Becoming an IBCLC can be very challenging but also very rewarding. There are 3 different Pathways to becoming and IBCLC, all of which requires a diverse background in health sciences, 95 hours of lactation specific education and relevant clinical experience. This clinical experience can range from having a background in dentistry, nursing, nutrition, speech pathology, among so many others. Applicants must also adhere to the Code of Professional Conduct for IBCLCs by attestation. Each Pathway requires from 300 hours to 1000 hours of directly supervised lactation specific clinical practice, (depending on which pathway), 95 hours of lactation specific education, and 14 subjects of completed health sciences such as, Biology, Human Anatomy and Physiology, Infant and child growth and development, nutrition, psychology, sociology, medical terminology and Professional ethics for the health professional among other required subjects. Please visit www.iblce.org for more information.
Skin to skin care
There are endless benefits to providing skin to skin care for your baby from birth and beyond. Skin to skin care is essential and beneficial to your baby whether you plan to breastfeed or not. Several of the benefits of skin to skin care include, but is not limited to;
- Increases bonding between parents and baby
- Increases stimulation to mom’s milk supply
- Helps stabilize baby’s blood sugar by aiding in digestion
- Increases baby’s interest in breastfeeding
- Calms and relaxes mom and baby
- Regulates baby’s body temperature
Returning to work while breastfeeding
The thought of leaving your baby and returning to work can be overwhelming. Try not to stress, as this could lead to decreased milk supply. Try to stay encouraged and plan to maintain and protect your milk supply with pumping at work. If possible, find a clean, quiet and private room to pump and then store your milk properly until returning home. If possible, try to pump at least 3 times during your shift and store milk in refrigerator or cooler. Freshly pumped breastmilk is good in the refrigerator for up to 6 days, and in the freezer from 6 months to 1 year. Be sure to pump into safety approved container or breast milk storage bag and label with date and time. If using a personal cooler bag, breast milk will be good for 24 hours. If you are having milk supply issues, please contact me to set up appointment for breast pump set up and check for proper fit.