RDs as Lactation Consultants

Written by: Haley Pucel, SLU dietetic Intern

One of the many roles a Registered Dietitian (RD) can take on is a lactation consultant. Lactation consultants are a vital tool for new mothers to successfully initiate and maintain breastfeeding as a means to nourish their child. While a majority of lactation consultants are nurses, Registered Dietitians are eligible to follow this career path as well.

Breastfeeding is important because it provides milk specialized to the infants needs as they develop. Breastfeeding provides numerous benefits to both babies and mothers. Some of these benefits for breastfed babies include having stronger immune systems, fewer cases of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), fewer colds and respiratory illnesses, fewer ear infections, lower rates of infant mortality, and lower rates of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). These babies are also less likely to develop allergies, asthma, and eczema, and have a lower risk of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Breastfeeding is beneficial for mom by stimulating the uterus to contract and return to normal size, less postpartum bleeding, fewer urinary tract infections, and less risk of postpartum depression. Breastfeeding can also assist mom with bonding with the baby and feeling confident learning her baby’s cues.

During my most recent rotation at Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital, I had the opportunity to shadow a lactation consultant. The lactation consultant was a gold mine of information. During my time shadowing, I was able to see lactation issues addressed including overproduction of milk, worries over making enough milk, and latching. One component of the lactation consultant job that I was unaware of before shadowing was how much of the role was empathizing and counseling mothers in their ability to provide breastmilk for their child. The lactation consultant emphasized that her role really is to build relationships with the mothers so that they feel comfortable discussing their barriers to breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is both a physical act but also an emotional one as mothers learn to bond with their baby. I also was able to see where the hospital stores mothers’ breast milk and even was able to assist with putting away donor breast milk from The Milk Bank. This experience validated my interest in lactation, and the lactation consultant encouraged me to pursue this career path.

Why do Registered Dietitians make valuable lactation consultants?

Registered Dietitians possess the knowledge of the nutritional benefits of breastmilk, and thus promote sustained breastfeeding for at least the first 6 months of an infant’s life. RDs know the nutrients and amount of breast milk an infant needs for proper growth and development and can work with mothers to make sure the infant is intaking all the nutrients needed to be healthy. RDs can address both the nutrition intake of the mother and infant to problem solve issues relating to milk adequacy. RDs can counsel the mother on barriers to breastfeeding to ensure its continuation.

Where can a Registered Dietitian work as a lactation consultant?

Lactation consultants work in a variety of settings. Many work in hospitals and others work in private practice or clinics. Pediatric dietitians are an essential tool for troubleshooting breastfeeding in the neonatal or pediatric intensive unit because these children might need modified feedings to meet their needs and mothers may need assistance with expressing breast milk and establishing a breastfeeding relationship with their child.  Another place lactation consultants work is at the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) because WIC is known for their strong promotion of breastfeeding.

How do I become credentialed as a lactation consultant?

Despite lactation consultant credentials not being required by federal or state law, credentialing shows expertise and may provide career opportunities. Certification can be provided through the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE), which is the only lactation consultant certification program fully accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies. There are multiple pathways to meet eligibility to sit for the exam but it is designed for the lactation consultants to have a health sciences background, minimum of 95 hours lactation specific education, and relevant clinical experience. For more information, visit the IBLCE website (https://iblce.org).

Breastfeeding is a proven health benefit to both infants and mothers. Registered Dietitians can be breastfeeding advocates by educating on the immense benefits of breastmilk and assist mothers with lactation. For those who are passionate about breastfeeding, consider becoming a lactation consultant because it will assure sustained breastfeeding which is vital for the health and future of infants and mothers.

 

References:

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/15274-the-benefits-of-breastfeeding-for-baby--for-mom

https://iblce.org/

https://www.themilkbank.org/

Diamond, Lynnell. Lactation Consulting. Is it for you? American Dietetic Association. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0002-8223(97)00152-1