- International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs). IBCLCs are certified professionals with the highest level of knowledge and skill in breastfeeding support. IBCLCs help with a wide range of breastfeeding concerns. To earn the IBCLC certification, candidates must have a medical or health-related education and breastfeeding-specific education and experience. They must also pass a challenging exam. To find an IBCLC in your area, ask your health care provider, health insurance organization (e.g. CCAH), or local hospital for referrals. You can also go to the U.S. Lactation Consultant website for a partial list of local IBCLCs. Outpatient IBCLCs appointments are available at Community Bridges and Monterey County WIC for WIC participants.
- CLCs (Certified Lactation Counselors) or CLEs (Certified Lactation Educators). A breastfeeding counselor or educator teaches about breastfeeding and helps women with basic breastfeeding challenges and questions. These counselors and educators have special breastfeeding training, usually a one-week-long course.
- Breastfeeding Peer Counselors. PCs have experience breastfeeding their own children and are trained to help support other parents.
- WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselors. WIC PCs are WIC employees with extensive breastfeeding training and counseling experience. They provide support at each step of the breastfeeding journey, either by phone, virtual, text, or in person. WIC participants can call their local WIC agency to request a PC: Monterey County WIC - (831) 796-2888 or Community Bridges WIC - (831)722-7121.
- La Leche League of the Monterey Peninsula: 831-373-0555.
- Nursing Mothers Counsel, Santa Cruz Co: 831-688-3954.