When The Last LC Sucked
Moms turn to other moms daily. They will easily grasp the advice of a stranger on TikTok but refuse to see an IBCLC. Why? Typically it is because the value of an IBCLC has been horribly tainted. Outdated practices, rude bedside manners, "touchy" hands on assistance, or just flat out incompetence are way too common of complaints when discussing a family's previous experience with a trained professional.
I myself was failed by 2 hospital LCs and a private practice IBCLC. I had to scour the internet, search through peer "support", and try over and over again. I eventually got myself mostly sorted out with my first, but it wasn't without a price. My nipples endured so much damage and scarring that it's a wonder that I actually survived that breastfeeding journey. I can admit it, I absolutely was the mom that jumped out to help others, and being scorned by professionals didn't help anyone. I originally helped run a popular pumping group before branching out and making my own. I would recommend the 2 reputable 'providers' to moms in passing, but only one was actually a trained professional. The other became extremely unreliable and shady, not to mention her methods were not foolproof nor was she working to improve them.
Oh how my heart hurts for the moms that ended up in her care due to my ignorance and lack of comprehension of the truth. The moment reports came flooding back to me of all they were struggling with after seeing this 'provider', I froze completely shocked and baffled. How was this possible when I worked to try and suggest the best? I confronted those I was recommending. Those that didn't make the cut for me were pulled, and only one remained. Imagine the surprise it was that the only one doing her job and truly caring for moms was THE PROFESSIONAL IBCLC. Gasp, I know! All these moms, including myself, kept showing up for each other due to a broken system, yet here was at least one making a difference!
Can you believe it still wasn't enough for me?! 🙃 When I had my second, I didn't go rushing to book with her. I had it figured out, so I wasn't going to get much out of it, right? Well let me tell you, I booked for my 3rd child, and the good Lord knew it was a need! Talk about curveballs galore! She has taught me so much in every possible area of this journey including catching issues about my health and baby's so we could get treatment sooner than later! I cannot sing her praises enough for what she has done not only for me, but the families that put their trust in her. She's giving hope to the industry, and thankfully she's not alone!
She and many others are out to completely change the standard of lactation care, and I am so proud to be a part of that group. I’m doing my internship under Jessica Anderson of Genuine Lactation and working to learn everything I possibly can from her because she has proven herself for years, and I’m not the only LC learning from her. If the system failed you, don't give up. Try another provider. In every career path there is always someone out to improve things; you just have to be willing to try to find them. Right now those working to change lactation care for the better are still outnumbered, but we’re growing! If you need help finding a good LC, book or reach out in the Wearable Pump Paperweight Prevention group.