Lactation Visit Schedule
Want to know the ideal lactation visit schedule? I have created a document for new families that will hopefully be a helpful guide to scheduling out visits. When I am first contacted by a family looking for lactation support, I will first direct them to The Lactation Network to see if their lactation visits could be FREE. This has proven to be a wonderful partnership which has been beneficial for most of my clients. It is an easy check by scanning the QR code OR by clicking this link. The Lactation Network will be in contact with you within 24-48 hours typically. If you are not covered, please do NOT let this stop you from getting the support and services you need. I believe everyone should have access to lactation care and support and I have different options available for you to consider. Click here for an easy check OR scan the QR code below.
Your visits could be FREE!
In a perfect world, I would love to first see mom and baby in the hospital. However, that may or may not happen depending on where you deliver and when. Thankfully, lactation consultants and nurses in birthing centers and hospitals are accessible to help get breastfeeding off to a great start!
Next, days 3-5, when moms and babies are at home for the first few days is the most challenging as they adjust to the transition from colostrum to a full milk supply, perhaps sore nipples from an improper latch, and little to no sleep. This time period is when I receive the most calls needing help and is a perfect time for a home visit. I prefer home visits during this time as the exhaustion and anxiety is beginning to set in. Knowing the unpredictable schedule of a newborn, I hold appointment times very loosely as flexibility in feeding timing is key. Both babies and moms seem to do better in their own environment and it allows me a very good observation of how to assess the feeding and to best help if needed.
Once we have established working together, families have access to my secure messaging system and have direct communication with me for questions that arise, scheduling the next visit, and more. Sometimes the next visit is determined by the baby’s pediatrician/provider, but most of the time we will schedule a follow-up and check-in before the baby’s scheduled 2 week follow-up with the doctor. At this visit, I almost always do a “weighted” feed checking the weight before and after baby breastfeeds to assess the effectiveness of the feeding. This will give me lots of information along with other factors we will discuss. From there, the goal is to make a plan that ensures baby is back to birthweight by the 2 week visit.
Two weeks is typically the time period we expect to fully establish breastfeeding. At this time, if things are going well and there are no concerns, families will decide if and when they would like to be seen next.
Below is a great visit schedule that works well for most families, especially when transitioning back to work. Of course, each situation is different and will be personalized to the needs of mom and baby.
New addition to established lactation visits is a FREE Gas and Colic Infant Massage Class with a follow-up visit of choice.
Some families may only need a couple of visits while others may need more than what is listed. I created the schedule as a guide based on what I find works well for most families. I am excited to offer the Gas and Colic Infant Massage resources and routine to a follow-up visit of the family’s choice! My hope is to make this accessible to as many families as possible.
