Question 1

What is a lactation consultant?

Accepted Answer

A lactation consultant is a trained professional who helps families with breastfeeding, pumping, and infant feeding. The most qualified is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) — a clinician who completes health-sciences education, supervised clinical hours, and a rigorous board exam. Every consultant at North Shore Lactation is an IBCLC.

Question 2

What is an IBCLC?

Accepted Answer

An IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) is the highest credential in lactation care. Earning it requires advanced coursework in anatomy and infant development, 1,000+ hours of supervised clinical experience, and passing an international board examination — plus ongoing continuing education to stay certified.

Question 3

What's the difference between an IBCLC and a CLC or breastfeeding counselor?

Accepted Answer

An IBCLC is the gold-standard clinical credential; titles like CLC, CBS, or breastfeeding counselor reflect shorter, introductory training. IBCLCs complete extensive healthcare education, over 1,000 hours of supervised clinical practice, and a board exam, which is why they're equipped to assess complex feeding challenges — not just offer general support. Every member of our team is a board-certified IBCLC.

Question 4

What does a lactation consultant do?

Accepted Answer

A lactation consultant assesses how your baby feeds, identifies the root cause of any challenge, and builds a personalized feeding plan. That can include evaluating latch and positioning, measuring milk transfer with a weighted feed, optimizing pumping and flange fit, and coordinating with your pediatrician or OB/GYN. You leave every visit with a written plan tailored to your baby and your goals.

Question 5

Are all of North Shore Lactation's consultants IBCLCs?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every consultant on our team is a board-certified IBCLC — the highest credential in lactation care. We're the largest team of IBCLCs in Chicagoland, with 100+ years of combined experience supporting families.

Question 6

Do I need a lactation consultant if breastfeeding is already going well?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily — but many families still find a visit valuable. A consultation can confirm feeding is on track, answer lingering questions, and help you get ahead of common challenges like supply dips, pumping, or returning to work before they become problems. Support isn't only for when something's wrong.

Your Lactation Questions, Answered

Lactation Consultants & IBCLCs

When & Why to See a Lactation Consultant

Appointments: Booking, Scheduling & What to Expect

In-Home, Virtual & Clinic Visits

Insurance & Cost

Common Feeding Challenges We Help With

About North Shore Lactation

Still Have Questions? Our Team is Here to Help.

Your Lactation Questions, Answered

Lactation Consultants & IBCLCs

What is a lactation consultant?+–

What is an IBCLC?+–

What's the difference between an IBCLC and a CLC or breastfeeding counselor?+–

What does a lactation consultant do?+–

Are all of North Shore Lactation's consultants IBCLCs?+–

Do I need a lactation consultant if breastfeeding is already going well?+–

When & Why to See a Lactation Consultant

When should I see a lactation consultant?+–

How soon after birth should I see a lactation consultant?+–

Can I see a lactation consultant before my baby is born?+–

Is a lactation consultant worth it?+–

Do I still need a lactation consultant if I took a breastfeeding class?+–

Is it ever too late to see a lactation consultant?+–

What feeding challenges can a lactation consultant help with?+–

Appointments: Booking, Scheduling & What to Expect

How do I book a lactation consultation?+–

How quickly can I get an appointment? Do you offer same-day visits?+–

What happens during a lactation consultation?+–

How long is a lactation consultation?+–

What should I have ready for my appointment?+–

Can my partner or another caregiver join the visit?+–

Will my pediatrician or OB/GYN receive notes from the visit?+–

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a lactation consultant?+–

How many visits will I need? Do you offer follow-up?+–

In-Home, Virtual & Clinic Visits

Do you offer in-home lactation consultations?+–

Are virtual or telehealth lactation consultations effective?+–

Should I choose an in-home, virtual, or clinic visit?+–

Do you have a clinic location?+–

Insurance & Cost

Is a lactation consultant covered by insurance?+–

How much does a lactation consultant cost?+–

What does "$0 out-of-pocket" actually mean?+–

Which insurance plans do you accept?+–

What if you're out-of-network with my plan?+–

Do you accept Medicaid or TRICARE?+–

Common Feeding Challenges We Help With

How do I know if I actually have low milk supply?+–

Is breastfeeding supposed to hurt?+–

Why is my baby having trouble latching?+–

Why won't my breastfed baby take a bottle?+–

Why am I pumping less milk than I expected?+–

What's the difference between a clogged duct and mastitis?+–

How do I know if my baby has a tongue or lip tie?+–

How do I prepare to breastfeed before my baby arrives?+–

About North Shore Lactation

What areas do you serve?+–

What makes North Shore Lactation different?+–

Do you work with pediatricians, OB/GYNs, and other providers?+–

How do I contact North Shore Lactation?+–

Still Have Questions? Our Team is Here to Help.