What is a lactation counselor?

"A lactation ​counselor ​(breastfeeding counselor) provides people ​with ​support ​when ​they ​are ​having ​difficulties breastfeeding ​their ​baby. Lactation ​counselors ​have ​received ​specialized ​training ​in understanding ​lactation ​and ​counseling ​skills.

A lactation ​counselor ​can ​help ​you ​overcome ​problems ​in ​the ​early ​days ​of ​parenting that ​may ​enable ​you ​to ​continue ​breastfeeding ​for ​as ​long ​as ​you ​wish ​to. ​A lactation counselor, ​though, ​will ​not ​judge ​or ​pressure ​you ​to ​continue ​breastfeeding ​if you determine that you want to stop.

Lactation ​counselors ​do not ​make ​decisions ​for ​you, ​or ​speak ​for ​you. ​This ​is ​your breastfeeding ​experience, ​your ​baby, ​your ​life! ​A lactation ​counselor ​supports ​you ​by providing ​information ​and ​explanations ​you ​may ​want ​about ​your ​choices ​but ​it’s ​always you ​who ​decides ​what ​is ​best ​for you."

from Childbirth International

A lactation counselor is not a medical professional and is not able to diagnose or treat any medical problems you or baby may have. A lactation counselor may or may not also be an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. This additional certification is on top of the lactation specific education that lactation counselors receive. It consists of college science credit hours, some continuing education hours, between 300-1000 hours performing lactation support either with an organization or a direct mentor, and passing an exam.