An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) is a healthcare professional specializing in the clinical management of breastfeeding. I am here to provide a range of antenatal lactation services to help expectant parents prepare for breastfeeding. Here are some of the topics we can cover during your antenatal visit.

1. Breastfeeding benefits review: Providing evidence-based information about breastfeeding benefits, techniques, and what to expect in the early days.

2. Personalized Breastfeeding Plan: Developing a tailored plan considering health, any anticipated challenges (like previous breastfeeding issues, breast surgeries, or health conditions), and setting goals.

3. Lactation Assessment: Examining anatomical features that might affect breastfeeding, such as breast or nipple anatomy, and advising on how they might influence latching or milk production.

4. Breastfeeding and Birth Plans: Assisting in integrating breastfeeding goals into the birth plan, including immediate skin-to-skin contact and early breastfeeding initiation after birth.

5. Addressing Concerns and Questions: Providing information to address any worries expectant parents may have.

6. Pumping and Milk Expression Education: Educating on the use of breast pumps, including selecting the right pump and understanding milk expression.

7. Nutrition and Medication Advice: Informing expectant mothers about diet, hydration, and any medications that may affect breastfeeding.

8. Partner and Family Support Education: Teaching partners and family members how they can support the breastfeeding process effectively.

9. Preparing for Special Situations: Offering strategies for unique situations, like breastfeeding multiples or a potential NICU stay.

These services aim to empower parents with the knowledge and resources they need to have a successful breastfeeding experience.

75 Minutes

$200

At your intake appointment with me, you will receive a comprehensive evaluation aimed at providing personalized support and guidance. Here’s a list of typical services that might be offered during this first visit:

1. Detailed Health and Breastfeeding History: We will discuss the information about the mother's and baby's health history, any previous breastfeeding experiences, and current concerns or issues.

2. Observation and Assessment: I will observe a breastfeeding session to assess how the baby is latching, sucking, and swallowing. This includes an evaluation of the nipple and breast health, and I may weigh the baby before and after feeding, to estimate milk transfer. Providing help with positioning the baby and improving the latch to ensure effective milk transfer and comfort for both the mother and the baby.

3. Addressing Breastfeeding Concerns: Discussing any specific issues the mother might be facing, such as low milk supply, nipple pain, engorgement, or mastitis, and providing strategies to address these problems. Combined with a personalized breastfeeding plan.

4. Education on Milk Production: Explaining how milk production functions and how both demand and supply can be maintained or increased.

5. Use of Breastfeeding Tools: Guidance on using lactation aids such as nipple shields, supplemental nursing systems, or breast pumps, if needed. Includes information on supplementation with minimal disruption to breastfeeding.

6. Discussion of Infant Feeding Cues: Educating about recognizing when the baby is hungry and how to interpret feeding behaviors.

7. Problem-Solving and Emotional Support: Offering reassurance, emotional support, and practical solutions tailored to the family's unique situation.

8. Information on Normal Infant Behavior: Providing information about what to expect in terms of feeding frequency, growth spurts, and sleep.

9. Follow-Up Plan: Setting up a plan for follow-up consultations to monitor progress and make adjustments to the breastfeeding strategy as needed.

The goal of the initial appointment is to address immediate concerns, provide education, and set a foundation for a successful breastfeeding journey.

A follow-up appointment with me is intended to monitor progress, address any ongoing concerns, and adjust strategies as needed. Here are some of the services typically offered:

1. Review of Progress: Discuss any changes or improvements since the initial appointment and discuss if previous concerns have been resolved or need further attention.

2. Reassessment of Breastfeeding Techniques: Re-evaluate the baby's latch and the mother's positioning during breastfeeding to ensure continued effectiveness and comfort.

3. Ongoing Evaluation of Baby’s Growth and Development: Check on the baby’s weight gain, feeding patterns, and overall health to ensure they are thriving.

4. Addressing New Issues: Discuss any new breastfeeding challenges or questions that have arisen since the last visit.

5. Adjustment of Breastfeeding Plan: Make necessary adjustments to the personalized breastfeeding strategy to accommodate any changes in the mother’s or baby's situation or needs.

6. Reassessment of Milk Supply: Evaluate the mother’s milk production and provide additional strategies if there are supply concerns.

7. Continued Education and Support: Offer further guidance on breastfeeding, infant care, and related topics, reinforcing confidence and knowledge.

8. Problem Solving for Specific Issues: Provide targeted advice and solutions for issues such as weaning, returning to work, sleep concerns, or feeding twins.

9. Introducing Solid Foods: Offer advice on introducing solids if the baby is at the appropriate age and stage.

10. Emotional and Psychological Support: Offer continued emotional support, listening to any concerns or challenges the mother is experiencing.

11. Evaluation of Breastfeeding Tools: Reassess the use of any breastfeeding tools (like pumps or nipple shields) and provide advice on how to use them more effectively if needed.

12. Planning for Future Breastfeeding Goals: Discuss and plan for long-term breastfeeding goals, such as exclusive breastfeeding, mixed feeding, or transitioning to bottle feeding.

Each follow-up appointment is tailored to the individual needs of the mother and baby, ensuring they receive the support necessary for successful breastfeeding.