Today is IBCLC Day and the perfect time to recognize all that International Board Certified Lactation Consultants do to support parents in feeding their children.  As childbirth educators and perinatal professionals, we let parents know about the IBCLC professional and how they can help a family after the baby arrives,  We may even provide specific contacts for IBCLCs in our area.  But there are at least 9 reasons that a family may want to consider consulting with an IBCLC before their baby is born, in order to help them start off right with their desire to give their baby human milk

We can share that if parents have certain conditions or circumstances, they may benefit from establishing care with an IBCLC before the baby arrives. As the childbirth educator, you may not know if any families in your class have any of these situations.  Providing information in a general manner to everyone helps individuals decide for themselves when it might be appropriate to connect prenatally with an IBCLC in order to set themselves up the support they will need:

• Prior breast/chest reduction or augmentation procedures including top surgery for gender diverse individuals.
• A history of breast cancer or other health concerns.
• A history or diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome, (PCOS), any type of diabetes, thyroid issues, or infertility.
• Lack of change to the breasts or chest tissue during the pregnancy.
• A prior history of difficulty producing or feeding a baby human milk.
• A person who is pregnant with multiples, or is at risk of a premature birth.
• Parents planning to exclusively pump.
• Non-gestational or adoptive parent who wants to induce lactation.
• A person who has inverted nipples.

Sharing this information with class families helps them to receive the help they need in advance and establish care with someone who is ready to support them after birth.  Lactation consultants are an important member of the perinatal team and they work hard to help families meet their lactation goals.  Take a moment today to thank the IBCLC colleagues that you know and let them know how much they are appreciated.