What should you expect?

What to expect during your lactation visit

Hello! Thank you for inviting me to be a part of your breastfeeding journey. I want you to feel prepared for our visit so I’ve included some information about what to expect. 

If possible, please have baby ready to eat about 30 minutes after the start of your appointment. I totally understand if baby is hungry immediately, and if that’s the case we will work around it. 

Please do not feel the need to make your house perfect! I have four children. I don’t judge!

For the first 30 minutes, I will follow up on your intake form and ask you to elaborate. I’ll review your health history and your baby’s health history, including any lactation or clinical support you have sought before your appointment. 

If you’d like to weigh your baby we can do that. I will plan to weigh baby before and after a feeding if there is concern for milk intake.

I plan to do a brief breast exam that may include palpating the breasts. I will always ask for consent before doing so and you may decline. 

Next I plan to observe a normal feeding. After a few moments I may offer suggestions to optimize the feeding if adjustments are necessary. As I evaluate the feeding, I may take notes or tell you about my observations. You should plan for a full feeding. If that means using a bottle, nipple shield, or other tool, please do so. During or after the feeding I will explain my assessment and provide you with suggestions for moving forward to improve your breastfeeding experience. If I believe you would benefit from a follow up visit, I will let you know. This is never required. I always plan for a follow up phone call within a few days to a week. I am available before your planned follow up call as needed. 

If I believe you will benefit from seeing another type of provider, I will provide you with that referral. 

Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have before our visit. I look forward to meeting with you!