Hi Pamela,

I see a lot of moms in a forum I’m a part of ask for breastfeeding and other advice from other mothers and never consider a lactation specialist. I don’t know about the UK, but here in the US it is difficult to access that support without insurance, and even then only IBCLCs can accept insurance. Counselors are basically only out of pocket. 

The language describing insurance coverage of lactation support is also confusing and makes it seem as though it is not covered. Simply, lactation support seems and is inaccessible, so the free internet searches will have to do for many.

There is also a sentiment among a lot of mothers that lactation specialists are pushy and have a one-track mind when it comes to support - exclusive breastfeeding at all costs. They feel unable to talk about or explore things like mixed feeding, and formula feeding without judgement. 

Moms can be given impossible advice - don’t give a bottle or pacifier at all for weeks or breastfeeding will be negatively affected. What about moms who need these things to manage day-to-day? Of course this doesn’t apply to all lactation specialists, but we sadly have a bad wrap in the population at large.  

I agree we could use some PR help. 

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