No IBCLC belongs on an island — caring for others doesn’t happen alone
When a person decides to become an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), they take on a role entirely focused on supporting others. Lactation care is incredibly important, mission-driven work, and it’s the opportunity to help families thrive that brings a lot of professionals into the field. But it’s not work that can be done in a vacuum. Just as every parent benefits from the support of a village, IBCLCs genuinely shine when they have the resources they need to provide the best possible care for clients. No IBCLC is an island, and their work shouldn’t make them feel stranded on one.
There are a few challenges that IBCLCs face when building their businesses:
1. Putting misconceptions about what they do to rest
IBCLCs are the best-kept secret in lactation care — and that’s a frustrating place to be. They represent a population of mission-driven, highly qualified professionals who are ideally situated to provide care for new parents and babies in the most delicate stage of the bonding process. And yet, they’re not consistently recognized or relied on for what they should be — the first line of care for new breastfeeding families.
Many people need help with how to book a consultation with an IBCLC, knowing what to expect from an appointment, or knowing when they should even call for help. Parents may need help to understand what separates the IBCLC credential from other lactation specialists or types of care.
2. Caring for their clients while growing their businesses
Though IBCLCs are health professionals, they’re often entrepreneurs as well. Hospitals employ some, but many more lactation consultants work in private practice. In addition to the emotionally intense (and sometimes physically demanding) work of helping families meet their breastfeeding goals, IBCLCs still need to make time to put their private practices on the map. That might mean looking for new clients who could use their services, following up with insurance companies, or developing a social media strategy.
3. Sorting through misinformation about breastfeeding
There’s a lot of helpful information on the internet, but no single website can make a medical diagnosis. IBCLC training is specifically structured to empower consultants to address the concerns of the parent-baby dyad — a care relationship that can start before the baby is born. Unfortunately, by the time most IBCLC appointments occur, parents are often feeling frustrated and discouraged. They’ve likely already picked up some unhelpful information about feeding their babies. Some of that information is disheartening and some myths can be harmful.
Why community matters to an IBCLC
Community support is the backbone of a successful and impactful IBCLC practice. Historically, IBCLCs didn’t have access to patients due to lack of insurance coverage, forcing them to leverage word of mouth to promote their services — or work in silos without a well-connected network of professionals. The Lactation Network offers a platform for IBCLCs to come together, share resources, and elevate the standard of lactation care. United, IBCLCs can overcome challenges, debunk myths, and create a network that truly fosters the thriving support system every lactation consultant deserves. Here’s how TLN empowers IBCLCs to make their lactation practices more successful:
1. Connecting IBCLCs with families
The Lactation Network is a vital bridge, connecting IBCLCs with families needing their expertise. By facilitating these connections, the network ensures that IBCLCs can focus on what they do best — providing unparalleled support to new parents.
2. Streamlining administrative processes
The Lactation Network is a vital bridge, connecting IBCLCs with families needing their expertise. By facilitating these connections, the network ensures that IBCLCs can focus on what they do best — providing unparalleled support to new parents.
3. Empowering IBCLCs with resources and a supportive community
The Lactation Network goes beyond mere connection facilitation — it’s a comprehensive resource hub. By providing a wealth of resources and unwavering support, TLN empowers IBCLCs to excel with access to proprietary software and tools, educational materials, professional development opportunities, and a community of like-minded professionals.
The Lactation Network is the backbone of a successful and impactful IBCLC practice. It serves as a connector, a facilitator, and an empowering force, enabling IBCLCs to focus on their mission — supporting families during a crucial and delicate period. Together, IBCLCs and The Lactation Network create a collaborative network that not only broadens access to lactation care but ensures that no IBCLC has to do it all alone.
We handle billing, end-to-end. We connect you with insurance-covered patients. We help you grow your practice, your way.
