Author: lactationcarewithelizabeth
How do I survive until I have an appointment?
I realize that sometimes it takes a few days to get in for an appointment. How do you manage until then?
- Skin to skin with baby. Climb in bed with your favorite snacks, bottle of water, and your baby. Snuggle in and enjoy! Offer the breast whenever the baby nuzzles around looking to latch.
- Feed the baby. Offer the breast every feeding. Try different positions. Try supporting your breast. Maybe even try a nipple shield (I like the Lansinoh brand better than Medela.) If you still can’t get baby to latch on your breast, feed with a syringe or bottle (slow flow Dr. Browns or Lansinoh.) Babies need to eat AT LEAST 8 times in 24 hours. It is NOT unusual for them to eat 12 or more times! You will know your newborn (by 5-7 days old) is getting enough in if they are producing at least 5 wet and 5 dirty diapers per day.
- Support your supply. If baby isn’t drinking from you or draining you well, or you are supplementing with formula, make friends with your pump! Pump EVERY TIME the baby gets fed.
- Enjoy your baby! The most important thing for you is to bond with your baby! This is why skin to skin is so helpful- it not only helps with latching and feeding but it gives you bonding time. (It is good for lots of other things as well, like temperature regulation and hormone production.)
Hang in there- your appointment is coming soon and we will address the problems you are having and work on moving toward meeting your breastfeeding goals!
Do you take insurance?
I am not in network with any insurance companies. I will provide you with a super bill with your charges and payments and the codes for the visit. You can turn in to your insurance company for direct reimbursement from them. You can call your insurance to see what their out of network lactation coverage covers. A few insurance companies may provide you with a form for me to fill out and I am happy to do that. Please let me know if you have any questions!
What happens during a Lactation Consulting visit?
I love helping moms and babies work through issues in their breastfeeding relationship! A consult happens in a lovely, peaceful environment where we can spend time answering all your questions as well as caring for YOU, the new mom, as a person, and loving on your sweet baby.
We will first meet 30-60 minutes virtually, where we will go over the intake you have filled out, and we will talk about your health, your birth, and your baby’s health. Next, we discuss what you are currently doing for feedings, struggles you are having, and I may talk you through an oral exam, watch your baby feed, and check your pump flange size (depending on time.)
Next, we will schedule and office visit (or may continue with virtual visits, depending on need.) We are currently doing temperature checks, asking covid questions, and requiring everyone to wear masks. Please feel free to bring one support person, but no other children. We are doing cleaning and changing scrubs between appointments to provide as safe and clean an environment as we can. If you are ill, please reschedule or change to a virtual appointment!
An office visit is 60 minutes. We will review changes since our last appointment. Then, before the baby feeds, I assess the baby’s mouth and suck, weight, and assess the breasts. During the feeding, we will address problems and work together to find solutions to meet your breastfeeding goals. After the feeding we will do another weight to see how much baby transferred. Then we will come up with a plan. My goal is that you will leave with a workable plan and confidence to move forward! We will schedule follow up visits or phone calls as you need them.
