Lactation Consultant: Mirna El Sabbagh, IBCLC

Are you looking for a lactation consultant to help resolve your breastfeeding issues? It means you are half way there. The fact that you KNOW lactation consultants exist and you should look for one means you are SO close to resolving the issue. Most women actually don’t realize lactation consultants exist and THEY are who you should be seeing for ANY breastfeeding issues. Your OBGYN or Pediatrician can guide you but are not trained to resolve any lactation issues.

When should you see a lactation consultant?

Anytime you feel doubt about your milk supply, breastfeeding experience, or feel any pain. Let me tell you about some situations that warrant a call to the lactation consultant:

1. You are feeling ANY breastfeeding pain. Breastfeeding should NOT be painful. Any pain warrants a call to the lactation consultant. Let me repeat that. ANY PAIN. Don’t listen to anyone who says that some breastfeeding pain is normal. I am a lactation consultant, and I am here to tell you, breastfeeding should NOT BE PAINFUL. An IBCLC will be able to see you and help you resolve the pain.
2. Your baby isn’t gaining enough weight. This could be related to SO many things that your lactation consultant can point out. Is it the latch? Is it over supply?  Is it the schedule of feeding? Or do you have low supply? This is barely EVER the case. And if you do have low, what are the solutions.
3. Your can’t get the baby to latch well. Perhaps the baby isn’t comfortable, continues to unlatch frequently or isn’t able to latch to begin with. Anytime there’s a latch issue, you need to see a lactation consultant. Please don’t just start giving pumped milk and think you’ll be able to do this for months to come. Some women can do that, but the process of pumping and breastfeeding is extremely tiring and most moms find themselves giving up on breastfeeding all together.
4. If you have doubts about your milk supply or questions about breastfeeding. Don’t simply research and ask those around you, book a session and discuss all your lactation questions in details with your lactation consultant.

How do I find a lactation consultant?

You can google a lactation consultant in your area. Look for IBCLC or International Board Certified Lactation Consultants. This is the highest degree in lactation and guarantees the most up to date information. IBCLCs have to study yearly and continue to be up to date to be able to keep their licenses. IBCLC can be doctors, nurses, dietitians, or any health care provider. You can also find a lactation consultant in your country by looking at the ILCA database. Please note the ILCA database does not include every IBCLC but provides a good database for many IBCLC all over the world. You can also ask your pediatrician, hospital, or OBGYN for a referral.

What happens at the lactation consultant visit?

At the lactation visit, your IBCLC will ask you detailed questions to fully understand your breastfeeding history, medical history, baby’s medical history, and issues you are facing. And then the IBCLC will want to observe you breastfeeding (if you are breastfeeding directly) to help assess your baby’s latch and ability to breastfeed. She may also measure your baby before and after feeding to assess the milk intake. Your IBCLC will not ask to see you breastfeed without your approval. You have the right to ask family members to leave the room for added privacy. Afterwards your IBCLC will inform you on how you’re doing and what can be enhanced to fix any breastfeeding issues you are having.

Lactation Consultant in Dubai

If you are looking for a lactation consultant in Dubai you can e-mail me on [email protected] and I will share with you my availability and clinic location. I am currently practicing in Circle Care Clinic in Dubai. If you are not based in Dubai, we can book a virtual consultation but I really prefer you see an IBCLC in person in your country as she can help you with positioning.