ROLE OF A CLC
As a Certified Lactation Consultant (CLC), I am dedicated to supporting new moms like you on your breastfeeding journey. My goal is to ensure that breastfeeding becomes a positive, rewarding, and successful experience for both you and your baby. I am here to provide personalized care, practical advice, and emotional support, making sure you feel empowered and confident every step of the way.
Key Responsibilities
Assessment and Evaluation
- Understand Your Needs: I start by assessing both your and your baby’s breastfeeding needs to tailor my support.
-Evaluate Breastfeeding: I carefully evaluate your baby's latch and feeding patterns to ensure everything is going smoothly.
- Identify Issues: If there are any potential breastfeeding challenges, I will help you identify and address them early on.
Education and Support
- Breastfeeding Techniques: I provide easy-to-understand information on breastfeeding techniques and the best positions for you and your baby.
- Benefits of Breastfeeding: Together, we’ll explore the amazing benefits of breastfeeding for both you and your baby.
- Overcoming Challenges: I am here to support you through any breastfeeding challenges you may face, from latch issues to milk supply concerns.
Creating a Breastfeeding Plan
- Personalized Plans: I will work with you to develop a breastfeeding plan that fits your unique situation and goals.
- Expressing and Storing Milk: I can guide you on how to effectively express and store breast milk, ensuring your baby gets the best nutrition even when you’re apart.
Problem Solving
- Latch Difficulties: If you’re having trouble with latching, I can offer solutions to make breastfeeding more comfortable and effective.
- Milk Supply Issues: Whether you’re concerned about having too much or too little milk, I can help you manage your milk supply.
- Breastfeeding Complications: I can assist with common breastfeeding problems like mastitis and engorgement, offering practical advice and support.
Emotional Support
- Encouragement: Breastfeeding can be a rollercoaster of emotions, and I am here to provide the encouragement and support you need to keep going.
- Addressing Concerns: I am always available to listen to your anxieties or concerns about breastfeeding and provide reassurance and guidance.
Liaison and Referral
- Collaborating with Healthcare Providers: I work closely with your healthcare team to ensure comprehensive care.
- Referrals to Specialists: If necessary, I can refer you to specialists, including IBCLCs, for more advanced support.
SERVICES PROVIDED
As a Certified Lactation Consultant (CLC), I provide a broad range of services to support new moms and their babies in their breastfeeding journey. Here’s a detailed list of the services I offer:
Prenatal Breastfeeding Education
Prenatal Breastfeeding Classes
Personalized Prenatal Consultations
Breastfeeding Techniques and Latch Assistance
Latch Assessment
Breastfeeding Positions
Milk Supply Support
Milk Supply Assessment
Pumping Guidance
Addressing Breastfeeding Challenges
Pain and Discomfort Relief
Mastitis and Blocked Ducts Management
Infant Feeding Support
Feeding Schedule Assistance
Specialized Support for Unique Situations
Preterm Infant Support
Breastfeeding Multiples (Twins, Triplets)
Breastfeeding and Returning to Work
Pumping and Storage Plans
Workplace Breastfeeding Strategies
Weaning and Bottle Feeding
Weaning Support: Guidance on transitioning your baby from
breastfeeding to bottle feeding or solid foods.
Bottle Feeding Techniques: Education on proper bottle
feeding techniques and how to introduce bottles.
Transitioning Plans: Development of a step-by-step plan for
weaning and transitioning to alternative feeding methods.
Supply Recommendations
Breast Pump Recommendations: Advice on selecting the right breast
pump to meet your needs.
Bottle Recommendations: Guidance on choosing bottles that align
with your baby’s feeding requirements.
Formula Recommendations: Recommendations for formula options,
if needed, and how to safely prepare and store formula.
Nutrition and Wellness
Maternal Nutrition Advice
Infant Nutrition Guidance
Emotional and Psychological Support
Emotional Support and Reassurance
Addressing Concerns and Anxiety
Referral Services
Specialist Referrals (e.g., IBCLCs)
Community Resource Connections
Customized Lactation Plans
Personalized Breastfeeding Plans
Prenatal Breastfeeding Education
Prenatal Breastfeeding Classes
Personalized Prenatal Consultations
Breastfeeding Techniques and Latch Assistance
Latch Assessment
Breastfeeding Positions
Milk Supply Support
Milk Supply Assessment
Pumping Guidance
Addressing Breastfeeding Challenges
Pain and Discomfort Relief
Mastitis and Blocked Ducts Management
Infant Feeding Support
Feeding Schedule Assistance
Specialized Support for Unique Situations
Preterm Infant Support
Breastfeeding Multiples (Twins, Triplets)
Breastfeeding and Returning to Work
Pumping and Storage Plans
Workplace Breastfeeding Strategies
Weaning and Bottle Feeding
Weaning Support: Guidance on transitioning your baby from
breastfeeding to bottle feeding or solid foods.
Bottle Feeding Techniques: Education on proper bottle
feeding techniques and how to introduce bottles.
Transitioning Plans: Development of a step-by-step plan for
weaning and transitioning to alternative feeding methods.
Supply Recommendations
Breast Pump Recommendations: Advice on selecting the right breast
pump to meet your needs.
Bottle Recommendations: Guidance on choosing bottles that align
with your baby’s feeding requirements.
Formula Recommendations: Recommendations for formula options,
if needed, and how to safely prepare and store formula.
Nutrition and Wellness
Maternal Nutrition Advice
Infant Nutrition Guidance
Emotional and Psychological Support
Emotional Support and Reassurance
Addressing Concerns and Anxiety
Referral Services
Specialist Referrals (e.g., IBCLCs)
Community Resource Connections
Customized Lactation Plans
Personalized Breastfeeding Plans
SCOPE OF PRACTICE CLC
Scope of Practice for a Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC)
A Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) is a credentialed breastfeeding professional who provides comprehensive breastfeeding support and counseling services. The scope of practice for a CLC encompasses the following areas:
1. Breastfeeding Support and Education
Direct Counseling: Offer personalized counseling to breastfeeding mothers and families to address various breastfeeding concerns and challenges.
Education: Provide accurate, evidence-based information on breastfeeding techniques, benefits, and management to new parents, healthcare providers, and the community.
Preparation: Assist families in preparing for breastfeeding during pregnancy and planning for the postpartum period.
2. Assessment and Management
Initial and Ongoing Assessment: Conduct thorough assessments of breastfeeding practices, including latch, positioning, and milk transfer.
Management of Common Issues: Identify and provide management strategies for common breastfeeding problems such as sore nipples, engorgement, and milk supply issues.
3. Development of Care Plans
Customized Care Plans: Develop individualized breastfeeding care plans that cater to the specific needs and goals of the mother and infant.
Follow-up: Implement follow-up procedures to monitor progress and make necessary adjustments to the care plan.
4. Advocacy and Support
Advocacy for Breastfeeding: Advocate for breastfeeding as the optimal choice for infant nutrition and support breastfeeding-friendly policies and environments.
Emotional Support: Provide empathetic and non-judgmental support to mothers, recognizing the emotional aspects of breastfeeding.
5. Collaboration and Referral
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Work collaboratively with healthcare providers and other professionals to ensure comprehensive care for breastfeeding families.
Referral: Recognize situations that fall outside the CLC's scope of practice and make appropriate referrals to lactation consultants or other healthcare professionals when specialized care is required.
6. Professional Responsibility and Continuing Education
Ethical Practice: Adhere to ethical guidelines and standards of practice to ensure quality and safe care.
Continuing Education: Engage in ongoing professional development and education to stay updated on the latest breastfeeding research and practices.
7. Community Involvement and Outreach
Community Education: Participate in community education efforts to promote breastfeeding and support public health initiatives.
Resource Provision: Provide access to breastfeeding resources and support networks for mothers and families.
This scope of practice ensures that a Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) provides comprehensive, evidence-based breastfeeding support to promote optimal outcomes for breastfeeding mothers and their infants.
For more detailed information, you can visit the official site here
A Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) is a credentialed breastfeeding professional who provides comprehensive breastfeeding support and counseling services. The scope of practice for a CLC encompasses the following areas:
1. Breastfeeding Support and Education
Direct Counseling: Offer personalized counseling to breastfeeding mothers and families to address various breastfeeding concerns and challenges.
Education: Provide accurate, evidence-based information on breastfeeding techniques, benefits, and management to new parents, healthcare providers, and the community.
Preparation: Assist families in preparing for breastfeeding during pregnancy and planning for the postpartum period.
2. Assessment and Management
Initial and Ongoing Assessment: Conduct thorough assessments of breastfeeding practices, including latch, positioning, and milk transfer.
Management of Common Issues: Identify and provide management strategies for common breastfeeding problems such as sore nipples, engorgement, and milk supply issues.
3. Development of Care Plans
Customized Care Plans: Develop individualized breastfeeding care plans that cater to the specific needs and goals of the mother and infant.
Follow-up: Implement follow-up procedures to monitor progress and make necessary adjustments to the care plan.
4. Advocacy and Support
Advocacy for Breastfeeding: Advocate for breastfeeding as the optimal choice for infant nutrition and support breastfeeding-friendly policies and environments.
Emotional Support: Provide empathetic and non-judgmental support to mothers, recognizing the emotional aspects of breastfeeding.
5. Collaboration and Referral
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Work collaboratively with healthcare providers and other professionals to ensure comprehensive care for breastfeeding families.
Referral: Recognize situations that fall outside the CLC's scope of practice and make appropriate referrals to lactation consultants or other healthcare professionals when specialized care is required.
6. Professional Responsibility and Continuing Education
Ethical Practice: Adhere to ethical guidelines and standards of practice to ensure quality and safe care.
Continuing Education: Engage in ongoing professional development and education to stay updated on the latest breastfeeding research and practices.
7. Community Involvement and Outreach
Community Education: Participate in community education efforts to promote breastfeeding and support public health initiatives.
Resource Provision: Provide access to breastfeeding resources and support networks for mothers and families.
This scope of practice ensures that a Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) provides comprehensive, evidence-based breastfeeding support to promote optimal outcomes for breastfeeding mothers and their infants.
For more detailed information, you can visit the official site here
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CLC AND IBCLC
Both CLCs and IBCLCs are passionate about supporting breastfeeding, but there are
key differences in our training, scope of practice, and expertise.
1. Training and Certification
CLC (Certified Lactation Consultant):
Our training typically involves 45-90 hours of coursework and passing a certification exam.
We focus on providing foundational breastfeeding support and education.
They must take over 25 CE credits to be recertified every five years.
IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant):
IBCLCs undergo extensive training, including at least 90 hours of
lactation-specific education and 1,000 clinical hours.
They must pass a rigorous board exam and are recertified every five years.
2. Scope of Practice
CLC: We provide basic breastfeeding support and education.
We address common breastfeeding issues and offer practical advice.
We refer complex cases to IBCLCs or healthcare providers when necessary.
IBCLC's offer advanced clinical lactation care and can manage complex breastfeeding challenges.
They work in various healthcare settings and provide comprehensive breastfeeding assessments and care plans.
3. Limitations of CLCs
Medical Diagnoses: CLCs are not trained to diagnose medical conditions; such diagnoses must be made by healthcare providers or IBCLCs.
Complex Issues: CLCs can handle basic issues, but complex cases requiring detailed clinical intervention are referred to IBCLCs.
Prescribing Treatments: CLCs cannot prescribe medications or medical treatments, which require a healthcare provider or IBCLC.
Specialized Procedures: Certain procedures, such as tongue-tie releases, are outside the scope of a CLC and require a specialist.
4. Cost
Typical Services and Costs for a CLC
Initial Consultation (30-40 minutes): $35-$50
Follow-Up Visits (90 minutes): $175-$200
Prenatal Breastfeeding Class: $50-$75 per session.
Phone or Online Support: $50-$75 per session.
Typical Services and Costs for IBCLC
Initial Consultation (90-120 minutes): $300- 500
Follow-Up Visits (30-60 minutes): $300+
When to Consult an IBCLC
While I can provide extensive support, there are times when you mayneed the expertise of an IBCLC.
I will always refer you to an IBCLC or other healthcare providers if you encounter:
Complex Lactation Challenges: Such as severe nipple trauma,mastitis, recurrent blocked ducts, or inadequate milk supply
that does not improve with initial support.
Infant Feeding Difficulties: Issues like failure to thrive, significant weight loss, or severe feeding problems that require advanced assessment.
Medical Conditions: For infants with congenital anomalies or mothers with conditions affecting breastfeeding.
Surgical Interventions: Cases requiring medical or surgical procedures, like tongue-tie release.
Persistent Problems: Ongoing issues such as continuous pain or breastfeeding refusal, despite interventions.
Medication Concerns: Situations involving medications and their impact on breastfeeding.