Life began at the breast.
The first child was breastfed, and then every other child after that until the 1860’s when formula was invented. (although not perfected and popular until closer to the 1930s) Breastfeeding is natural and therefore easy, right? That is a very complicated, and delicate, question.
The truth is, not all moms can breastfeed; even more so, not all babies can breastfeed. For some women, the baby latches during golden hour and the rest is history. For other women, they struggle to form a proper latch, have supply issues, and can even suffer from mental health disorders connected to breastfeeding.
For some women, breastfeeding is going great but they just have questions about the smaller details; OR maybe you thought everything was going great but your baby didn’t gain enough weight at their last wellness visit.
I am a certified breastfeeding specialist (CBS) who can admit that breast is not always best. While breastmilk is king, feeding from the breast isn’t always the best option for your family. So whether you choose to exclusively breastfeed, exclusively pump, combo feed, or need help weaning (and everything that comes with it all), a lactation consultant can help.
A Path Forward offers single consultations, emergency visits, and new born packages. Contact us today to schedule a consultation to discuss which option fits your needs.
About my qualifications as a Certified Breastfeeding Specialist (CBS)
First, lets address the difference between a CBS and an IBCLC:
At the highest level, you have International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants or IBCLCs.
These consultants have had the most training and education. Training includes 95+ hours of lactation-specific instruction, college courses in health science, and 300 hours of hands-on clinical training. Upon completing the training requirements, certification is awarded after the trainee successfully passes an extensive exam administered by the International Board. An IBCLC’s scope of practice is the broadest. As a result, they can assist with more complex challenges in your breastfeeding journey.
The next level would be the CBS. This group typically has between 20-120 hours of lactation education. They are awarded a certificate after completion of an exam by a training facility. Counselors and educators assist with guidance and education on basic breastfeeding issues.
Which one is best for your needs?
At every level, both individuals are beneficial to your breastfeeding journey. Everyone has the same goal of ensuring that breastfeeding is enjoyable for you and your baby. The level of expertise you need will depend entirely on your situation.
At this time, I am a Certified Breastfeeding Specialist with over 95 hours of course work and a certification exam completed. I am currently working towards completing my clinical hours to meet the requirements for the IBCLC exam.
If you have any questions about breastfeeding and are interested in working with me, visit my contact page to set up a consultation.