where can I find a breastfeeding support in anglesey, gwynedd north Wales

I am your local Welsh-speaking lactation consultant. If you live in Anglesey, Gwynedd, or all the way to Conwy Valley.

What on earth is a lactation consultant? What makes our rare breed so special and knowledgeable?

Did you know that any Tom, Dick, or Harry can call themselves a 'lactation consultant' or a 'breastfeeding expert'? Neither of these are protected terms, so yes, Auntie Mo could, without a word of a lie, proclaim herself as a lactation/breastfeeding specialist!

When it comes to lactation and breastfeeding, all support unfortunately is not created equal. So where can you go where you know that person knows their stuff?

Look for the International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) - which is a protected term, that only people who have passed the exam can use!

There are fewer than 10 IBCLCs on the lactation consultants of Great Britain map (LCGB.org), and only a couple who are in private practice, and even fewer who speak Welsh, and around 600 in th UK.

What makes us the go to person?

Becoming an IBCLC is no walk in the park!

There are 3 pathways to choose from, pathway 1 is a voluntary, pathway 2 is for those working as health professionals already, for example midwives, health visitors, dentist etc. and pathway 3 is for those with a mentor (this is really rare here int the UK, I've never heard of this outside USA).

I personally took the voluntary route.

For me this looked like, gaining my 1000 support contact time through running and setting up three breastfeeding cafes, in Llangefni on Anglesey, one in the middle of Bangor city center and one on the outskirts as well voluntering and working on the National Breastfeeding Helpline,

I also volunteered my time weekly, spending upto 3-4 hours on the local postnatal ward in Ysbyty Gwynedd, Bangor for two years, until COVID had other ideas.

My 90 plus hours of lactation education was done during COVID, learning from one of the biggest educators in the breastfeeding world, as well as my 14 science modules.

There is then a 4 hour exam to sit and pass!

In order to re-certify, we are required to continue our profesional development and learning, taking courses, attending conference, both in person and virtally with globally recognised experts, here in the UK and all over the world.

The minimum we must take is 75 hours per 5 years. To date, mine are in excess of 200 at the last count.

To put into context -

We are lucky Betsi Cadwalader Health Board has the UNICEF baby friendly (BFI)

initiative status, many other places do not.

Staff within BFI health boards ideal shall have about 18 hours over several days training, with updates every year with brief introduction to counselling

skills .Some staff take further qualifications to expand their breastfeeding knowledge.

Peer supporters, who are parents who have taken a breastfeeding course with a recognised charity or organisation, such as Association of Breastfeeding Mothers, Le leche league, NCT or Breastfeeding Network. these courses are average around 16-36 hours with basic introduction to counselling

skills

Peer supporters (PS), help out with basic breastfeeding issues and refer more complex issues to an expert for further assistance.

Breastfeeding counsellors (BfC) are peer supporters who have then taken further training, usually up to 2 years, with a more in-depth introduction to counselling skills. Once qualified, they may volunteer on national helplines.

Breastfeeding counselors (BfCs) support with common breastfeeding challenges. They can connect you with more specialised support if needed, all while following the guidance of their accrediting body.

IBCLCs are skilled at addressing a wide range of breastfeeding issues, from complex situations and high-risk infants to conducting oral assessments, as well as managing common problems, making us the go to person!