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Breastfeeding Challenges

Seek Support

Seek support from friends, family members, support groups and/or professionals. A lactation consultant—a health care provider specially trained and educated in breastfeeding—can provide support, guidance and assistance with a number of issues including prenatal planning, breastfeeding techniques, breastfeeding products and more.

Some consultants are board certified—meaning they have passed a certifying exam given by a university or the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE). IBCLCs (International Board Certified Lactation Consultants) must be recertified every five years and re-examined every 10 years. Though certification indicates that a consultant has met certain qualifications, it does not mean that non-certified consultants are substandard. To find a lactation consultant in your area, ask your employer or benefits manager if your company offers access to a lactation consultant as a benefit; or ask friends, family members, doctors and hospitals for referrals. Support groups may also provide access or referrals to a lactation consultant.

This publication is for general informational purposes only and it is not intended to provide any reader with specific authority, advice or recommendations. Where you deem necessary, we suggest that you seek advice regarding your particular situation from the appropriate professional.

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