There are several kinds of professionals who help with breastfeeding, and it is a good idea to look into the exact credentials of anyone you are hiring to help you with breastfeeding. I’ll explain some of the more common letters you’ll see after someone’s name, but if you see something you don’t understand, don’t hesitate to ask a potential expert about her education before hiring her.
IBCLC – Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant As the most educated breastfeeding professional, IBCLCs are required to have thousands of hours of hands-on experience working side by side with a more experienced breastfeeding expert. Many IBCLCs are also nurses, and may have further experience as well. IBCLCs are required to have extensive continuing education, and to take a recertification exam periodically to ensure they keep their skills current.
CLC – Certified Lactation Counselor – this training is not as rigorous as the IBCLC, but still provides a good background in breastfeeding and is a nationally accredited program.
CBE or CLE – These stand for Certified Breastfeeding Educator and Certified Lactation Educator, and several different organizations issue these credentials, with a variety of requirements. While these professionals do have good breastfeeding information, the main point of these programs is education – teaching classes – rather than diagnosis and management of difficulty.
Peer counselor – These women generally work through WIC or other clinics and have varying amounts of training. A great first place to start, but don’t hesitate to ask for a referral to a better trained expert if you feel you are not getting the help and answers you need.
OK, now that I’ve gotten that out of the way, here are some of the lactation consultants who work in this area:
Julie Johnson, IBCLC (Salt Lake County)
801-608-8947
birthandbreastfeeding@inbox.com
Birth and Breastfeeding Solutions
Meghan Reed (Park City, Summit County and SLC area)
Meghan’s Lactation Consulting
(801) 696-5787
Meghan’s Lactation Consulting
meghan.black.reed@gmail.com
Lactation Link
info@lactationlink.com
Jessica Clayton, IBCLC
Breastfeeding Bond
435.513.1340
Melissa Mayo IBCLC
Birth Journey Midwifery
birthjourneymw@gmail.com
(801) 590-8980
La Leche League of Utah is a good place for peer-to-peer support, as well as a free “warmline” where you can leave a message and a trained, experienced mom will call you back. A good place to start!
http://lllofslc.wordpress.com/
The Pregnancy Risk Line is a good place to ask questions about herbs, over the counter medications, prescription drugs, and other worrisome exposures.
http://health.utah.gov/prl/
Salt Lake Area 801-328-2229
State Wide toll-free 1-800-822-2229