The Role of the SACLC: Supporting Every Mother, Every Step of the Way

“My birth instructor said this… ‘The breast is like a muscle you haven’t used yet… remember taking up a new sport?’” – Julia Glass

For many mothers, breastfeeding can feel exactly like that, something natural, yet unfamiliar. Something your body was made to do, but that still takes time, guidance, and support to learn. This is where the South African Certified Lactation Consultants (SACLC) play such an important role.

More than support: A foundation of care

At its heart, the role of SACLC is about ensuring mothers receive consistent, evidence-based, and compassionate breastfeeding support. Every interaction is guided by one simple but powerful goal: to help mothers feel confident, informed, and supported in feeding their babies.

Breastfeeding journeys can look very different from one family to another. Some begin smoothly, while others come with unexpected challenges. SACLC consultants are trained to meet mothers exactly where they are, without judgement, and with care that is centred around both mother and baby.

What does a lactation consultant really do?

Many people think a lactation consultant is only there when something goes wrong. In reality, their role is much broader and deeply supportive.

SACLC consultants:

• Encourage and support mothers through every stage of feeding

• Provide mother-centred care, recognising that every journey is unique

• Educate families using up-to-date, evidence-based information

• Help identify and address feeding challenges early

• Offer guidance on expressing, pumping, and safe milk storage

• Support gentle and appropriate weaning when the time comes

• Work within a professional scope to ensure safe, ethical care

• Supports moms during the weaning process

They also keep detailed records, continuously update their knowledge, and collaborate with other healthcare professionals when needed. This ensures that every mother and baby receives the highest standard of care.

When challenges arise: skilled, specialised support

Some breastfeeding journeys require more specialised support, and this is where the depth of SACLC training truly shines.

For example, supporting a baby with additional needs, such as Trisomy 21 (Down Syndrome), requires both sensitivity and clinical understanding. These babies may face challenges such as low muscle tone, difficulty latching, or tiring easily during feeds. In these situations, the role of the lactation consultant becomes even more important.

Support may include:

• Careful assessment of feeding ability

• Helping mothers find comfortable and effective feeding positions

• Teaching techniques to improve latch and milk transfer

• Supporting milk supply through expression when needed

• Monitoring the baby’s growth and feeding effectiveness

• Working alongside other healthcare professionals for holistic care

Just as importantly, consultants help mothers set realistic expectations, offering reassurance and guidance every step of the way.

Support begins before birth

One of the most valuable aspects of SACLC care is that it often begins before the baby is even born.

During the antenatal period, consultants can:

• Explore a mother’s feeding goals

• Identify possible challenges early

• Provide practical education and preparation

• Build confidence before birth

This early support can make a meaningful difference. When mothers understand what to expect, they are often better equipped to navigate the early days of breastfeeding with confidence and calm.

SACLC: Walking alongside mothers after birth

The early days after birth can feel overwhelming. Feeding can take time to establish, and it is not uncommon for mothers to feel unsure or exhausted.

SACLC consultants provide hands-on, practical support during this time by:

• Helping babies latch effectively

• Creating calm, supportive feeding environments

• Encouraging frequent feeding and skin-to-skin contact

• Monitoring milk transfer and baby’s growth

• Supporting mothers in protecting and building their milk supply

They also provide clear guidance and follow-up care, ensuring that mothers are not left feeling alone once they leave the hospital setting.

A relationship built on trust and compassion

Beyond the clinical skills and techniques, what truly defines the role of SACLC is the relationship built with each mother. It is about:

• Listening without judgement

• Offering reassurance in moments of doubt

• Celebrating small wins

• Supporting informed choices

Every mother deserves to feel heard, respected, and empowered, regardless of how her feeding journey unfolds.

A gentle reminder

Breastfeeding is not always easy, and it is not always straightforward. But with the right support, guidance, and encouragement, many challenges can be navigated with confidence.

The role of SACLC is not to create a “perfect” breastfeeding experience, but to ensure that mothers are supported, informed, and never alone in their journey.

Because at the end of the day, it is not just about feeding a baby. It is about caring for a mother, a family, and a new beginning.