About The Breastfeeding Companion
The Breastfeeding Companion is a UK registered charity dedicated to empowering breastfeeding women and supporting health professionals. Our journey began with a deep-seated commitment to enhance breastfeeding support and education, recognizing the critical role it plays in the health and well-being of mothers and their babies. With the vision to make breastfeeding support more accessible and comprehensive, our charity was founded to bridge the gap between the need for reliable, peer reviewed information and the availability of professional guidance.
Our trustees are led by Jackie Hall, an experienced International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), and our charity stands as a beacon of expertise and compassion in the field of lactation support. Jackie’s leadership and dedication have been instrumental in shaping our mission and guiding our efforts to provide the highest standard of resources and training.
Through our flagship website, The Breastfeeding Companion, we offer an extensive range of free resources designed to support breastfeeding women. These resources are crafted to empower mothers with the knowledge and confidence needed to navigate the challenges of breastfeeding, fostering a positive and fulfilling breastfeeding experience.
For health professionals, particularly those working within the NHS, we offer specialized courses that are tailored to equip healthcare providers with the skills and insights necessary to support breastfeeding women effectively. By enhancing the competency of healthcare professionals in lactation support, we aim to improve the quality of breastfeeding guidance available to new mothers.
As a charity, our goal transcends providing resources and education; we are committed to fostering a supportive community where breastfeeding women and health professionals can thrive. Our efforts are grounded in the belief that informed, compassionate support can make a profound difference in the breastfeeding journey of every mother and child.
We are proud of the impact we have made and continue to strive for excellence in our mission to support breastfeeding women and the health professionals who assist them. Join us in our endeavour to make breastfeeding support more accessible, comprehensive, and empowering for everyone involved.
What is an IBCLC?
An IBCLC, or International Board Certified Lactation Consultant is a health professional that has many years of breastfeeding support experience, with a background in either midwifery, breastfeeding counselling, medicine or health visiting. They are experts in breastfeeding and skilled in supporting parents with common and complex breastfeeding problems.
IBCLCs have successfully completed a robust and comprehensive 4 hour examination at degree level, and have conducted a substantial amount of one to one breastfeeding counselling work, as a requirement to gain the qualification.
The exam includes all aspects of breastfeeding, as well as:
Anatomy & physiology, Endocrinology, Biochemistry, Nutrition, Immunology, Infectious diseases, Pathology, Pharmacology, Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Drugs in breast milk, Allergies and breastfeeding, Research, Ethics and more…
The sought after certification must be maintained through ongoing education and recertification every five years. IBCLC’s are registered and regulated by The International Board of Lactation Consultants Examiners. Always look for the IBCLC mark of excellence!
IBCLCs can be found working in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, clinics, private practices, and community organizations. They may provide one-on-one consultations with mothers and babies, as well as group classes and support groups. IBCLCs are also trained to recognize when a breastfeeding issue requires additional medical attention, and can refer mothers and babies to appropriate healthcare providers.
An IBCLC can provide mothers with evidence-based information about breastfeeding, as well as practical support and guidance. They can help mothers understand their baby’s feeding cues and offer tips for positioning and latching. They can also provide advice on how to increase milk supply and manage any pain or discomfort associated with breastfeeding.
IBCLCs can work with babies who have medical conditions that affect breastfeeding, such as tongue-ties or cleft palates. In these cases, an IBCLC can provide specialized support to help mothers and babies establish successful breastfeeding.
One of the most significant benefits of working with an IBCLC is that they can help mothers navigate the emotional and psychological aspects of breastfeeding. Breastfeeding can be an emotional and challenging experience for many mothers. An IBCLC can provide emotional support and reassurance, helping mothers feel more confident and capable of meeting their breastfeeding goals.
They are also committed to promoting and protecting breastfeeding as a public health priority. They advocate for policies and practices that support breastfeeding and work to raise awareness about the benefits of breastfeeding. IBCLCs can provide education and support to healthcare providers, such as nurses and doctors, to help them better support breastfeeding in their practices.