Lactation Counseling vs. Lactation Consulting — What's the Difference?
If you have been searching for breastfeeding support, you may have come across the terms "lactation counseling" and "lactation consulting" and wondered if they mean the same thing. You are not alone! Many new mothers use these terms interchangeably, but there are some important differences worth understanding so you can make the best choice for you and your baby.
What is Lactation Counseling?
Lactation counseling is a general term that refers to any supportive guidance or education around breastfeeding. A lactation counselor may have completed a certificate program or short course in breastfeeding support. While lactation counselors can provide helpful basic guidance, they are not required to meet the rigorous clinical standards of a board-certified lactation consultant.
What is Lactation Consulting?
Lactation consulting refers to care provided by an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant — also known as an IBCLC. The IBCLC credential is the gold standard in breastfeeding care and is the only internationally recognized board certification in lactation. To earn the IBCLC credential, a lactation consultant must complete thousands of hours of supervised clinical experience, pass a rigorous board examination, and maintain continuing education requirements to stay current with the latest evidence-based practices.
What is the Difference Between a Lactation Counselor and an IBCLC?
Here is a simple breakdown:
When Should I See an IBCLC?
While any breastfeeding support is valuable, an IBCLC is your best choice when:
You are experiencing pain while nursing
Your baby is not gaining weight adequately
You have concerns about your milk supply
Your baby has been diagnosed with tongue tie or lip tie
You are dealing with mastitis, clogged ducts or engorgement
You are an exclusive pumper
You have a NICU graduate or premature baby
You are inducing lactation or relactating
You want a personalized prenatal breastfeeding plan
You are returning to work and need pumping support
Does Insurance Cover Lactation Consulting?
Yes! Under the Affordable Care Act, most commercial and private insurance plans are required to cover lactation consulting services provided by a qualified professional like an IBCLC. At Lactation Loop, we work directly with Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, UMR and Meritain to bill your insurance so you don't have to worry about the paperwork.
Why Choose Lactation Loop?
At Lactation Loop, every member of our team is a board-certified IBCLC — the highest credential available in lactation care. We serve families across six states with in-home, in-office and virtual consultations available Monday through Sunday, 9am to 8pm.
Whether you call it lactation counseling or lactation consulting, what matters most is that you get the expert support you and your baby deserve!
See all the conditions and concerns we help with → https://lactationloop.com/conditions-we-help-with
Book an appointment today → https://lactationloop.com/services