What to Expect During a Breastfeeding Consult
What Happens at a Lactation Consult
Whether you choose an in-home, office, or virtual consult, we’ll work through any questions you may have about breastfeeding your baby and develop a care plan designed to meet your personal breastfeeding goals.
These consults usually last about 1.5-2 hours and include:
- Assembling a thorough health history about you & your baby
- Assessing you & your baby physically, focusing on issues that could affect breastfeeding
- Hearing any of your concerns about breastfeeding
- Observing a complete feed
- Weighing baby before & after a feed to determine intake
- Providing education about key challenges and a thorough care plan vis email, including links to information I’ve vetted and approved.
Preparing for Your Appointment
I want you to get as much out of our time together as possible. To help encourage success, there are a few things you can do to prepare for our lactation consult.
Get Baby Ready
Because I will observe a complete feed, try to make sure your baby is not too hungry or too full ahead of the appointment. This can help create an easier learning environment for both you and your baby. If baby is crazy hungry before I arrive, you might give half a feeding to “tide baby over”.
Take Care of Yourself
Make sure you’ve eaten before our visit and have something to drink during our consult. Try to get as much rest ahead of time as possible, as it can help you remember everything we discuss. Consider asking a relative, friend, or doula to help overnight so you can get at least 4 hours of uninterrupted sleep prior to our time together.
Create a Calm Space
If at all possible, it can be helpful when you have someone on hand to take care of other children and pets, so you can focus on soaking in all the information.
Welcome Partners
I welcome partners at this consult! Breastfeeding, especially in the early days, often requires 4 hands. Partners can be so helpful in supporting your breastfeeding journey.
Pumping Questions
If you have questions about pumping, please remember to have your pump and all your pump parts with you. Sometimes we run out of time at the initial consult, but can address pumping at our follow-up. If this is one of your primary concerns, be sure to mention that on your intake form.
After Your Visit
When our visit concludes, a comprehensive report will be sent to you and your baby’s health care providers. I offer follow-up consultations as necessary and am committed to supporting you until you’re satisfied with your breastfeeding experience.
Lactation Consult Services
Learn about my in-home, virtual, and phone consult options, as well as a clear price list for each.
Contact Me
Limited Availability
I am accepting a limited number of appointments. If you'd like to inquire about availability, please email me at anne.cassens.ibclc@babywhispererlc.com or text me at (612) 750-5535.