Day 3 of Insights - 7 Things Every New IBCLC Needs to Know

#3

Welcome to my IBCLC© Day 2023 Series! Each day I’ll share with you one piece of insight about our work. (If you’re too excited and you just want to read them all now, go here and download the whole list)

Let me know in the comments if you agree, disagree, never thought about it this way, or whatever you’re feeling!

Supporting someone to meet their lactation and infant feeding goals is about building a relationship with them. It’s not easy for people to trust you, a stranger, when they are in the midst of experiencing the emotions and the whirlwind of life with their new baby. Remembering that can help you enter into each new dyad’s space with grace and respect. And keeping that perspective can help you navigate one of the more difficult - and sometimes surprising - realities of lactation care.

3. You won't "click" with every client.

It's just not going to feel comfortable with everyone. You may get off to a rocky start in conversation, you may feel unqualified to help them for some reason, or you may even actually be acquainted with them in some other arena of life, leading to some bit of awkwardness.

Build your relationships on respect and trust, and you'll find that people who may not seem to "like" you are actually quite glad to have your help. Show them that you are reliable and competent, and if there is a connection outside your lactation relationship, be very upfront with them about your commitment to confidentiality and protecting their private information.

You are going to connect easily with many of the people you serve, and when you encounter clients who leave you feeling a bit challenged, always be honest with yourself and take time to consider why it feels strained. Lean on your network of lactation colleagues to help you understand these moments, and you'll find that everyone has these kinds of different relationships.

Like everything else in your life, it can help to have a network of people with whom you can process, vent, share, and learn. Build your squad of lactation people! You’ll need them in these kinds of tough times, and you’ll appreciate them in good times, too.

I host a membership network of lactation care providers called Evolve Lactation Community, and one of the coolest things about it is the ability to reach out and connect with each other anytime. Sometimes we ask clinical questions and get folks to weigh in, other times we share our “little victories” and our challenging moments.

Whatever we’re sharing, it helps us to feel less alone in this work. If you’re interested in learning more about how to join Evolve Lactation Community, drop a comment below with the word “Community” and I’ll send you some details!

• Information about the IBCLC© credential and how to pursue it can be found at www.iblce.org

• Information about IBCLC Day can be found at www.ilca.org