When a baby experiences feeding difficulties, parents often seek guidance from professionals. Two key experts in this field are International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) and Feeding Therapists (often Speech-Language Pathologists or Occupational Therapists specializing in feeding). While their roles may overlap, they have distinct areas of expertise that complement each other.
Understanding the differences between an IBCLC and a Feeding Therapist can help parents find the right support for their baby’s feeding challenges, whether related to breastfeeding, bottle feeding, or pre/post frenectomy care (tongue and lip tie release).
What is IBCLC?
An International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) is a healthcare professional specializing in the clinical management of breastfeeding and lactation. They are trained to help with all aspects of breastfeeding, including latch, milk supply, breast infections, and positioning, as well as providing advice for parents on how to make breastfeeding a more successful experience. IBCLCs can work in hospitals, clinics, or private practice, and they may work with mothers, infants, and families in-person or virtually.
They help parents with:
✔ Latching and Positioning: Ensuring the baby is able to latch effectively and comfortably.
✔ Milk Supply Issues: Supporting mothers with increasing or regulating their milk production.
✔ Pain During Breastfeeding: Addressing issues such as nipple pain, cracks, or engorgement.
✔ Pumping and Bottle Feeding: Providing guidance on expressing milk and choosing appropriate bottles.
✔ Transitioning to Solids: Supporting safe and effective introduction to purees and solid foods.
✔ Tethered Oral Tissues (TOTs): Identifying possible tongue or lip ties and referring for evaluation to an pediatric dentist or ENT.
✔ Pre/Post Frenectomy Support: Preparing babies for a tongue or lip tie release and guiding them through rehabilitation exercises afterward.
While IBCLCs are experts in lactation, they do not formally diagnose or treat oral motor dysfunction. That’s where a Feeding Therapist comes in.
What is a Feeding Therapist?
A Feeding Therapist (Speech-Language Pathologist or Occupational Therapist specializing in infant feeding) focuses on addressing problems related to a child’s ability to eat, drink, and swallow safely and effectively. These therapists are experts in working with infants, children, and sometimes adults who have issues with oral-motor development, feeding behavior, sensory processing, or swallowing difficulties. They often help children with conditions like dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), picky eating, or difficulties transitioning from breast milk to solids.
✔ Oral Motor Development: Strengthening the muscles needed for sucking, swallowing, and feeding.
✔ Coordination and Efficiency: Helping babies who struggle with sucking, swallowing, or breathing while feeding.
✔ Transitioning to Solids: Supporting safe and effective introduction to purees and solid foods.
✔ Feeding Aversions: Addressing sensory issues or negative associations with feeding.
✔ Tethered Oral Tissues (TOTs): Identifying possible tongue or lip ties and referring for evaluation to an pediatric dentist or ENT.
✔ Pre/Post Frenectomy Support: Preparing babies for a tongue or lip tie release and guiding them through rehabilitation exercises afterward.
Collaboration Between IBCLCs and Feeding Therapists
Many babies benefit from both an IBCLC and a Feeding Therapist. For example:
🔹 If a baby has trouble latching, an IBCLC can assess for latch issues, while a Feeding Therapist can evaluate oral motor function.
🔹 If a tongue tie release (frenectomy) is recommended, an IBCLC can help manage feeding before the procedure, while a Feeding Therapist can diagnose oral motor dysfunction and provide exercises to improve function post-release.
🔹 If bottle feeding is challenging, an IBCLC can assist with bottle selection, while a Feeding Therapist can assess whether oral motor delays contribute to the issue with bottle feeding.
Which Professional Should You See?
🔹 If your baby is struggling with breastfeeding but has no suspected oral motor issues, start with an IBCLC.
🔹 If your baby has difficulty using their tongue properly, gets fatigued easily while feeding, or struggles with swallowing, a Feeding Therapist may be necessary.
🔹 If your baby has a suspected tongue or lip tie, both an IBCLC and a Feeding Therapist can provide essential support before and after a frenectomy.
By working together, IBCLCs and Feeding Therapists offer comprehensive, evidence-based support for infants and their families. Seeking guidance from the right professional (or a team of them) can make a significant difference in your baby’s feeding journey.
If you’re unsure where to start, contact us for more information. We can help assess your baby’s needs and guide you to the right specialist. Feeding your baby should be a positive and nurturing experience—we’re here to support you every step of the way!
