Lactation Consulting

Lactation consultants provide expert help to mothers establishing and maintaining breastfeeding, addressing latch problems, low milk supply, painful nursing, pumping strategies, returning to work, and all breastfeeding challenges through assessment, hands-on help, and education.

Consultants work with mothers from birth through weaning.

The service appeals to new mothers struggling with breastfeeding, those with premature or medical needs babies, women returning to work, mothers with supply concerns, and families committed to breastfeeding success.

Successful lactation consultants complete IBCLC certification, assess feeding thoroughly, provide hands-on assistance with latch and positioning, create individualized care plans, follow up ensuring success, and empower mothers with knowledge and confidence.

The business operates through consultations at hospitals, homes, or offices.

The business model charges consultation fees typically $150-300+ for initial in-home visits (1.5-2 hours), with follow-up visits at reduced rates.

Virtual consultations offer lower-cost options ($75-150).

Some insurance covers lactation services.

Hospital or clinic employment provides steady income.

Services include comprehensive breastfeeding assessment, latch and positioning assistance, addressing pain and challenges, milk supply evaluation and strategies, pumping and bottle introduction, returning to work planning, weight gain monitoring, and creating feeding plans.

Success requires IBCLC certification (extensive education and clinical hours), deep breastfeeding and lactation knowledge, assessment and problem-solving skills, hands-on teaching abilities, compassion with struggling mothers, staying current with lactation research, and building referral networks.

Initial investment includes IBCLC certification pathway (extensive), continuing education, assessment tools and scales, educational materials, insurance and professional liability, and marketing, totaling $3,000-10,000 for certification alone.

The business scales through building referral networks, offering group classes, potentially joining practices or hospitals, and product sales (nursing pillows, pumps).

Marketing builds relationships with pediatricians, OBs, and doulas, targets expectant mothers through prenatal classes, emphasizes credentials and expertise, educates on breastfeeding support value, and maintains strong online presence.

The business offers deeply rewarding work helping mothers and babies, premium consultation fees, flexible scheduling, recurring clients through breastfeeding journey, and evidence-based medical support.

Challenges include extensive expensive certification requirements, emotionally challenging cases, insurance billing complexity, building referral network, and competing with free hospital consultants.

Many lactation consultants work in hospitals, combine with postpartum doula services, teach breastfeeding classes, specialize in premature or medical babies, or open private practices.