Lactation Consultant, Educator, Specialist: What's The Difference?

If you're reading this, you're probably navigating the wonderful world of breastfeeding. You're about to discover that it’s not always as natural and instinctive as it should—yep, it won't always be nice and easy—sometimes the act itself can be frustrating and exhausting on your part. Think about clogged ducts, cracked nipples, engorged and tender breasts, inverted nips, insufficient milk supply, latching issues: the list could just go on and on. Don't get us wrong, we're not here to scare you, padded moms, we're here to explore options to find the help you need to ease your way through your breastfeeding journey. 

You've heard about lactation consultants, educators, and specialists, but what's the difference? Are they all the same, just with fancier titles?

Also Read: 8 Solutions to Top Breastfeeding Problems Like Milk Supply, Latching, and Pain

Lactation educator, consultant, and specialist: the difference

Perhaps think of it this way: They're all part of your breastfeeding support squad, but they bring different skills and experiences to the table. Let's break it down in a way that's easy to digest (pun intended!).

Lactation Educator: Your breastfeeding cheerleader

Imagine a lactation educator as your friendly neighborhood breastfeeding cheerleader.

According to CAPPA, an international certification organization for Doulas, Childbirth Educators and Lactation Educators,  "Lactation Educators work with families from preconception through the stage of weaning offering education, encouragement, counseling, an experienced point of view, and fostering confidence, and a commitment to breastfeeding."

They're passionate about breastfeeding and have completed specialized training to provide basic education and support. They can teach you the fundamentals, including proper positioning, latch techniques, how breastfeeding works, and what to expect in the early days. They're great for prenatal classes or early postpartum support, giving you the knowledge and confidence to start.

Think of them as your introductory guide to the breastfeeding world. They can answer common questions and offer practical tips. However, they aren't qualified to handle complex breastfeeding challenges. If you're experiencing persistent pain, latch issues, or concerns about your baby's weight gain, you'll need someone with more specialized training.

Also Read: 5 Kinds of Support We All Need to Give Breastfeeding Moms

Lactation Specialist: The problem-solver

Lactation specialists have a more in-depth understanding of breastfeeding management. They've completed advanced training and often have experience working in clinical settings. They "specialize in the field of lactation, which includes breastfeeding and human milk production. They provide education, counseling, and support to women, families, and healthcare professionals to promote breastfeeding and improve infant and maternal health.

Lactation specialists work in various settings, including hospitals, birthing centers, lactation clinics, private practices, and public health agencies. They are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat breastfeeding problems. They also help educate mothers on how to properly position and latch their babies, recognize and address common breastfeeding issues, and maintain a healthy milk supply.

Think of them as your breastfeeding troubleshooters. They can offer more personalized support and help you navigate challenges that a lactation educator might not be equipped to handle. They bridge the gap between basic education and clinical care.

While the terms 'lactation specialist' and 'lactation consultant' are often used interchangeably, a 'lactation consultant' generally refers to a highly qualified professional with the highest level of certification, often recognized by a certification body. In contrast, a 'lactation specialist' may have a broader understanding of lactation but potentially less specialized training and clinical experience than a certified lactation consultant.

Also Read: 'No Matter How Long Or Short, Breastfeeding Taught Me A Lot,' Real Stories Of Breastfeeding Moms

Lactation Consultant (IBCLC): The breastfeeding guru

Now, we arrive at the International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). IBCLCs have undergone rigorous training, extensive clinical experience, and a challenging international certification exam. They have the highest level of credentials in lactation consulting and are experts in managing all aspects of breastfeeding, from the simple to the most complex.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, lactation consultants provide comprehensive breastfeeding support, encompassing education on proper latching, positioning, and kangaroo care. They excel in managing a wide spectrum of breastfeeding challenges, including milk supply issues (both oversupply and low supply), nipple pain, clogged ducts, mastitis, latching difficulties (including those related to tongue-tie or cleft lip/palate), and issues related to milk expression. Moreover, they offer valuable support for mothers of low-birth-weight babies, those experiencing slow weight gain, and those encountering difficulties with breastfeeding or bottle-feeding their infants.

Think of them as your breastfeeding gurus. They can provide comprehensive, evidence-based care and work with you to develop a personalized plan that addresses your specific needs. You'd find them in hospitals, clinics, private practice, or even home visits. If you're facing significant challenges, have medical concerns, or simply want the most comprehensive support, an IBCLC is the way to go.

So, who do you need?

It depends on your situation. If you're a first-time mom wanting to learn the basics, a lactation educator might be a great starting point. A lactation specialist or IBCLC is likely your best bet if you're encountering specific challenges. Many parents find it helpful to work with a combination of professionals throughout their breastfeeding journey.

Finding lactation support in the Philippines

While most hospitals and health centers in the country have lactation educators or breastfeeding counselors to support your lactation journey, as well as online forums and groups for breastfeeding moms, there are some organizations and IBCLC-qualified doctors that we've rounded up below to help you find the support you need:

LATCH Philippines

"We take the guesswork out of breastfeeding." This organization is a great resource for finding lactation consultants and other breastfeeding support in the Philippines. It often lists upcoming events and provides information. You can usually find it through a quick online search or on social media.

Contact information: 0917 532 5643/ breastfeedinguncovered@gmail.com / Find LATCH Philippines on Facebook

Breastfeeding Philippines: The Breastfeeding Clinic 

According to Breastfeeding Philippines, you need to get the help of
an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) if:

• You are pregnant and you want to avoid breastfeeding problems after you give birth.
  
• You are scheduled for a cesarean delivery and you were told by your doctor that it would be hard for you to breastfeed right after childbirth.
  
• You just gave birth and you experience pain or discomfort while breastfeeding.
• Breastfeeding need not be painful. Pain may be a result of poor attachment or other problems like tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) that may lead to more breastfeeding problems.
  The reliable indicators show that your baby is not getting enough (6-8 wet diapers with pale yellow or clear urine and/or ideal weight gain).
  
• Your doctor has advised you to use formula (either because you or your baby is sick, baby is not gaining weight, etc.)
  
• You will be away from your child (e.g., you are going back to work, traveling out of town or abroad, you need to be hospitalized, and the doctor advised you not to bring the baby to the hospital, or the baby was hospitalized, and the doctor told you to stop breastfeeding).
• You want to sustain your breastmilk production and continue to breastfeed when you are reunited with your child.
  
• You want to go back to breastfeeding.

Contact information: 09153999992 / breastfeedingphilippines.com

The Medical City's Lactation Center

International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) Care Award – The Medical City is a recipient of international recognition for the hospital’s lactation service. The hospital's Supportive Lactation and Breastfeeding Center is located on the 6th floor of the Podium Bldg. 

• Operating hours/days: It is open from Monday to Sunday, including holidays
  6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
• Phone: 8988-1000 / 8988-7000 Ext. 6720
• Email/Website: lactation@themedicalcity.com / https://www.themedicalcity.com/clinical-departments/services/lactation-center

Online Communities

Facebook groups and online forums dedicated to breastfeeding in the Philippines can be valuable resources for finding recommendations and support.

Also Read: Need Breastfeeding Support? These Online Communities Can Help You

IBCLC certified doctors in the Philippines

• Dr. Jamie Isip-Cumpas. Pediatrician and lactation consultant: Parkview Children's Clinic, UG25 Alfaro Place Leviste St. She is also a Smart Parenting Board of Experts member.
• Dr. Maria Cristina Cornelio. Pediatrician and lactation consultant:  St Luke's Global City, 32nd St., Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. The Medical City, Ortigas Ave., Pasig 
• Dr. Diane Fabellon. Pediatrician with subspecialty in breastfeeding and lactation medicine: St. Nicolas Medical and Pediatric Clinic, Kaginhawaan St., Karangalan Village, Manggahan. The Medical City, Ortigas Ave., Pasig City.
• Dr. Catherine Opida-De Leon. Pediatrician and IBCLC at Pasig Doctors Medical Center
• Dr. Patricia Florestine Kho. Obstetrician and gynecologist with experience in breastfeeding and lactation medicine. Head, OB Gyne Infectious Disease Section, Makati Medical Center, St Luke's Medical Center Global City, & East Avenue Medical Center.
• Dr. Joanne Datangel-Gallardo. Pediatrician and lactation consultant at SAA Healthcare Outpatient Clinic. St. Luke’s Medical Center Quezon City, 279 E. Rodriguez Sr. Boulevard, Quezon City
• Dr. Catherine Onghanseng. Pediatrician - Lactation Specialist. Healthway Greenbelt 5
  4/F Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center. Makati Medical Center. 2 Amorsolo St., Legazpi Village, Makati City
• Nona D. Andaya-Castillo. IBCLC who manages the Breastfeeding Clinic at Breastfeeding Philippines
• Elvira L. Henares-Esguerra, MD, FPDS, FABM, RPh. IBCLC who manages the Breastfeeding Clinic at Breastfeeding Philippines

What happens when you need to wean your child from breastfeeding? Mom shares the bittersweet ending of the breastfeeding journey here.