Five Red Flags to Watch for When Hiring a Lactation Consultant

And How We Protect Families From Poor Practices

Choosing a lactation consultant is not just about feeding. It is about trust, safety, and support during one of the most vulnerable seasons of life. Most families assume all lactation support is the same. It is not.

While there are many skilled and ethical providers, there are also practices that leave parents feeling pressured, confused, or even harmed. As a consumer advocate in the breastfeeding space, I believe parents deserve to know what to watch for before inviting someone into their care.

Below are five red flags parents should be aware of and how our practice intentionally avoids them.

Red Flag One

No Clear Scope of Care or Expectations

What this can look like for parents

You are told pricing will be discussed later

Services are vague or undefined

You leave the visit unsure of what you paid for or what happens next

Why this matters

Lack of clarity creates stress and imbalance. Parents deserve transparency before care begins, not after they are already emotionally invested.

How we do it differently

We clearly explain the scope of care upfront. Families understand what is included, what is optional, how pricing is determined, and what support looks like before committing. No surprises. No confusion.

Red Flag Two

Hands On Care Without Explicit Consent

What this can look like for parents

Someone touches your body or handles your baby without asking

You feel rushed into positions or techniques that do not feel right

You leave feeling uncomfortable but unsure how to name it

Why this matters

Consent is not optional. Feeding support should never override bodily autonomy or emotional safety.

How we do it differently

Our care is consent centered. We explain first. We ask permission every time. We prioritize teaching and coaching so parents build confidence in their own skills rather than having something done to them.

Red Flag Three

One Size Fits All Advice

What this can look like for parents

Rigid feeding rules that ignore your life or goals

Being told there is only one right way to breastfeed

Advice that does not account for birth history work mental health or culture

Why this matters

Families are not identical. Feeding journeys are shaped by real life factors, not textbook ideals.

How we do it differently

Our care is individualized. We listen first, assess the full picture, and tailor recommendations to your goals, your body, and your reality. Success is defined by informed choice, not perfection.

Red Flag Four

Fear Based Messaging

What this can look like for parents

Being told your supply will fail if you make one change

Urgency language that creates guilt or panic

Pressure to comply rather than understand

Why this matters

Fear shuts down confidence. Parents already carry enough pressure without being scared into decisions.

How we do it differently

We educate without alarm. We explain risks and benefits clearly and calmly so parents can make grounded decisions rooted in understanding, not fear.

Red Flag Five

No Follow Through or Continuity

What this can look like for parents

A single visit with no plan or check in

No written care plan or next steps

Feeling left to troubleshoot alone

Why this matters

Feeding challenges often evolve. Without continuity, families feel abandoned at the first change or setback.

How we do it differently

We provide clear care plans, next steps, and options for follow up. Many families choose ongoing support so they are not navigating changes alone.

What This Means for You

Good lactation support should leave you feeling informed, respected, and confident. You deserve care that honors your body, your baby, and your choices.

This guide exists to help you choose wisely and to remind you that you are allowed to ask questions before committing to care.

Ready to Learn More

If you are unsure what type of support is right for you or want to understand how our care works, we invite you to connect with us. We are happy to walk through your options before you decide.

Book a consultation or submit an inquiry through our website to get started.

Just tell me the next move.