What is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant?

Breastfeeding may be nature’s way of feeding our babies, but that doesn’t mean it’s always easy, especially for first-time moms. From mastitis to producing enough milk to getting a good latch, breastfeeding comes with challenges. That is where an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant can become a vital part of the breastfeeding experience.

A Proud Announcement

Generations Family Practice is excited to announce that Dr. Ashley Wofford is now an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant® (IBCLC®). But what does that mean? Some facts about lactation consultants:

• An IBCLC is certified by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners® (IBLCE®).
• An IBCLC works in a variety of settings, including doctor’s offices and hospitals.
• Lactation consultants can improve outcomes for breastfeeding moms. They may help those with high-risk situations or those who are struggling. They can help initiate breastfeeding and pumping, help parents create a feeding plan, troubleshoot problems, teach a variety of positioning for the infant and mom, and more.
• To become certified, consultants must obtain health sciences education, undergo a minimum of 90 hours lactation specific education, and pass a four-hour exam.
• Lactation consultants are not anti-formula. Not every mom can produce enough milk for her baby. Not every mom wants to breastfeed. Others physically cannot for various reasons. Lactation consultants are there to support all parents so they can meet their breastfeeding goals. Wofford says, “My goal is to provide knowledge about breastfeeding so that each family can meet their breastfeeding goals for their babies.”

What Made Dr. Wofford Want to Become a International Board Certified Lactation Consultant?

“My own children inevitably reveal things that I don’t know enough about, and breastfeeding was no exception. I had a rocky start to breastfeeding with my first child, and was fortunate enough to have outstanding support from our family physician, as well as a local support group run by nurse lactation consultants. Doctors really don’t learn very much about breastfeeding medicine in medical school, and I wanted to offer the best care possible for families. My reward is in helping families overcome obstacles and achieve their breastfeeding goals.“
If you are about to be a new parent, reach out to us to ask about breastfeeding, whether or not your pediatrician is part of Generations Family Practice. For more on this, read our past post: Myths and Facts on Breastfeeding our Babies.