Lactation Support VisitsLactation consults are uniquely customizable to fit your exact feeding challenges. Initial visits typically take 1.5 hours and happen in your home. Follow-up visits are often 1 hour, and can be done virtually on a case-by-case basis. Follow-up text support is available to all clients for up to one week after our last appointment. Below are a few things you can generally expect to happen at our visit.
It’s important to consider the whole picture when looking at breast and chestfeeding difficulties. Together, we will go over both your and your baby’s health histories to aid the process.
Health history
I use a combination of different assessment strategies when needed. This can include a breast assessment for you or an oral-anatomy and feeding-skills assessment for your baby. We’ll also take a look at what a typical nursing session is like, using a pediatric scale to note milk transfer.
Assessment
Before the end of our visit, we’ll create a plan that supports your goals and feels sustainable for your unique circumstances. Feeding your baby is such a personal experience, and there truly is no one-size-fits-all solution.
Customized plan
Common reasons to seek lactation support…Painful latch
It can be hard to discern whether latch discomfort is your body getting used to the increase in nipple stimuli or something more. Pain is a good indicator that adjustments need to be made.
Suspected infant oral restrictions
Tongue-ties are becoming a common household topic for new families. Assessing oral restrictions will always be paired with education on various remedial options to support informed decision making when a tongue-tie is suspected.
Supply concerns
Perceived low milk supply is one of the leading reasons for early weaning, and over-supply can lead to a host of uncomfortable consequences.
Combination feeding
Each family is unique, and sometimes combination feeding is necessary or desired. This can include nursing, pumping, the use of donor milk, or formula, and any combination therein.
Complex medical history
Breast augmentation, reduction or trauma, PCOS or other hormonal disorders, hypertension/preeclampsia, and postpartum hemorrhage are just a few maternal health conditions that may affect lactation.
Clogged ducts
Over-supply, nipple blebs, or insufficient emptying of the breasts can all lead to clogged ducts. There are remedies to help alleviate this discomfort and avoid the progression to mastitis.
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) dictates that most insurance plans are required to cover six lactation support visits with an IBCLC or other qualified provider at no cost to you.
Contact your insurance provider to confirm what’s needed for your visits to be covered (such as a referral or in-network provider). Don’t hesitate to use the benefits you’re entitled to—you deserve this support!
Learn more about the ACA, and other breastfeeding protections.