When should I see an IBCLC?
We encourage families to seek assistance for any and all breastfeeding issues.
In a perfect world, all breastfeeding mothers would see a board-certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) in the first week of life whether or not there is an obvious problem. Often parents think breastfeeding is going well, only to find out at their 2-week or 2-month check-up that things are not going as well as they thought. We are big proponents of proactive breastfeeding management – get help before a minor problem becomes a major one!
It is especially important to seek breastfeeding help from an IBCLC if…
your infant is:
- Born at less than 38 weeks gestation
- Born weighing less than six pounds or small for gestational age
- Diagnosed with jaundice
- A multiple birth (twins, triplets, or more)
- Born with congenital conditions such as, Down syndrome, cleft lip or palate, or heart conditions
- Not back to birth weight by 10-14 days old
- Gaining weight slowly or “falling off” the growth chart
or you have a personal history of:
- Breast surgery
- Infertility
- Diabetes, thyroid, or other endocrine disorders
- Breastfeeding problems with a previous child
- Postpartum hemorrhage