All About Breastfeeding
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What is an IBCLC?
Answer:
An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) is a health care professional who specializes in the clinical management of breastfeeding. IBCLCs are certified by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners, Inc. (www.iblce.org) under the direction of the U.S. National Commission for Certifying Agencies. IBCLCs work in a wide variety of health care settings, including hospitals, pediatric offices, public health clinics, and private practice.
The credential identifies a knowledgeable and experienced member of the maternal-child heatlh team who has specialized skills in breastfeeding management and care. The IBCLC certification program offers the only credential in lactation consulting and is available globally.
IBCLCs must demonstrate continued competence to practice by recertifying every five years. They are expected to maintain and enhance knowledge and skills through appropriate and regular continuing education. Five years after passing the exam, recertification through fulfillment of continuing education requirements is permitted. Every ten years, recertification by examination is required.
IBCLCs have passed a rigorous examination that demonstrates the ability to
provide competent, comprehensive lactation and breastfeeding care. Attainment of
the IBCLC credential signifies that the practitioner has demonstrated competence
to:
- work together with mothers to prevent and solve breastfeeding problems
- collaborate with other members of the health care team to provide comprehensive care that supports, protects and promotes breastfeeding
- encourage a social environment that supports breastfeeding families
- educate families, health professionals and policy makers about the far-reaching and long-lasting value of breastfeeding as a global public health imperative.
With a focus on preventive health care, IBCLCs encourage self-care, empowering parents to make their own decisions. IBCLCs use a problem solving approach to provide evidenced-based information to pregnant and breastfeeding women and make appropriate referrals to other members of the health care team.
Question: Why should I take a breastfeeding class with All About Breastfeeding?
Answer:
The Basics of Breastfeeding Class is taught by Lori J. Isenstadt, IBCLC. Lori is
a very experienced lactation consultant who has taught breastfeeding classes
since 1987. This comprehensive 2 1/2 hour class covers information necessary for
the first 2 weeks of breastfeeding, in addition to breastpumps and returning to
work. Classes are kept to a maximum of 5 mothers and their partners. Small
classes help to increase the students' comfort level, ability to learn and allow
for enough time to have all questions answered. As a result of taking this
class, you will feel very prepared about what to expect during the first 2 weeks
of breastfeeding. You will learn what common problems mothers have, how to
prevent them and what resources you have to solve any problems. As a result of
taking this class, you will learn which nursing bras are highly recommeneded,
which breastfeeding pillows are best and learn all about the various
breastfeeding accessories.
Question: When is the best time to be fitted for a nursing bra?
Answer:
The answer to this question is based on how you are feeling as your pregnancy progresses. If you begin to find that your rib cage is getting bigger and your breasts are feeling tight in your usual bra, now is a good time. A well fitting bra can make you feel much more comfortable during your last trimester. If you have been fine up until the 9th month, but you are about to have your baby in the next 3 weeks or so, NOW is an excellent time to be fitted for your nursing bra. You will feel more comfortable in the last several weeks and the size you purchse now will more than likely fit you for the first several months or more of breastfeeding. Your breast size will change from feeding to feeding and from day to day during this transitional period. A well made bra has the flexibility to meet the changes and still fit well. Of course, if you have not purchased a bra and your baby is born, you will really benefit from having a bra fitting as you will now realize the importance of being comfortable and the need for convenience and flexibility while nursing your baby.
Question: I called and left a voicemail. When will my phone call be returned?
Answer:
I would first like to thank you for calling All About Breastfeeding. When you
called, I was more than likely helping a mother or in a consult. All calls will
be answered within a two hour period and many times will be responded to very
shortly after you have left your message. You always have the option of leaving
a message at aabreastfeeding@hotmail com. All email inquiries will be responded
to within a few hours and always the same day.
Call Today 623-252-2290
