What is an IBCLC and Do I Really Need One?
What Is an IBCLC, and Do I Really Need One?
When you’re preparing to welcome a baby—or navigating those early, sleep-deprived days of newborn life—it can feel like you're constantly swimming in information. Everyone seems to have an opinion, and Google? Let’s just say I’ve been down that rabbit hole more times than I can count.
And I say that not just as a professional—but as a mom of four.
Yes, I’m a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). But that doesn’t mean I magically had all the answers when it came to feeding my own babies. Each one of my children had a different journey, and there were plenty of moments I felt overwhelmed, uncertain, and in need of support.
That’s exactly why I do what I do now.
So, What Is an IBCLC?
An IBCLC is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant—a healthcare professional who specializes in breastfeeding and lactation. To earn this certification, we go through thousands of hours of training, hands-on clinical experience, and pass a comprehensive board exam. It's considered the highest level of certification for lactation care.
In short: we’re trained to help families navigate the feeding journey with evidence-based, compassionate care.
What Does an IBCLC Help With?
Whether breastfeeding is going smoothly or feels like a constant struggle, an IBCLC can support you through a wide range of situations:
Latching issues
Pain with feeding
Low milk supply or oversupply
Concerns about weight gain
Bottle refusal
Pumping or going back to work
Tongue tie or other feeding challenges
Weaning when you're ready
We look at the entire feeding picture—baby, parent, and everything in between—to find real solutions that work for your unique situation.
Do You Need an IBCLC?
Not every family will need ongoing lactation support—but every family deserves access to it. Here are a few times when reaching out to an IBCLC can really help:
You’re pregnant and want to feel more prepared. A prenatal session can help you start off with confidence and realistic expectations.
You’re experiencing pain or frustration. Breastfeeding shouldn't be something you suffer through.
You’re worried your baby isn't getting enough. We can assess milk transfer, baby’s growth, and offer a tailored feeding plan.
You want expert support without judgment. We’re here to support your goals—whether that’s breastfeeding, pumping, combo feeding, or something else.
Real Support From Someone Who Gets It
I created Shoreline Lactation & Beyond because I’ve been there—as a mom, as a provider, and as someone who knows how isolating and confusing feeding challenges can feel. My goal is to walk alongside you with support that’s empowering, realistic, and rooted in both evidence and empathy.
You don’t have to figure it all out on your own. If you’re wondering whether an IBCLC could help, the answer is: it’s always okay to ask.
I’m here for you—one feed at a time.
