Private feeding consults allow time for us to review the comprehensive health history of both the feeding parent and baby, thoroughly explore questions and concerns, assess issues, and develop a customized plan. Common reasons for seeing an IBCLC include:
- preparing for birth or induced lactation/adoptive feeding
- sore and/or damaged nipples
- breast or nipple pain
- baby not latching/difficulty latching
- concerns about milk production and/or supply
- concerns about baby’s weight loss
- previous feeding challenges
- guidance about feeding methods
- concerns about TOTs (tethered oral tissues, also known as tongue, lip, and/or buccal ties)
- difficult pregnancy or birth
- excessive spitting up
- suspected food sensitivities
- strategies for pumping
- need or desire to wean
- support after loss.
PRIVATE PRENATAL CONSULT | 1-1.25 hours
The Private Prenatal Consult is a focused, one-on-one session to address your specific feeding questions and concerns in preparation for baby’s arrival. This visit generally includes (but is not limited to):
- a comprehensive review of your health history
- discussion of primary concerns and feeding goals
- review of biological norms, infant cues, baby behaviors
- breast assessment
- how milk supply is established and regulates
- techniques for optimizing positioning and latch
- tips for sleep and self-care
- finding and building a support system
- when and where to go for more help
- development of the individualized plan to meet your goals
- supporting evidence-based links and/or electronic handouts
- documents for insurance reimbursement.
INITIAL FEEDING CONSULT | 1-2 hours
The Initial Consult is a family-centered block of time dedicated to listening to parent concerns, doing some detective work, and establishing first steps for action to meet your goals. A spouse, partner, or other important support person is welcome to accompany you to the appointment with your consent. This family-centered visit generally includes (but is not limited to):
- comprehensive review of health histories
- discussion of primary concerns and feeding goals
- recording baby’s weight, both before and after feeding (when appropriate)
- feeding observation; techniques for optimizing positioning and latch
- assessment of breast tissue and milk production
- evaluation of baby’s feeding patterns, structural anatomy, and oral function
- review of biological norms, infant cues, baby behaviors
- education and information about complementary therapies and/or practitioners (when appropriate)
- demonstration of techniques and tools
- development of the individualized Care Plan to work toward the parent’s goals for feeding
- supporting evidence-based links and/or electronic handouts
- reports sent to primary care health care teams
- documents for insurance reimbursement.
FOLLOW-UP FEEDING CONSULT | 1 hour
The Follow-up Consult takes place a few days to a few weeks after our Initial Consult to continue working on persistent and/or longer-term issues. A spouse, partner, or other important support person is welcome to accompany you to the appointment. This family-centered visit generally includes (but is not limited to):
- check-in and follow-up on how the Care Plan is working
- assessment of change(s) since prior visit
- evaluation of and adjustment to Plan as needed
- supporting evidence-based links and/or electronic handouts
- reports sent to primary care health care teams
- documents for insurance reimbursement .
TUMMYTIME!™ METHOD PRIVATE CONSULT | 30-45 minutes | 4 session series
- difficult (long labor, forceps/vacuum used, surgical) or fast birth
- lack of experience on tummy
- tense neck or trunk
- a strong head-turning preference/torticollis
- head molding/flattening (plagiocephaly, brachycephaly, etc)
- tethered oral tissues (tongue/lip/buccal ties)
- sensitive to movement or sounds.
Though it might seem like it’s best not to continue when things are hard, these babies are generally the ones who need it the most!
- recognizing and responding to baby’s cues
- foundations of posture
- organizing movements
- fostering appropriate developmental progression
- visual development
- optimizing oral function
- sensory skills
- neurodevelopment
- socialization
- and more!