Part of the customary info that I share with all new clients booking an appointment with me is that they do not need to do anything to prepare for our visit except to try and provide a hungry-ish baby and in most cases, breasts or chests of any variety. Inviting me in should not cause additional stress to what is already, let’s be gracious here, an awe-inspiring experience of welcoming your baby into your home. This is your space and your time to focus with me on the task of improving not only your feeding experience but also your overall enjoyment of the little. It is not the time to worry if you or the house smells. I embrace the wide variety of environments I encounter during home visits and really, am not judging you or your parenting capabilities based on if you are freshly showered, offering me a plate of warm cookies and sparkling water, or if you come to the door naked and in tears.
So while I want to keep instructions simple when you are planning for my visit, I have found there are a few additional things you may find helpful in terms of “preparation” for our lactation consultation that will allow you to focus (as much as possible with little sleep) and get the most out of our time together.
Cleanliness Factor
As alluded to above, do not clean your house for me. As long as we have a nice, cozy space to work within, any amount of clutter, dishes in the sink, laundry strewed about, or crust of dust is not going to phase me. And I’ll address the fact that it shouldn’t phase you at this stage either. You’ve got way more important things to do.
Timing Your Feed
Try and time the baby’s feed prior to my arrival so that it ends about 1.5 - 2 hours before I get there. This is true if you are doing breast, bottle, or a combo of both. Similarly, don’t feed the pump less than 2 hours before I arrive as well. Like I said, I like a hungryish baby and fuller breasts to work with so we can get a good feed in together and in some cases, get a snapshot of what a baby may be taking in at a feed by getting pre and post-feed weights. Babies are unpredictable - do what you can. Waking the baby a little early to give that feed can help our schedule or sometimes giving the kiddo a little bit just to take the edge off of hunger will do until I arrive.
Place To Work
I’ll ask you when I arrive where you want to work. Ideally, this is a spot where you have already been nursing or a place you are hoping to learn to breastfeed (like the couch in front of the television!). Parents often feed in bed - I have no problem climbing on the bed with you to give you the guidance you need. I will need a spot close by with an electrical outlet and some flat space to set up and plug in my scale that I bring with me.
Items To Have At The Ready For Our Lactation Consultation
Have your baby’s birth weight and subsequent weights available.
If you are using a breast pump, make sure the pump is nearby and the parts are clean and ready to go.
If you have been using a breastfeeding pillow and/or nipple shields have them nearby. We may or may not use them together, depending on your goals and situation.
If you have been bottle feeding breastmilk and/or using formula, it is a good idea to have some ready to use. Record the amounts the baby has been taking for 24 - 48 hours or so before the visit and have that info available. It’s really helpful to know the daily tallies of formula and/or pumped milk–especially if you are concerned about inadequate milk production. Also noting the volumes you are able to pump at each session will be helpful.
Make a list of questions. You can look over your list at the end of the consultation to make sure your questions have been answered. You don’t have to worry about forgetting something. You can always email me as other questions come up during our post-visit support period. You may want to have your phone nearby as sometimes I’ll suggest you take a private picture or video of what we are doing so you have a visual reference for when I have gone and you are trying to recreate what we worked on.
Support For Focus
It’s great if your partner is present during the visit. Your partner will have a different perspective than you do and will be able to provide me with information based on that perspective. Plus, they will be the one to support you and the plan we discuss night and day. If they are not able to be there, it is ok too! I’m also fine with other support people, (e.g. your mom or dare I say, mother-in-law) being present, as long as you are fine having them there to observe. Sometimes the most well-meaning family members may put additional stress on you when it comes to feeding. If you need this time on your own with me to learn and feel supported, please lovingly let your family know you prefer private time with me. Regardless of who is in attendance, my focus for support will always be on you, your baby, and if present, your partner.
I love meeting siblings when I arrive. Once we get started, something or someone to keep your older children occupied is helpful in order for us to use our time together to the best advantage.
I’m an animal lover, but because pets can be unpredictable after a new baby arrives, especially towards strangers, please have your dogs and cats in another room (or out on a walk) when I arrive. If you happen to have someone walk your cat, please send me a photo.
Finally, if you have any questions about preparation prior to our visit, please feel free to ask. I want your experience to be as tailored to you as possible and will do my best to support a setting that feels good to you and your babe. Tap here if you are interested in learning more about my health and hygiene practices.