Speaking of lactation consultants

ILoveRunning

I am the first to admit that my first piece of advice on this board is almost always "contact a lactation consultation".  I figure that they are trained experts who can do the best job of addressing concerns of the poster.  However, how can one tell a good lactation consultant from a bad one?  I know there are credentials, but what sorts of things should a BFing mom be on the look out for when seeking out advice.  What sorts of traits should a good LC possess? 

ILoveRunning

For me, regardless of the problem, a LC consultant should make a plan of action with input from the patient.  The plan should include things that address the issue, benchmarks for mom and baby, and a plan for the long-term.  

tokenhoser

Personally, if a LC suggests pumping or a shield and doesn't follow up with a plan to quit those things... she's not the best. Or if she insists nothing is wrong and you feel like there IS something wrong (like a latch that "looks great" but hurts through the session), that's a bad sign. Or if she says stupid things like my nurses did in the hospital like "you have to nurse sitting straight up". Those can be hard to spot when you're new and unconfident, though.

ETA: I guess those are ways to spot a bad one, not a good one! A good one should definitely listen, offer lots of suggestions ideally in writing, offer tools like the pump or shield where appropriate but also recognize that those are not actually long-term solutions, and be open to new ideas like laid-back breastfeeding.

jcsumm0

You should leave your appointment with a plan (in writing) and feeling confident in your ability to breastfeed.