation Consultant Do?

If you're curious about how a lactation consultant can assist with feeding your baby, you've come to the right place.

Medically reviewed by Rebecca Agi, MS, IBCLC

Prior to becoming a parent, there are a lot of moving parts to think about, especially when it comes to breast or chestfeeding. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), healthy newborns are generally ready to breastfeed within the first hour of being born. That said, many new parents might not be sure exactly what to expect on the big day and beyond—and that’s where a lactation consultant can be helpful.

To help provide more information, we connected with lactation consultants about what they do and how to find one if you think it could be beneficial to easing the transition to parenthood.

What Is a Lactation Consultant?

International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants, also known as lactation consultants, are the highest credentialed health care professionals with expertise in lactation. “A lactation consultant is a trained health care professional who...specializes in helping new parents with all aspects of breast/chestfeeding from [the beginning of the journey] through infant weaning,” says Sheila Janakos, MPH, IBCLC, LE, RLC, CEO and co-founder of Healthy Horizons corporate lactation programs.

Chrisie Rosenthal, an IBCLC with The Lactation Network, points out that the path to becoming an IBCLC is a rigorous one. "It requires several years of academic courses, hundreds of clinical hours, and passing a board exam," she adds.

Additionally, lactation consultants work in combination with the rest of a health care team to educate and inform parents about breast/chestfeeding and address any issues or concerns that may arise during the process.

Related: Is It Possible to Get Pregnant While Breastfeeding?

How Does a Lactation Consultant Help New Parents?

Lactation consultants have many responsibilities when it comes to helping new parents, both before delivery and postpartum.

“Prenatally, a lactation consultant provides education that will prepare parents for breastfeeding by learning how to latch the baby, what to expect during the first 48 hours after birth, how to tell if the baby is getting enough, what the baby’s feeding cues are, how to maintain healthy milk supply, how to avoid common problems of breastfeeding, when to reach out for help, how to introduce solid foods and a bottle, and how to breastfeed upon returning to work or school,” says Nicole Peluso, IBCLC and manager of lactation education at Aeroflow Breastpumps.

In the postpartum period, Peluso adds that lactation consultants generally manage breastfeeding problems that could potentially arise including latch difficulties, engorgement, clogged ducts, mastitis, undersupply, oversupply, reflux, nipple pain/damage, oral ties, frequent feeding, and supplementation.

“Once your baby is born, the lactation consultant has two patients—the parent and the baby—who she cares for equally in most cases, but is able to focus on one or the other if more attention is needed,” adds Peluso.

How Do I Know if a Lactation Consultant Is Right for Me?

If you find yourself with a lot of overwhelming questions about the breastfeeding process, you're concerned about potential challenges, or you're experiencing difficulty feeding your baby, a lactation consultant might be right for you.

“If a parent is deciding to breast/chestfeed, is new to lactation and is facing any challenges, a lactation consultant can be extremely helpful in navigating that process,” says Janakos. “Every consultant should have the same basic level of understanding of lactation. If there are special circumstances that make your case more complex, seeking the help of a more experienced lactation consultant would be advised.”

How Do I Find a Lactation Consultant?

Janakos recommends talking to a health care provider and getting solid recommendations when starting the process of finding a lactation consultant. Rosenthal adds that using a directory like the one provided by The Lactation Network can be helpful, especially if you're interested in finding one that’s potentially covered within your insurance network.

Related: Is It Safe to Get a Tattoo While Breastfeeding?

What Does a Lactation Consultant Cost?

The cost of seeing a lactation consultant varies based on the individual and whether or not you are paying through insurance. “If you opt to self-pay, costs range from the low $100s to over $500 per visit,” says Peluso, adding that if you use an in-network lactation consultant, the cost should be fully covered by your insurance.

According to Janakos, rates for lactation consultants are usually higher in larger cities and along both coasts of the United States. Virtual or in-office visits are usually less expensive than in-person home visits, which can account for driving and travel time.

With the new IRS laws, lactation services and related equipment are now tax deductible. Many consultants also take FSA/HSA cards to help offset the cost, Janakos points out.

Questions to Ask a Lactation Consultant

As with any professional, you’ll want to ask questions before seeing a lactation consultant to make sure they have the expertise that you need and they are a good fit for the family.

According to Janakos, some preliminary questions you’ll want to ask while on the search for a lactation consultant may include:

• What is your certification? Are you an IBCLC?

• How long have you been certified?

• Where did you do your clinical hours?

• How many hours did you complete and were they completed in person or simulated?

Here are a list of some common additional questions Rosenthal suggests asking:

• Where do you offer visits?

• How long is the consultation?

• How long does it take to book a visit?

• Do you have experience with feeding multiples, the NICU, etc.?

• Do you offer prenatal visits?

As an expecting or new parent, you know your needs more than anyone else. If you thinking finding a lactation consultant can be helpful, then ask a health care provider about referrals for providers in your area who can help on your journey.

Related: How Often Should I Pump While Breastfeeding?

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