Why Certified Lactation Counselors Matter Beyond the Pump
With Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) expertise at the core of our team, we can offer guidance and care beyond the breast pump, serving as a partner in the deeply personal journey of parenthood.
"We strive to offer solutions that are practical, flexible, and supportive because feeding your baby should never feel like a test you’re failing."
At Cimilre, our commitment to families goes far beyond creating innovative breast pumps. At the heart of everything we do is a deep respect for the breastfeeding journey, and the professionals who support it. For this reason, our team focuses on having in-house Certified Lactation Counselors (CLCs) on staff.
Breastfeeding isn’t one-size-fits-all. Every mom’s experience is shaped by her body, her baby, her lifestyle, and often unexpected challenges. Having a team that understands this both technically and emotionally, makes a meaningful difference.
What It Means to Be Certified Lactation Counselor-Focused
A Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) is a trained lactation professional who provides evidence-based breastfeeding and pumping support, including flange (breast shield) sizing, comfort guidance, and feeding education.
Being CLC-focused means we approach our work through an evidence-based, parent-centered lens. Certified Lactation Counselors are trained to provide practical lactation support while also recognizing the emotional and mental load that often accompanies feeding decisions. This training allows us to meet families where they are, without judgment, and with empathy.
When parents reach out with questions about breastfeeding, pumping, milk supply, breast pump flange fit, comfort, or returning to work, they aren’t just looking for product information. They’re looking for reassurance, clarity, and support. Having Certified Lactation Counselor training helps ensure those conversations are grounded in both science and compassion.
Why Proper Breast Shield (Flange) Sizing Matters for Pumping
One of the most common challenges moms face when pumping is improper breast shield (flange) sizing. An incorrect fit can lead to discomfort, nipple trauma, frustration, and worst of all - reduced milk output! This often causes people to think pumping “just doesn’t work” for them. Unfortunately, it can lead to breastfeeding journeys being cut short due to issues that could have been resolved with lactation support. That’s where CLC’s come in.
How Certified Lactation Counselor’s (CLC) Help with Breastfeeding and Pumping Support
Support from a Certified Lactation Counselor is vitally important, especially with breast shield sizing, because it involves more than measuring a nipple once and choosing a size. Nipple size can change throughout the day, during a pumping session, and over the course of the breastfeeding journey. Swelling, elasticity, and individual anatomy all play a role. It is not a perfect science. Certified Lactation Counselors are trained to observe nipple movement, comfort, and signs of restricted milk flow or tissue pulling to ensure the breast shield fits correctly and supports effective milk removal.
To help you get your pumping journey off to the right start, we offer a Breast Shield Sizing Guide with printable ruler, Virtual Breast Shield Sizing consults with one of our Certified Lactation Counselors, and a third breast shield size through our Get the Right Fit program, all for free with your Cimilre breast pump! During a Virtual Breast Shield Sizing Consult with a Cimilre CLC, we’ll guide moms in real time on how to measure, helping to identify the right size breast shield, and teach you what to watch for while pumping to protect nipple and breast tissue.
It's Normal to Need Breastfeeding and Pumping Support More Than Once
Proper sizing isn’t just about comfort, though that’s important too! It directly impacts milk supply, pumping efficiency, and long-term breastfeeding success. Having access to lactation and breastfeeding guidance from a Certified Lactation Counselor can be the difference between a mom continuing her pumping journey or feeling forced to stop earlier than planned.
There are many areas a Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) or International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) can help with throughout the breastfeeding journey. At Cimilre, we highly recommend working with a lactation provider that aligns with your goals to develop a plan specific to your needs. There’s a chance your insurance may even cover visits.
Supporting Parents in Real Life, Not Just in Theory
Many members of our team spend significant time working directly with families - whether through customer education, product support, or community outreach. This hands-on experience reinforces what Certified Lactation Counselors are trained to understand: real life is messy, schedules are unpredictable, and feeding plans often change.
That perspective shapes how we think about our products, our educational resources, and how we communicate. We strive to offer solutions that are practical, flexible, and supportive because feeding your baby should never feel like a test you’re failing.
Why This Matters to Cimilre
For us, being CLC-focused isn’t a marketing checkbox - it’s part of our culture. Having Certified Lactation Counselor education influences how we design products, train our team, and show up for families. When moms know they’re speaking to someone who understands lactation beyond the manual in the box, trust is built.
And trust matters. Especially during a season when many parents are exhausted, overwhelmed, and navigating constant advice from all directions.
Empowering Confidence
Ultimately, our goal is simple: to help moms feel confident and supported in their feeding journey - whatever that looks like for them! Whether a mom exclusively pumps, breastfeeds, combo feeds, or transitions over time, she deserves accurate information and compassionate care.
With Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) expertise at the core of our team, we can offer guidance and care beyond the breast pump, serving as a partner in the deeply personal journey of parenthood. This is something we don’t take lightly. We’re honored to support families in this way.
Need help with breast shield sizing or have questions about your Cimilre breast pump? Let us know! We are happy to do everything we can to support you.