Lactation consultants - what do they do?

A lactation consultant is a trained expert in breastfeeding support and care. They focus on helping parents and babies prevent feeding problems before they start. They can also help you address breastfeeding challenges.

Lactation consultants respect the needs of parents and babies, and support your breastfeeding goals.

Some lactation consultants are also qualified midwives.

There are several ways to become a lactation consultant. Lactation consultants are not regulated by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Opens in new tab) (AHPRA).

Lactation Consultants of Australia and New Zealand (Opens in new tab) (LCANZ) is the professional organisation for health professionals and members of the public who have an interest in lactation and breastfeeding in Australia and New Zealand. LCANZ is a member of the International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs).

To become IBCLC-certified, lactation consultants must take specific courses, complete 90 hours of lactation education and practical experience in the last 5 years and renew their certification every 5 years.

You should see a lactation consultant if you're having any problems with breastfeeding. This includes:

• trouble getting your baby to latch properly
• too little or too much milk supply
• breast infections (such as mastitis or thrush)
• using a pump or breastfeeding when going back to work
• swollen or painful breasts (engorgement) or sore nipples
• challenges with tongue-tie or lip-tie
• concerns about your baby's weight gain

There are many places you can see a lactation consultant.

Some public and private hospitals have lactation services. If you have just had your baby, you can ask the hospital where you gave birth for help. Your doctor, midwife or maternal and child health nurse can also refer you to see a lactation consultant at a community clinic near you.

Some lactation consultants will come to your home and see you there.

Your appointment with a lactation consultant can be up to an hour long. The consultant will observe a feed (breast or bottle) and do a feeding assessment. They will then create a personal feeding plan with you.

Your lactation consultant will also provide ongoing support and follow up if you need it.

Remember to bring these to your appointment:

• A list of medicines you are currently taking (or the medicine boxes), including prescribed medicines, herbal supplements and vitamins.
• Any feeding aids you use, such as pillows, nipple shields, a breast pump flange or bottles and teats.
• Your baby's personal health record (called a 'blue book' or 'red book' in some states and territories).

Your GP, midwife or other healthcare professional may be able to recommend a lactation consultant.

You can also ask your friends or family for recommendations. They may be especially helpful if you belong to a particular community group, for example, if English is not your preferred language or if you live with disability.

Check the resources below for some suggestions.

You do not need a referral to see a lactation consultant.

Medicare doesn't cover services from a lactation consultant. Breastfeeding support might be covered if it's part of postnatal care with your midwife. Ask your midwife if there is a co-payment or gap fee in your situation.

If you are seeing a private lactation consultant, they may charge private rates. Ask the lactation consultant or the clinic staff about costs before making your appointment.

If you have private health insurance, check if your policy covers the cost of a lactation consultant.

The Australian Breastfeeding Association (Opens in new tab) has services that offer breastfeeding support, including a telephone support line — call 1800 686 268 to speak with a breastfeeding counsellor.

Lactation Consultants of Australia and New Zealand (LCANZ) have a search tool to find a lactation consultant (Opens in new tab) near you.

Breastfeeding Medicine Network Australia/New Zealand has a search tool to find a doctor who specialises in breastfeeding (Opens in new tab) near you.

Information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples

The Australian Breastfeeding Association has breastfeeding resources and support for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander families (Opens in new tab).

Languages other than English

Health Translations (Opens in new tab) is a free online library of high-quality translated Australian health and wellbeing information funded by the Victorian Government in a range of community languages.

Resources include:

• answers to some common questions about breastfeeding (Opens in new tab)
• a quick guide on the essentials of breastfeeding (Opens in new tab)

Information for sexually and gender-diverse families

The Australian Breastfeeding Association and Rainbow Families (Opens in new tab) have developed resources for sexually and gender-diverse families, including a booklet on breastfeeding, chest feeding and human milk feeding (Opens in new tab). They have tailored and practical information on infant human milk feeding for parents and caregivers within the LGBTQIA+ community.