Day 5 of Insights - 7 Things Every New IBCLC Needs to Know
#5
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!
What it looks like when you imagine a day in the life of a lactation consultant can be very different from the reality. You might envision feeling a real sense that you are making a difference every single day - changing lives, making people happy, squishing adorable babies. But the reality can feel very different. It’s important to know that going in so you can be prepared to remind yourself what you need to do to safeguard your own well-being in this career.
5. It may take time for your clinical lactation input to be accepted by the rest of the health care team - even if they knew you before as an expert with a different credential.
It's true. Think of it this way: when you declared your intention to become an IBCLC, a slight separation emerged between you and the people you knew. You felt it. Some of them were incredibly supportive and respectful, while others put up a little wall (or a big wall). Why did this happen?
It's the passion thing. They don't have it, and they might have some resentment and conflicts built up around it. They're putting that on you. YOU represent breastfeeding and lactation now, and some people are going to have a problem with that (which can feel like they have a problem with you). It can feel like you ae being accused of “going to the other side.”
Accepting this is something that is often unexpected when becoming an IBCLC. After all, we think lactation is fascinating and awesome, and it can be difficult to comprehend that others do not. It's ok - the world is made up of people who are fascinated with all kinds of different and amazing things. That's what makes life interesting!
However, when there's a lack of respect, that's when it starts to impact your work. If you're included in multi-disciplinary rounds in the NICU, but your input is consistently dismissed or ignored outright, it may be time to gently inquire of leadership as to how you can best fulfill your role there. If the pediatricians are not referring patients to you as the in-house lactation consultant, you may need to address how your role has been presented to them.
Essentially, these situations are usually opportunities to clarify your roles and responsibilities, and they are a great way to spread education about lactation. The most important point you can often make in these cases is a clear reminder that all health care workers have a responsibility to avoid their own personal biases about lactation when providing health care.
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 “Evolve” 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