Private lactation consultations at the Seven Sisters Midwifery and Community Birth Center last 30-50 minutes and are covered by most insurance companies (including MassHealth). Here’s what you can expect from our time together:
Post-Baby:
a weight check for your baby,
an assessment of your baby's reflexes as they relate to feeding,
an assessment of your baby’s attachment ("latch") and positioning at the breast,
an examination of your nipples and breasts/chest,
an oral examination for your baby (looking at your baby's tongue, mouth, and lip anatomy)
an evaluation of your baby's suck and ability to transfer milk,
lactation and feeding education and support (What does "normal" look like? How much should your baby be nursing? How do you know if your baby is getting enough milk? How does your breast pump work? How can you get your baby to take a bottle?),
the creation of a "feeding plan" that might include how to transition away from using nipple shields or from bottles to breast, how to increase your milk production and/or your baby's intake, how to help damaged nipples heal, and how to work towards your longterm goals,
plans for follow-up work,
plenty of time for you to ask any questions you may have about lactation, nursing, bottle-feeding, or the broader experience of life with a new baby, and
referrals to other specialists as needed.
Prenatal:
everything you need to know about how to set yourself up for success from day 1,
an examination of your breasts/chest and nipples if relevant,
plenty of time for you to ask any questions you may have about lactation, nursing, bottle-feeding, or the broader experience of life with a new baby.
It’s rare for a feeding challenge to be fully overcome after one visit with an IBCLC. I cannot guarantee that you will feel 100% better about your situation after our time together. But you will leave our visit with a much better understanding of what’s happening, and with a clear plan for how to continue to move forward and achieve your infant-feeding goals.