What Happens at a Lactation Consultant Appointment?

What happens at lactation consultant appointment

You are probably here because you have booked an appointment with a highly qualified lactation consultant and curious about the whole consultation process. Well, you’re in the right place. We got you covered.

In this article, we will tell you what happens at a lactation consultant appointment and will also tell you what to expect from a lactation consultant.

So, keep reading until the end!

So, you’ve made an appointment with your lactation consultant. We understand that you’re troubled, stressed and maybe sleep deprived because of your baby’s condition.

My first advice is to visit your consultant with a support person: maybe your husband, friend, sister or anyone.

They will help you to understand the advice and recommendations of the IBCLC in a better way. Also, you will feel comfortable.

See also: What is IBCLC?

Now, let’s discuss what happens at an IBCLC appointment.

First, you need to make sure that your baby is willing to get breastfeed during the consultation process.

What happens at an IBCLC appointment

Generally, what happens at a lactation consultant appointment is, the consultant asks you about a little history and basic information like your baby’s and your health conditions and other such things.

Many times, the starving baby starts crying which makes it difficult as well embarrassing while having a conversation with the IBCLC. Nonetheless, it is completely normal.

So, you don’t need to hesitate.

In fact, there is no reason to do that.

Other than the general discussion, the consultant may begin the process by asking you to fill a consultation form on the basis of which she will ask you the questions.

She may also ask about your medical history, breastfeeding issues, etc. so be prepared with your previous health reports and prescription letters.

Most importantly, she will ask you about the problems and difficulties you’re facing while trying to breastfeed your baby. In such a situation, be well-prepared with the full track of your breastfeeding pattern.

You may consider using a baby’s health tracking apps for this purpose.

If your baby is not willing to eat at that time, she is likely to pass that time by talking about your situation and will also make you comfortable before you begin breastfeeding.

After this, she may begin her check-up with the baby.

Basically, she will sanitize her hands and will feel your baby’s mouth with gloves on. At this time, she is checking if there is an anatomical problem in the baby’s mouth which is making it difficult for her to suckle your breast.

Next, she will weigh your baby naked and denote in her reports. Afterward, she will put the diaper on your baby and again weigh him in grams.

Lactation consultants generally have a scale which has an adjusting factor of about two grams so that they can measure the milk transfer after you breastfeed.

Next step in this process will be the breastfeeding session. Now, different lactation consultants have different ways of assisting their clients.

Some just start assisting you straight away and some will first observe how you are breastfeeding on your own and then will assist you and guide you the right ways to nurse your baby.

They also tell how you should hold your baby and what should be your position while breastfeeding her.

Your lactation consultation will keep observing and guiding you throughout the consultation process. Once you finish breastfeeding, she will again weigh your baby to measure her milk transfer.

Baby on scale

At last, she will create a report and a plan according to your lifestyle and daily routine.

At this time, don’t hesitate to share your problems and tell her directly, if you have any problems with the plan. You need to follow the plan, hence, it should be according to your comfort and ease.

Some consultants also provide reading materials along with the plan, which you can read and educate yourself about the right ways of breastfeeding.

Lastly, she will tell you if you need to visit further or not if you can consult over phone calls, etc.

If she tells you to visit again, you can schedule your next appointment at this time as well.

After that, you will be back to your home and your IBCLC will keep in touch with you and will keep updating herself with your conditions and progress via phone calls or WhatsApp.

Now you know the basics about what happens at a lactation consultant appointment.

What to expect from a lactation consultant?

What to expect from a lactation consultant

We assume that you know what happens during the lactation consultant visit. Now, in order to make your consultation more successful and comfortable, we are listing the main things you can expect from a lactation consultant.

So, give it a read!

First and foremost, it is very important for you to feel comfortable and stay well prepared. As a patient, you should not hesitate while sharing your problems with the expert.

Remember, if your consultant will not know your problem clearly, then she will not be able to help you.

Here is what an ideal lactation consultant should do:

  • Maintain privacy while consultation
  • Make you feel comfortable
  • Should be well experienced
  • Should keep guiding you
  • Examine your baby nicely

Here is what to expect from a lactation consultant:

  1. Examine your baby’s behaviour
  2. Observe your breast and nipples
  3. Keep guiding and watching you throughout the breastfeeding process
  4. Make sure your baby is not having any problem while breastfeeding
  5. Check whether or not your baby is sucking and breathing properly
  6. Correct your position
  7. Provide your plans and instructions for further care.

Apart from it, your consultant should give you hope and relief.

Now it’s time to wrap-up the subject about what happens at a lactation consultant appointment.

Conclusion: What happens at a lactation consultant appointment?

Although some magic is not going to happen in a single visit, you will be much relieved and stress-free after the visit.

Make sure you follow the plan and advice religiously.

Also, if you ever feel embarrassed, stressed, hopeless and doubtful, this is a clear indication that the lactation consultant is not the right one for you.

Don’t lose hope in such situations, look for another lactation consultant and visit him. Also, take recommendations from experienced mothers about the best consultants, it definitely helps in these situations.

Now you know pretty much all about what happens at a lactation consultant appointment.

If you want to learn some more, check out these articles of ours:

I’d be glad if you could give this article a star rating. Thank you in advance!

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating 4.8 / 5. Vote count: 11

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

We are sorry that this post was not useful for you!

Let us improve this post!

Tell us how we can improve this post?

About Ida Koivisto, BSN, RN, PHN

Ida is both a registered nurse and public health nurse. Her passion is to provide as much valuable information about nursing to the world as possible. In her spare time from work and blogging, Ida loves to work out at the gym and spend time with relatives.