Lactation Consultations
You may be wondering whether a lactation consultation with me is right for you?
Could it help with your specific challenges or maybe you have had lots of support already and wonder if there is anything left to try? If you and your little one are struggling with breastfeeding or want to breastfeed and aren’t for whatever reason, there will always be a plan that might help you work towards your goals.
YOU ARE THE EXPERT IN YOUR BABY
There are no magic wands but I will work with you…
Maybe your little one does not seem happy and you are worried about them or they are refluxy or colicky and you do not know why. Whatever you are feeling or worrying about there is a pretty strong chance that I can help you with a plan to resolve any problems and I will stay with you on the journey for as long as you need me. Importantly I will always believe you and listen to what your gut instinct is telling you, as you are the expert in your baby.
What does a lactation consultation entail?
Parents often ask me what a lactation consultation entails and maybe you are wondering if it is worth paying for a private appointment. It must be difficult to book for a service that you may have never experienced before, and I am sure you might be thinking that I cannot possibly help. Especially if you have had lots of support already. In pretty much all of my consults, parents highlight that I have found or suggested something that no one else has. I ensure that I am always at the pulse of the latest thinking around breastfeeding support and scour the world for innovative solutions and training to ensure you have access to new information or new ways of thinking. I am also clear about where there are conflicts in ways to support breastfeeding so you can understand the different trains of thought and reach your own conclusions based on what feels right to you.
I am really conscious that parents receive lots of conflicting information. I think it is really important that you take away the suggestions that feel right to you whether they are from me or someone else. And discard the suggestions that just do not quite work for you. It is your plan; those of us supporting you are just there for guidance. It is none of my business what choices you make about how you feed your baby. But I will fight for your right to make those informed choices.
So that you can understand the depth that a consultation explores, I have set out below what may happen during a typical visit. Most appointments take at least two hours though can run on a little longer with complex cases. I do not charge more in that situation just to reassure you. Also, I do not charge more for twins as I know you will have a lot of other costs that are doubled and do not want to add to that burden. I do have to keep records so that I can best support you and share info with your other care providers if necessary.
It is also a requirement for insurance purposes and for me to be in line with an IBCLC’s Code of Conduct. I try to not let the paperwork overwhelm the consult and the first thing that happens when I arrive is I ask you to just tell me everything you want me to know. Your opportunity to get everything off your chest with no interruption.
lactation consultation
Other steps during the consult include:
Listening to your feeding journey to date taking a full medical and feeding history of you and your little one
Listening to your birth story to identify any contributors to your feeding issues
Discussing with you what you think may be the cause of your challenges
Reviewing weight changes over the weeks
Reviewing family history of dietary issues and carry out an allergy questionnaire if considered appropriate
Assessing positioning and attachment at the breast which in most cases is a significant reason for the challenges I am contacted about
Observing a full feed and suggesting tweaks if necessary or investigating why your little one might not be able to latch
Supporting you going forward by email or text, 7 days a week until late, with reviews of the plan and changes where appropriate - I spend on average five hours offering online support to each mum after the consult
Supporting you with oral habilitation of your baby to improve sucking function, typically with tongue tie or other functional challenges
Assessing little one for tension in the body or other issues such as indicators of tongue tie that might contribute to the challenges you describe sits
Resolving tension where I can with cranial-sacral fascial therapy
Weighing little one and taking other measurements if considered necessary
Performing a pre and post feed weight check if considered appropriate
Supporting with expressing and relactation plans if relevant
Discussing with you what may be an appropriate plan going forward based on your own goals
Providing you with specific handouts and a copy of a letter I will send to your GP with suggestions for tests, to consider medications or additional support/referrals if needed
Offering a free one hour on-line follow up for more complex catch ups where texts just don’t quite do the job
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT
I keep things simple
Book a consultation and speak with an expert
Discover a clear and open process that will help you
I provide ongoing support for you and your baby
REASSURANCE
The main thing I offer
The most important thing I offer is the reassurance that I will believe you if you tell me things are difficult. If you think there is a problem, I will support you to find a solution.
I hope that is what you would expect from your relationship with your lactation consultant.
you do not have to be alone.
I know you’re doing the best you can,
I believe in you,
Keep going.
Linda x