QUESTIONS TO ASK A PROSPECTIVE LACTATION SUPPORTER
What to ask to feel confident that you'll get the help you need
WHAT TO ASK:
Can you tell me how you came to do this work?
What is your specific lactation credential (if any)?
Can you describe your education and certification process (if applicable)?
How long have you been providing lactation support?
Is the support you provide considered peer support (no education but drawing from lived experience), counsellor support (some education in counselling in general feeding issues but no clinical credential), or comprehensive clinical support?
Who is your governing body (if any)?
Have you sought further education/training since? If so, what?
Do you have specific education and experience in helping parents with_________________? (fill in your situation here)
Can you describe your scope of practice? (Are you able to assess for tongue/lip ties and other oral assessments? Do you have clinical skills in assessing babies/children for tension, reflexes, development and milestones?)
Do you collaborate with other providers when needed?
Do you refer to an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) if you run into a situation that is out of your scope of practice?
Other things to consider asking:
Do you work with exclusively bottle feeding babies as well as bodyfeeding babies?
Do you work from a trauma-informed foundation? How did you learn about this?
Are you inclusive and welcoming of all genders, fat bodies, disabled bodies?
What does inclusivity mean to you?
What work have you done to create a safe(r) space for the parents and families you support?
Do you have a scholarship option, payment plan option, or subsidized fee structure for families who cannot afford your fees?