Lactation consultant (Lactatiekundige IBCLC)
Information on this skill...
A lactation consultant is a care worker who specializes in breastfeeding. A lactation consultant is therefore responsible for giving professional guidance to mothers with regard to breastfeeding. A lactation consultant can therefore also be seen as a breastfeeding specialist. Most mothers who have to deal with a lactation consultant experience certain problems while breastfeeding. In that case, a lactation consultant can help mothers in various ways to breastfeed in a good way. In most cases, breastfeeding goes by itself, but sometimes help may be needed from a lactation consultant. Lactation consultants usually work independently or are affiliated with a hospital, maternity centre or consultation centre. It is not the case that all mothers automatically have to deal with a lactation consultant because a lactation consultant is only needed if there are certain problems when breastfeeding. Think, for example, of babies who have difficulty drinking, or of babies who do not manage to drink. Even if breastfeeding hurts, a lactation consultant can offer a solution. A lactation consultant should therefore be seen as an all-round expert in the field of breastfeeding. Maternity nurses and other healthcare professionals can also consult a lactation consultant if there are certain breastfeeding problems. Lactation studies is a specialization that should not be underestimated because lactation consultants have to follow a tough training. Most lactation consultants are also responsible for teaching other health care providers. This generally relates to theory and practical skills. Lactation consultants can help with various breastfeeding problems. Think of predisposition problems, refusing the breast, breast inflammation, breastfeeding when using medication, breastfeeding after surgery and breastfeeding in case of premature birth.
A lactation consultant is therefore specialized in breastfeeding in a broad way. As described earlier, it is not the case that all mothers have to deal with a lactation consultant. In most cases, it is the maternity nurse (or mother), who notices that there are certain problems when breastfeeding. In such cases, it is advisable to call in a lactation consultant to remedy the problems. A good lactation consultant will listen to the mother and try to analyze, what exactly is the problem with regard to breastfeeding. In all cases, it is important to call in help early so that a solution can be worked on at an early stage. A lactation consultant is not a doctor, but is specialized in breastfeeding. Referring to a general practitioner is also something that the lactation consultant can do if necessary. Other medical specialists can also call in a lactation consultant to prevent or remedy problems with breastfeeding. Think, for example, of neonatologists, who have to deal with sick and / or premature children (premature babies). Nurses and midwives can also call in a lactation consultant.
LACTATION CONSULTANT HELP
In recent years, more and more lactation consultants have been added, who can also work as an independent entrepreneur in their own practice. If this is the case, it is important to check whether any treatments are reimbursed by a health insurer because sometimes a special referral will be required. In addition, more and more lactation consultants specialize in the field of providing information to other healthcare providers. Think, for example, of providing information to maternity care providers with regard to breastfeeding.
WHEN TO CALL IN A LACTATION CONSULTANT:
- When refusing the breast by the baby;
- In case of insufficient milk production;
- In case of pain complaints;
- In case of problems with the laying of the baby;
- In case of recurrent breast infections;
- In case of information about breastfeeding;
- In premature birth;
- In case of illness or disability of the mother or baby.
WHAT DOES A LACTATION CONSULTANT DO:
TRAINING FOR LACTATION CONSULTANT
In order to be allowed to work as a lactation consultant, a course must be followed at the University of Applied Sciences of Utrecht. The training is based on the professional profile of the NVL (Dutch Association of Lactation Consultants). The programme also trains you for the international exam (IBCLC). Passing the exam is a prerequisite for working as a lactation consultant IBCLE. After five years, as a lactation consultant IBLCE, you will have to retake the exam to be allowed to continue to use the title. In addition, there are also plenty of external training institutes where you can follow a course. Accounting is also important as an entrepreneur.
COMPANIES WHERE A LACTATION CONSULTANT MAY BE EMPLOYED
A lactation consultant should generally be regarded as an entrepreneur, who gives consultation to mothers and care workers. A lactation consultant is usually connected to a hospital, maternity center or consultation office. Most lactation consultants are employed as entrepreneurs and not employed.
COMPETENCES LACTATION CONSULTANT
The most important competence of a lactation consultant is the professional guidance of clients, as well as the professional knowledge of breastfeeding. A lactation consultant must be able to advise and guide parents (and babies) in all aspects of lactation. The provision of information and education must also be regarded as an important competence. In general, you will also need to have good communication skills because you will have to deal with many different people. Generally important words are coaching, monitoring, patience, planning, consulting, collaborating, supporting and social.
LABOUR MARKET PERSPECTIVE AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AS A LACTATION CONSULTANT
The job market perspective of a lactation consultant is generally good if you have a recognized education and certification. It is true that most lactation consultants work as entrepreneurs. The profession of lactation consultant is relatively rare. The career opportunities of a lactation consultant are limited because it concerns very specific activities. Within the healthcare sector, the career opportunities are strongly dependent on the level of education and your own competencies.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT AND SALARY LACTATION CONSULTANT
In general, a lactation consultant in paid employment will fall under the collective labour agreement for maternity care, in which the employment conditions are regulated depending on the employer. A lactation consultant in paid employment will generally earn a salary between 2500 and 3500 euros gross per month depending on age, education and further responsibilities. As described earlier, most lactation consultants work as entrepreneurs. Most lactation consultants work with fixed rates and not with an hourly allowance.
The content on this page has been automatically translated from the Dutch language. For this reason, texts and videos on this page may contain small errors.
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