Latching Onto Success: Finding a Lactation Consultant in Vancouver
One of the biggest surprises during my own postpartum experience, was just how difficult and painful breastfeeding was. I happened to share this with a few friends… and was met with a “me too!”. What?! Why had no-one mentioned this?! It is often described as natural, but let’s be honest, if very rarely feels that way (ask my friend who lost part of her nipple… ouch!).
This is where lactation consultants come in. They provide personalized, compassionate support to help you reach your feeding goals—whether you’re nursing, pumping, or supplementing. Their guidance can make a world of difference in building your confidence and ensuring a positive feeding experience for you and your baby… whether it’s breast, bottle, or something in between… a fed baby is best! If your goal is to breastfeed, this is my one piece of advice… ask to see a lactation consultant in the hospital, as soon as you can, and as many times as you are allowed. And once you are home, there’s many resources in the community to support you to reach your goal. For example, South Community Birth Program’s Infant Feeding Centre has information on their website on engorgement, Mastitis, and managing supply. You got this!
5 reasons you may want to see a lactation consultant:
Latch and Positioning Issues: They can help you and your baby find the right latch and comfortable breastfeeding positions.
Low Milk Supply: Get expert advice on boosting your milk production and understanding your baby’s feeding needs.
Painful Breastfeeding: Resolve nipple pain, engorgement, or other discomforts caused by feeding challenges.
Special Circumstances: Support for breastfeeding after a C-section, with multiples, or while managing a medical condition.
Returning to Work: Guidance on pumping, storing milk, and maintaining your supply while balancing your schedule.
What’s covered?
In British Columbia, the Medical Services Plan (MSP) typically covers lactation consultation services for the first six weeks postpartum when provided by healthcare professionals such as physicians, registered midwives, or registered nurses who are also International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs). A referral from a doctor, nurse practitioner, or nurse is often required to access MSP-covered services.
Beyond the initial six weeks postpartum, MSP coverage for lactation consultations may not apply. In such cases, services are typically accessed on a private pay basis. Extended health insurance plans can vary significantly in their coverage of lactation consultation services. Some plans may reimburse for services provided by IBCLCs. It's advisable to consult your specific insurance provider to determine if lactation consultations are included in your plan.
lactation consultants in Vancouver
The Unconditional Parent
Cassie ventured into the postpartum field after seeking more representation and cultural sensitivity, following her own experience. As a lactation specialist, postpartum doula, sleep coach, and parent educator, she offers a variety of packages during the prenatal and postpartum phase.
Le Lait Lactation consulting
With a background in paediatric nursing, Nathalie is an IBCLC who provides in-home and virtual consults to help support you on your breastfeeding journey.
BC Women’s breastfeeding clinic
Open to everyone, BC Women’s offers outpatient and virtual clinical support & information to breastfeeding families.
Mommy’s milk
IBCLC & Nurse Practitioner, Shannon, provides in-home support with a variety of breastfeeding issues.
Mama Milk
With a background in midwifery, Shaz is an IBCLC with great reviews in the community.
SCBP’s Community Infant Feeding Centre
Their team of Lactation Consultants (who also work as either Registered Nurses or Registered Midwives) can offer lactation and feeding support visits covered by MSP for the first 6 weeks following delivery.
Have a recommendation, or want to be featured on our page? Reach out to us at:themotherflockproject@gmail.com.
