What Happens at a Visit?
A postpartum lactation consultation is a thorough examination of the feeding parent, the infant, and how they feed together. Since an IBCLC often works with a parent who is healing from birth, experiencing hormonal changes and a lack of sleep, it can be helpful to have a second set of ears at the visit. Having a partner or other family member present can benefit you once your IBCLC leaves. It is important to make sure that baby is hungry at the feed. He or she should be willing to eat, but should not be ravenous. Here is what you can expect at a visit.
Health History for Parent & Baby
Prior to your appointment, you will fill out forms about your history, the birth, and baby's history. At the visit, your lactation consultant may have additional questions on some of the information, baby's birth, or any postpartum complications you may be experiencing. The lactation consultant may request specific information on medications, interventions, NICU stays, or previous lactation history. While some of the questions may not seem relevant to your current experience, your answers can play an important role with your lactation journey.
Breast or Chest Assessment
Your IBCLC may request to look at your breasts. This is a good time to point out damage to your nipples, areas of the breast causing discomfort, or any other areas of concern.
Feeding Evaluation
During the feeding evaluation, we will weigh your baby before and after direct breast or chest feeding to evaluate how efficiently milk is being transferred. Your IBCLC can also support you with latching and positioning. This is a great time to ask for techniques to improve latching for yours and baby’s comfort.
Body and Oral Assessment
Your IBCLC will assess your baby’s body for signs of tension, side preference, or other markers that may be causing issues with latch. She will also evaluate your baby’s mouth for function, palate height, and any oral restrictions (such as tongue tie and lip tie). She has been trained to check for tethered oral tissues, and will present you with options if anything outside of normal limits is observed.
Pumping and Bottle Feeding
If the family wishes to incorporate bottles, pacifiers, or would like to begin pumping, your IBCLC will go over all of it with you. This is a great time to ask about pump flange or insert sizing, bottle types and nipples, and maximizing pumping output.
Baby Care
Have questions about the witching hours? Can’t figure out how to rouse your sleepy baby? Your IBCLC is a bit of a “baby whisperer” and is more than happy to share all of her secrets with you. Feel more confident in your parenting ability as you learn soothing techniques for your toolbox.
Feeding Plan
Together, you and your IBCLC will develop a feeding plan until your next visit. Your IBCLC will then type up your visit notes, send a copy to your pediatrician, and will also email you links to things you spoke about at the visit. If you or your baby need additional support, a list of preferred providers will be sent to you. Your notes will be ready within 24 hours of your visit.
Follow Up
Many families need multiple lactation visits before their issues resolve. Your IBCLC will set up a follow up visit before you leave. Have questions before the next appointment? Two weeks of support by phone, messaging, and email, is included with each visit.