Lactation consultants near you
Lactation consultants help with latch, milk supply, pumping and feeding plans. Many visit you at home, and most health plans cover lactation support.
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Before you book
- Ask whether they are an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant). You can look up any IBCLC in the IBLCE public registry.
- Ask whether they come to your home, see you in an office or offer video visits.
- Ask your health plan whether lactation visits are covered and whether this consultant is in network. Some plans reimburse out-of-network visits if you send a receipt.
- If feeding worries come with fewer wet diapers or slow weight gain, call your baby's doctor too.
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Common questions
What's the difference between an IBCLC and a lactation counselor?
An IBCLC has completed lactation education and supervised clinical hours, passed an international board exam and must recertify every five years. Lactation counselors and educators (such as CLC or CLE) finish shorter courses. Both can help; for harder problems many parents look for an IBCLC.
Does insurance cover a lactation consultant?
Under the Affordable Care Act, most health plans must cover breastfeeding support and counseling without cost sharing. What that looks like varies by plan, so ask which consultants are in network. Medicaid coverage depends on your state.
When should I see a lactation consultant?
Any time feeding hurts, your baby struggles to latch or you're worried about supply. Many parents book a visit in the first week or two after birth, and again before going back to work or starting to pump.