An IBCLC is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. IBCLC's are breastfeeding and lactation experts. They usually have a university level health science education (such as midwifery, nursing or speech pathology) and undertake additional lactation specific education and clinical experience.

IBCLC's are skilled in supporting families to breastfeed. They can assist with: Helping to establish breastfeeding, managing complex breastfeeding challenges, measuring growth and weight of babies, assessing concerns with infant feeding, sleep and breast care. Some IBCLC's also provide bereavement support for mother's who need assistance with lactation and breastmilk production after the loss of a baby or child.

International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC) are highly skilled professionals with global credentialling in providing breastfeeding and lactation support. IBCLC's have obtained at a minimum, 1000 hours of experience helping families breastfeeding prior to achieving certification. They are required to remain up-to-date in evidence based care and must re-certify every 5 years.

Lactation Consultant's are experienced in managing a wide range of complex breastfeeding concerns. They are skilled in helping mothers to establish breast milk supply, initiate and maintain breastfeeding and troubleshoot any problems which arise.

Lactation Consultant's can help you with: Breast / Nipple pain, Breastfeeding after breast augmentation or breast reduction, painful latch, milk supply concerns, blocked ducts, mastitis, poor weight gain, failure to thrive, feeding multiples (twins, triplets, siblings), feeding medically complex babies, suppressing your breast milk supply and more.

Lactation Consultant's will discuss your goals with you, observe a breastfeed, and help you with a management plan.

Lactation Consultant fees vary widely depending on location, demand, experience and the service offered.

Beth Daniell - Lactation Care Australia charges $200 for the initial breastfeeding consult and $150 for follow up consultations.

If you are experiencing any problems with feeding, you should see a Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) as soon as possible.

Lactation Consultant's can provide antenatal consults to help with planning and preparing for birth and feeding a newborn.

In the postnatal period, consider contacting a Lactation Consultant if you are experiencing:

* Nipple or breast pain

* Nipple damage, blisters, cracks or bleeding

*Engorgement or mastitis

* Low Supply

*Oversupply

* Baby unsettled at the breast

* Poor weight gain

* Low output (wet / dirty nappies)

* Concerns with milk supply or milk production

* Medical concerns which may affect baby's ability to feed well.

Breastfeeding is beneficial for both mothers and their infants. It is a complex and complete food which contains everything your baby needs in the first 6 months. Breastfeeding offers baby’s protection against many childhood illnesses such as:

· SIDS / SUDI

· Gastrointestinal illness

· Necrotising enterocolitis (NEC)

· Asthma and respiratory disease

· Obesity

· Type 1 diabetes

· Ear infections

For mothers, breastfeeding offers protection against:

· Type 2 diabetes

· Breast Cancers

· Ovarian Cancers

· Osteoporosis

Babies breastfeed very often, especially in the first months. This is usually at least 8-12 times per day but can be much more frequent. Babies breastfeed for a variety of reasons including, hunger, tiredness, pain or discomfort, to feel close and safe.

Here is a quick guide to help you assess whether your breastfed baby is getting enough milk:

1. Is your baby having at least 8 breastfeeds per day (24 hours)?

2. Is your baby having at least 6 - 8 wet nappies and a bowel movement each day?

3. Do you hear or see signs of swallowing when your baby is feeding at the breast?

4. Do you feel a change or softening in your breasts during or after feeds?

5. Is baby content and relaxed after breastfeeds?

6. Is baby gaining weight and growing well?

Babies who feed frequently, are content, having plenty of wet and dirty nappies and gaining weight are generally well babies who are getting enough breastmilk. If you answered no or are unsure about any of the 6 points above, it is advisable to contact an IBCLC (Lactation Consultant) for an assessment and support.

* Breastfeeding on demand or cue-based feeding will help your body to produce the amount of breast milk suited for your baby's needs.

* Ensure your baby is latching and feeding well, to empty the breast.

* Give baby time to empty one breast before offering the other side.

* Lots of skin to skin contact with your baby will help with milk production

* Rest as much as possible

* Ensure that you remember to eat and drink often. Iron and protein rich foods are important.

* Express breastmilk after feeds for extra stimulation, this can send the message to your body to increase milk production or make more milk for your baby

* Breastfeed or express breastmilk often, at least 8 times per day. Overnight breastfeeding or expressing is important for adequate milk production.

* Avoid introducing bottles or dummies until breastfeeding is established, unless there is a medical reason to do so.

Babies sleep needs are variable. Babies wake and feed often. This supports brain growth, regulates the nervous system, protects against low blood sugar, satisfies hunger as breastmilk is digested quickly and protects against SIDS. Most breastfeed babies feed between 10-12 times per day, which is on average every 2 hours however spacing can vary. Many babies have a period of time during the day or night where they sleep for a longer periods and other times when the sleep cycle is much shorter.

Babies need to breastfeed for many reasons. This includes feeling hungry, thirsty, tired, for pain relief, to build immunity, to increase milk production, for comfort and to feel safe and close. Baby's sucking can also help with digestion. Comfort sucking is the term used for when baby wants to suck but is not necessarily hungry. This is normal baby behaviour and has many benefits.

In the early day of breastfeeding, many women experience nipple damage and nipple injuries, often as a result of shallow latch or poor positioning when breastfeeding. Some treatments you can try to help aid healing include:

* Gently rubbing some breastmilk over your nipples after each breastfeed

* Try a lanolin based nipple cream

* Warm heat pack prior to breastfeeding may help reduce painful sensation for some women

* Cool pack or gel discs after breastfeeding may help reduce swelling and inflammation

* Silverette nursing cups may speed the healing process

If you are unsure of the cause of the nipple injury or you are experiencing ongoing or worsening nipple damage, consider booking an appointment with a Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) for assessment and management.