Why Outpatient IBCLC Care Matters: A Conversation with Dr. Anita Lugo
In this episode of Behind the Latch, Margaret Salty interviews Dr. Anita Lugo, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, IBCLC, researcher, and Assistant Professor at Moravian University in Pennsylvania.Dr. Lugo’s work focuses on one of the most critical—and often overlooked—components of breastfeeding success: outpatient lactation care after hospital discharge. Her recent review highlights the powerful impact of early, skilled IBCLC support on breastfeeding exclusivity and duration, and shines a light on the persistent gaps families face when navigating the postpartum period.Together, they explore the evidence behind outpatient IBCLC interventions, the systemic barriers that prevent equitable access to care, and the urgent need for stronger policies, better reimbursement models, and more consistent pathways for families to receive the level of support they truly need.Dr. Lugo also discusses how timing, frequency, and modality of lactation care—whether in-person, outpatient clinic, in-home, or telehealth—shape outcomes, and what future research should focus on to strengthen breastfeeding support across diverse communities.They discuss:Why many breastfeeding challenges intensify after families leave the hospitalEvidence showing that IBCLC support at 3 days and 2 weeks postpartum yields the best outcomesGaps in outpatient access, especially for families with Medicaid or grandfathered plansGeographic disparities in IBCLC availability and why they matterThe limitations of relying solely on prenatal classes or hospitalization supportThe role of telelactation and what parents find helpful—or challenging—about virtual consultsThe need for clearer distinctions between lactation credentials and their scopes of practiceHow policy, insurance reform, and better public awareness could improve breastfeeding equityFuture research needed on optimal visit numbers, timing, and support models👩🏫 Guest InfoDr. Anita Lugo, DNP, PNP, IBCLCAn integrative review of the impact of International Board Certifed Lactation Consultants in outpatient postnatal settings in the United StatesAssistant Professor, Moravian UniversityPediatric Nurse Practitioner & IBCLCPrenatal Educator, St. Luke’s University HospitalLinkedIn: Anita Lugo📝 Connect with Margaret📬 Email:
[email protected]📸 Instagram: @margaretsalty📘 Facebook: Margaret Salty🎙️ Podcast: Behind the LatchHosted by: Margaret SaltyMusic by: The Magnifiers – My Time Traveling Machine#BehindTheLatch #BreastfeedingSupport #LactationResearch #OutpatientLactation #IBCLC #PostpartumCare #BreastfeedingEquity #MaternalHealth #LactationPolicy #PublicHealthLactation #Telolactation #BreastfeedingOutcomes #InfantFeeding #NewParentSupport🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast app — and don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review!
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