Bridging the Gap: Why Birth Workers Are the Missing Link in Lactation Support

The Lactation Crisis No One Talks About

Breastfeeding is one of the most natural things in the world—until you actually have a baby and realize it’s a full-time job with no breaks, confusing instructions, and an unpaid overtime policy.

Parents desperately want to breastfeed, but they’re up against bad advice, booby traps (literally and figuratively), and a healthcare system that often fails them. They leave the hospital with a vague “just feed the baby on demand” recommendation and then find themselves at home, panicked, wondering why their nipples feel like they’ve been through a paper shredder and whether their baby is actually getting enough milk.

Meanwhile, birth workers—doulas, midwives, and childbirth educators—are already the go-to sources of support for new parents. You’re there when the questions start rolling in:

• “Is my baby getting enough milk?”

• “Why does latching feel like being attacked by a tiny, adorable piranha?”

• “Can I just pump and bottle-feed instead? Asking for my nipples.”

But here’s the problem: Too many birth workers want to help but don’t have the tools, training, or confidence to provide real lactation support. And that’s not your fault! Most birth work trainings barely touch on lactation beyond the basics.

This is where the gap exists. And this is where I come in.

I’m an RN, IBCLC with a decade of experience in various settings and someone who nursed twins until they were four years old (against all odds). I know firsthand how critical lactation support is—and how birth workers are uniquely positioned to fill this gap.

Birth work doesn’t stop when the baby arrives. It extends into the postpartum period—and lactation should be part of that work.

That’s why I created three ways for birth workers to quickly and easily level up their lactation skills today—whether you’re just lactation-curious or ready to go all in and become an IBCLC.

Birth Workers Are Already Doing the Work—But Without the Tools

Doulas, midwives, childbirth educators—you are already in the trenches with parents. You’re there when they first learn what colostrum is. You hear their questions about latching, pumping, and whether their nipples are supposed to look like that. You see them struggling in real time.

And yet, so many birth workers feel unprepared to provide solid, evidence-based lactation support. They want to help, but they’re stuck saying things like, “That’s a great question! Have you tried… TikTok?”

This gap is hurting families. It’s also leaving birth professionals underutilized and underpaid in an industry where lactation skills could set them apart. If you’ve ever felt like you should know more about breastfeeding to better support your clients—but didn’t know where to start—I created three ways for you to level up your lactation game today.

1. Get the Unfiltered Truth: My Secret Podcast

Thinking about incorporating lactation consulting into your birth work or transition into it completely? Want to hear exactly how to become an IBCLC, minus the fluff? My Secret Podcast: Unlocking the IBCLC Journey breaks it all down in an easy, quick listen.

It’s the perfect starting point if you’re lactation-curious but not sure if you’re ready to take the plunge. Grab your coffee (or your pump), and start listening today.

Get instant access here: https://tinyurl.com/ibclcpath

2. Get Hands-On: Half-Day Training for Doulas & Agencies

Imagine this: You’re at a birth, and the baby finally latches, but the parent winces in pain. You know something isn’t quite right, but you’re not sure what to say beyond, “It might get better?”

My Half-Day Lactation Training for Doulas/Agencies/Doula Training Organizations gives you the practical skills you need to confidently support breastfeeding parents—from tools and techniques to troubleshooting latch issues to knowing exactly when to refer to an IBCLC. AND IT’S CATERED!

Perfect for doulas, midwives, and agencies looking to increase their value, offer better care, and grow their business. Ready to upgrade your lactation skills? Book a training by emailing me at [email protected]

3. Take the Leap: Become an IBCLC with Lactation Consultant Launchpad™

If you’re serious about making lactation your career, my Lactation Consultant Launchpad™ is your roadmap.

I designed this program for birth professionals and breastfeeding advocates who want to become IBCLCs in 12-18 months without wasting time, money, or their sanity. We cut through the confusion and provide:

• A step-by-step mentorship experience so you actually finish what you start

• Opportunities to earn your 1,000 clinical hours without quitting your day job(virtual)

• A built-in community of future IBCLCs (because this journey is way easier with support)

• Expert coaching and education to help you enter the lactation field with confidence and a solid foundation of knowledge and skills.

Join the waitlist for the next cohort: www.lactationconsultantlaunchpad.com

Why This Matters—For You & the Families You Serve

Birth workers who invest in lactation training aren’t just filling a gap—they’re transforming birth and postpartum care. They’re helping more families succeed in breastfeeding, preventing unnecessary supplementation, and increasing their earning potential by adding lactation services to their skill set. The future of birth work isn’t just about getting babies earthside—it’s about making sure they thrive once they’re here.

So, if you’re ready to level up your lactation knowledge, start with the podcast, book a training, or enroll in Lactation Consultant Launchpad™. Because birth workers shouldn’t have to refer to YouTube or TikTok when their clients need breastfeeding support.

Leslie Owens

RN, IBCLC