What is the difference between a Lactation Consultant and a Lactation Counselor, Breastfeeding USA counselor, and all of the other names?

• There are 3 certifications that are structured very similarly: CLC, CLS, and CLE
  1. Certified Lactation Counselor - also known as CLC, or "Lactation Counselor"
  2. Certified Lactation Specialist - also known as CLS or "Lactation Specialist"
  3. Certified Lactation Educator - also known as CLE
  • Each of these (CLC, CLS, and CLE) have the following in common:
    • Training: 45-hour course with test at the end, and certification upon passing)
    • Scope of practice includes: Establishing good milk supply, helping mothers and babies with positioning and latch, giving mothers instructions on pumping and hand expression of milk, and other routine breastfeeding management
    • Needs to refer to IBCLC or Lactation Consultant when breastfeeding challenges fall outside of their scope of practice
• International Board Certified Lactation Consultant - also known as IBCLC or "Lactation Consultant"
  • Highest standard for breastfeeding credential
  • Training: A bachelor's degree in a health field, 1000 hours working with breastfeeding mothers, 90 lactation-specific continuing-education hours, passing the IBCLC Boards. Certification must be renewed every 5 years with continuing education credits and re-examination every 10 years
    
  • Scope of practice includes: all of the scope of the above groups, as well as more complicated maternal and infant breastfeeding challenges. Examples include NICU admission for infants, hyperbilirubinemia, congenital defects, oral/motor dysfunction and excess infant weight loss; for mothers examples include: breast abscess, induced lactation, mastitis, breast surgeries and anomalies.
    

I am a Certified Lactation Counselor. For the past 4 years, I have been training to become a Lactation Consultant. As I get more experience, education, training, my scope expands. In April 2016, I will sit for the IBCLC boards and I will get the results in June or July of 2016. In the mean time, I will continue to practice as a Certified Lactation Counselor, providing home visits for mothers and babies in the Indianapolis area.

You know you're in the right field when you get really excited that your new textbook came in the mail and you can't wait to start studying!

T minus 47 days until the IBCLC exam!

It can be hard for some moms to do, but I think it's critical to do! Naps are important for moms too, not just babies!

One of my favorite things about the work I do, is I get to help moms refill their cups!

Are you good about taking care of yourself? Do you need a little help/encouragement to take time to do that? Do you say yes when people offer to help? And ask for help when you need it?

It's important to do! If you can fill your own cup up, and meet your needs (sleep, food, enjoyable activities, etc) then you'll have more joy and energy to share with your family and friends. Your happiness is important!

I have a new great resource that I would love to share with you!
The Music Playhouse!
(Carmel or Broad Ripple locations)
I joined one of my past clients and her 2 1/2 year-old twins. The instructor in our class, Stephanie Becher, was fantastic!
She had a great singing voice, and was great with the kids. You could tell she knew a lot about child development, and the songs we sang and danced to were not only fun for the kids, but purposefully helping them grow. The kids loved it and it was great for those that are shy and those that are outgoing! A great way to explore music, singing, dancing, and rhythm.
More information:
*Classes for ages birth to 6 years
*Call to schedule a free trial class. 317-573-0080. New families only.
*You can also email indianapolis@themusicplayhouse.com
*Sessions are typically once a week classes for 10 weeks. You can make up classes at different times of the week if you miss one. Or start partially through a session for a pro-rated amount.

Here are links to their Facebook pages for Carmel and Broad Ripple.