Prepare for your home or telemedicine lactation consultation
Forms
Before your home visit or telehealth lactation consultation, please fill out medical history forms. This is best done from a tablet, laptop, or desktop. Forms must be complete before the lactation consultant will travel to your home. This includes the 2-page signed consent form. These are easiest completed on a desktop, laptop, or tablet.
Make sure your baby will be hungry
It is important that baby is hungry at the beginning of the telemedicine or home visit lactation consultation. Feed your baby about 2 hours before the start of the visit and do not feed again until the visit begins.
Keep records
If possible, it is helpful to have a 24 hr record of feedings (breastfeeding and/or bottles and supplementation devices) and wet and dirty diapers.
Set up your space
During the visit, I will need the following:
1. Access to a sink with soap and paper towels or a clean towel for hand washing.
2. A 1.5 x 3-foot counter or table space, ideally near an electrical outlet for the infant scale.
3. Please make arrangements for pets to be in another room or outside during the visit.
4. If possible, older siblings should be supervised by another adult during our visit so that you can focus on your lactation journey.
What to expect during a home visit
Hygiene
Your health and safety is very important to me. I will thoroughly wash my hands when I arrive, as well as disinfect my infant scale & computer. I gladly wear a face covering upon request.
Medical history
I will review your medical history as well as your baby's. It is important to fill out all forms before the telemedicine or home visit so that we may spend the entire lactation consultation helping you achieve your goals.
Breast exam
I will assess your breast anatomy and lactation function. I will also help you with any breast or nipple pain or damage, engorgement, or other concerns.
Infant exam
Feeding Observation
I will assess your baby's growth, feeding behaviors, reflexes, and anatomy.
Feeding Observation
Feeding Observation
Feeding Observation
For direct breastfeeding families, I will observe you feed at your home visit or telemedicine lactation consultation. Weighing your baby before and after the feed on my professional scale will tell us how much he transferred at that particular feed. If needed, I will teach you how to achieve a comfortable latch and position. I will also provide assistance with supplementation, nipple shields, and more if necessary.
If bottles are a part of baby's feeding plan, we'll work on that too!
Pumping Observation
Feeding Observation
Feeding Observation
If needed, I will evaluate your pump flange size & settings. We'll work together to find a comfortable flange and pumping routine that fits your life.
Care Plan
Care Plan
Care Plan
I will support you in creating a care plan that works for you and helps you achieve your goals.