Breastfeeding is a valuable experience, but can sometimes present challenges. Fortunately, there are many specialized professionals who can offer valuable support to breastfeeding moms. These breastfeeding professionals are trained to answer questions, solve problems and encourage mothers throughout their breastfeeding journey. Don’t hesitate to ask your midwife if she is also a lactation consultant or IBCLC-certified, for example. This is not always the case. Each training program devotes a different number of hours to the subject of breastfeeding. Here’s a guide to the different professionals who can help mothers. Certified lactation consultants (IBCLC) Role and training : IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) certified lactation consultants are healthcare professionals specializing in the clinical management of breastfeeding. They have undergone rigorous training and passed an international certification exam. Services offered : Assessment of suckling and positioning techniques Assistance with lactation problems such as cracks, mastitis, and engorgement … Advice on using breast pumps and managing breast milk stocks Support for mothers of premature babies or babies with special needs Where to find them : IBCLC lactation consultants often work in hospitals, clinics, private practices, and sometimes as freelancers. You can find them through professional associations or referrals from your doctor. On the IBCLC website, you can consult a directory of all certified lactation consultants. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you can’t find a certified lactation consultant in your area. Midwives Role and training : Midwives are health professionals specializing in prenatal care, childbirth and postnatal care. They are trained to support breastfeeding and can offer practical and emotional advice to new mothers. Services offered : Breastfeeding advice from the first days after birth Help in managing the early challenges of breastfeeding Emotional support and encouragement Monitoring baby’s growth and development Where to find them: Midwives work in hospitals, birthing centers, and also offer home-based services. You can contact them directly or through your GP. To compare, you can, for example, ask them what training they have undergone or in which region they are active. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you’re looking for a midwife in your area. La Leche League breastfeeding consultants Role and training: La Leche League lactation consultants are experienced breastfeeding mothers trained to offer support and information based on La Leche League International recommendations. Services offered : Group meetings for breastfeeding mothers Telephone or online support Information on breastfeeding techniques and positions Advice on overcoming common breastfeeding challenges. Where to find them: La Leche League organizes local meetings and has counselors available by phone or online. Visit the La Leche League website to find a counselor near you. Pediatricians Role and training : Pediatricians are doctors who specialize in children’s health. They play an important role in monitoring the growth and development of infants. However, pediatricians are not breastfeeding specialists. They can refer you to an ibclc-certified midwife or lactation consultant. Services Offered : Regular medical monitoring of the baby Referral to other specialists Where to find them : Pediatricians work in clinics, hospitals and private practices. You can contact them directly to make an appointment. Hospital lactation consultants Role and training : Hospital lactation consultants work directly in maternity and neonatal wards. They are often on hand to help mothers as soon as the baby is born. Services offered : Immediate help after delivery to initiate breastfeeding Advice on breastfeeding techniques and positions Support for mothers of premature babies or babies with special needs Postnatal follow-up during hospital stays Referring parents to the right people outside the hospital once maternity care is over Where to find them: They are generally available in public and private hospitals. Check with your healthcare institution to find out if this service is available. Conclusion Breastfeeding professionals are invaluable resources for breastfeeding moms, provided they are genuinely well-trained. Whether it’s overcoming initial challenges, solving specific problems, or simply getting advice and support, these experts are there to help. Don’t hesitate to call on their services to make your breastfeeding experience as positive and successful as possible. For more information, consult local resources or talk to your healthcare professional to be directed to the right specialist. Don’t forget to check your health insurance to see which treatments and sessions with professionals are reimbursed.

Today, breastfeeding preparation is essential for mothers-to-be, as the instinctive knowledge once passed down from generation to generation has been lost. In the past, women learned to breastfeed by observing the women around them, but this natural transmission has disappeared over time. Today, many women no longer breastfeed or do so privately, making this knowledge less visible. This evolution can provoke anxiety and guilt, but it’s important to understand that it’s not a lack of competence. This is why breastfeeding preparation courses, in maternity wards or elsewhere, have become crucial. Physical preparation: myth or reality? Traditionally, there have been many recommendations for physically preparing the breasts for breastfeeding, such as massage, stretching and the application of specific creams. However, current research and experts agree that these practices are unnecessary. If you experience pain while breastfeeding, consult a lactation consultant. Breastfeeding shouldn’t be painful. Pain can be caused by stress from the birth, pregnancy, difficulties sucking the baby, inadequate positioning, etc. It requires treatment that can sometimes be multidisciplinary. Some points to consider : No need to harden nipples : Pain and cracking are generally caused by poor latch – sucking difficulties on the part of the baby, and not by lack of nipple preparation. Use of creams: the use of creams is not recommended by clinical studies. They interfere with the scents and pheromones secreted by the Montgomery’s glands (around the nipple), which attract the baby to the breast. Natural preparation: Breasts prepare naturally during pregnancy. The Montgomery glands secrete a protective substance and the breasts increase in volume in preparation for lactation. Mental and educational preparation Preparing for breastfeeding is mental and educational. Understanding the basics of breastfeeding and knowing what to expect can make all the difference. Steps to good mental preparation : Get informed: Read books and articles about breastfeeding. Attend prenatal breastfeeding classes if possible. Establish contact with a lactation consultant midwife so you can reach out to her in case any issues arise later. Meet other breastfeeding moms: Join support groups or meetings organized by associations like La Leche League, or ask your midwife if she organizes any. Learn the basics: Educate yourself about the physiology of breastfeeding hormones, breastfeeding positions, and signs of a good latch. Anticipate challenges: Be aware that challenges may arise, but there are solutions and support available. Having a list ready before the birth, including a midwife, a lactation consultant, a doula, an osteopath, or a pediatrician who supports breastfeeding, is a real advantage. Don’t hesitate to meet them before your baby arrives. Choose a supportive environment: Investigate the breastfeeding practices of the maternity ward where you will give birth. Ensure they follow WHO recommendations for optimal breastfeeding support. You can also learn about the physiology of birth, as breastfeeding is the natural continuation of the birth process. Surround yourself: Create a small network of family, friends, and neighbors to help you. They can assist with meals, cleaning, your first child, transportation, shopping, laundry, etc. After all, it is said that it takes a village to raise a child! Recommended books on breastfeeding To deepen your knowledge and feel more prepared, here are 3 recommended books: The Illustrated Handbook of Breastfeeding by Shiela H. Kippley A visual and informative guide covering all stages of breastfeeding with clear illustrations. Breastfeeding is good for you by Marie Thirion This book offers scientific information and practical advice for serene breastfeeding. The First Forty Days by Heng Ou A guide to postpartum care based on Chinese traditions, including advice on breastfeeding. Feel free to check out our Facebook and Instagram accounts. We post daily information about breastfeeding. Conclusion Preparing to breastfeed allows you to reconnect with your maternal instincts, gain knowledge, and understand your baby’s needs. By informing yourself and surrounding yourself with support, you increase your chances of success and of making the most of this enriching experience. Remember that every mother and baby are unique, and what works for one may not work for the other. Be patient and open to learning throughout this nurturing journey.