I thought breastfeeding was supposed to be natural.  Why would someone need help?

Breastfeeding is instinctual for babies but it is a learned process for parents.  In our modern society usually don’t have much experience with babies and often don’t ever see a newborn breastfeeding until we have our own newborn to feed!  In addition sometimes parents have extra challenges that make feeding more difficult such as a preterm baby, a baby with a tongue tie, and/or health issues in the baby or the parent.

What are some reasons I might want to schedule a prenatal (before the baby arrives) consult?

Parents who are educated before baby arrives have more success with breastfeeding.  In addition, getting educated before baby arrives helps you to feel more relaxed and confident.  Some specific situations where you might really benefit from a prenatal consult are:

• Planned early birth (38 weeks or before)
• Expecting twins (or more!)
• Expecting a baby with congenital issues
• History of breast surgery (reduction, augmentation, biopsy)
• Trouble with breastfeeding a previous baby
• Feeling very anxious about breastfeeding

When is a good time to schedule a lactation consult?

I follow the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations that all babies have a feeding assessment between days 3 and 5 to assess latch and weight gain.

Research has shown that mothers who receive help in the early days are likely to have an easier time breastfeeding and tend to breastfeed longer.  For example, if you give birth on a Monday and go home on Wednesday, then Thursday or Friday is an ideal time to schedule a consult.

What should I do before a consult?

Try to feed the baby about 1-2 hours before the consult so that they are a little hungry (but not hangry!) when we meet.  If you are pumping, have your pump and clean parts nearby.  If you have questions please feel free to write them down beforehand (it’s sometimes hard to remember when you’re exhausted!).  It’s best not to have any visitors in the room when we do a consult so that we can all focus.  If you would like a partner or support person with you they are welcomed and encouraged.

What is a lactation consult like?

I start by taking a medical history of you and the baby.  Then we talk about what challenges you are having and what your feeding goals are.  I will assess your nipples and breasts.  I will weigh the baby (if we are in person), then I will observe you feed the baby and make suggestions for improvement. After feeding I will weigh the baby again (if we are in person) to assess how much milk they transferred.  If you are pumping I will check that you are pumping as efficiently as possible and using the correct flange sizes.  We will conclude by going over the feeding plan and answering any questions you might have.

Can you see me while I am at the hospital?

No – I cannot make hospital visits but rest assured the nurses and lactation consultants at the hospital will be happy to help you while you are there.  You can email or text me when you give birth so we can easily set up an appointment for a day or two after you arrive home from the hospital.

Why do you charge a travel fee?

Los Angeles area traffic requires me to charge a travel fee to make the convenience of home visits possible.   I charge a $75 travel fee for all home visits (prenatal or postpartum).  However, if you are located in one of the following cities the travel fee is reduced to $50:  Altadena, Eagle Rock, Highland Park, La Cañada, Montrose, Pasadena, Sierra Madre, South Pasadena.

How will you keep me and my baby safe?

I am fully vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19, Flu, Tdap, MMR, and Pneumonia. I wear a KN95 or N95 mask as a preventive measure to keep all of us as safe as possible.  Whether or not you wish to mask is entirely up to you.  I sanitize all shared equipment (i.e., infant scale) with a hospital grade sanitizer in between appointments.  I will also ask to use a sink to wash my hands when I arrive at your home and will wear gloves when making direct contact with you or your baby.  I am happy to remove my shoes when I enter your home if you would like.  If there is anything else you would like me to do to ensure your comfort from a safety perspective please don’t hesitate to ask.  You and your baby’s safety are of the utmost importance to me.

What is an IBCLC?

An IBCLC is an international board certified lactation consultant. We help expecting and new parents with all aspects of infant feeding and infant behavior including breastfeeding, bottle feeding, and pumping.  IBCLCs are trained with both academic classes and with one on one internships with experienced IBCLCs.  At the end of that process we are required to take and pass an exam.  In addition, we must keep up with current research and practice through continuing education.

How long have you been practicing as an IBCLC?

I earned my IBCLC certification in July 2015 and I am in my 10th year of practice as an IBCLC.