Your Pediatrician and family members or friends with experience breastfeeding can be a good place to start when you need breastfeeding help, but it can be reassuring to know that when you need extra help, you can turn to a Certified Lactation Consultant.
Finding a Lactation Consultant
An easy way to find a Lactation Consultant is to simply ask your Pediatrician for a recommendation for a Lactation Consultant that he or she typically works with. Or call the hospital where your baby was born to see if a Lactation Consultant is available to help you with breastfeeding problems.The International Lactation Consultant Association provides a Lactation Consultant directory that you can use to find a International Board Certified Lactation Consultant in your area.
Breastfeeding.com provides a useful map that you can use to find a Lactation Consultant in your state.
Another good source of breastfeeding help is from a La Leche League Group Leader.
If you do see a Lactation Consultant, ask them to send your Pediatrician a letter outlining their recommendations and how they helped you overcome your breastfeeding problems. These types of consultation letters are an important way that doctors learn how to treat problems they are unfamiliar with, and seem to be underutilized by Lactation Consultants.
