As an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, IBCLC, and a Certified Life Coach, I am fascinated with human behavior.  I find it very interesting why women seek out help from an IBCLC while others who struggle with breastfeeding do not. Here are some, not all of the reasons why women choose not to work with an IBCLC.

• I should be able to figure this out on my own.
• We can’t afford it… or in other words, I can’t get my husband to agree that my nipple pain or breastfeeding struggles are out of my control.
• I have already talked to my neighbor who is a Lactation Consultant and she couldn’t help me so why pay for additional help?
• I sought out breastfeeding advise from my pediatrician/midwife/OB.
• I don’t think anyone can help me. All the LC’s can’t figure out what is going on.
• I don’t know who to call because I have one financial shot at making this work.
• I am so overwhelmed, I don’t want to pay for someone to tell me MORE things to do.
• I already paid to see someone, I can’t afford another opinion.

In order to receive the help, support, resources, education, assessment and an action plan for hope and healing in breastfeeding, a mom needs to have the desire and means to pay to see a professional. If your toilet is not flushing properly would you ask a neighbor who fixed his toilet recently or seek out a Licensed Plumber? If your husband goes into cardiac arrest, are you going to go to the internet or call 911?

Another thing a mom needs to know about working towards hope and healing her breastfeeding relationship, she isn’t at fault for her struggles. For some reason, the mom may internalize her breastfeeding problems. It is very rarely a mom issue, therefore, waiting for her to figure it out on her own or on-line, usually doesn’t work. Seeing someone in-person is much more effective.

The most important concept to know in hope and healing the breastfeeding relationship is in follow up with a professional in Lactation Management and that is an IBCLC. The IBCLC should be assessing not only latch and positioning but body structure and function in relation to the baby’s body, the function of the tongue and lip in relation to breastfeeding and assessment of moms over all emotional and physical well being as it all relates to her breastfeeding success. An IBCLC looks at EVERYTHING from all angles to make sure a mom has all the options available to her for the achievement of her breastfeeding goals. Aren’t your nipples worth the call?