Should I work with a lactation consultant?
Lactation support is beneficial during many stages of the feeding journey. Many parents find that a prenatal visit with a lactation consultant sets the stage for an informed and confident start to the feeding relationship. Basic understanding of how lactation works, knowledge of the signs that your baby is getting adequate milk, and guidance concerning common roadblocks and strategies is a tremendous investment towards a smooth breast or chestfeeding experience. Prenatal lactation consultations are also an ideal time to learn about possible impacts of your personal health history and birth plan on lactation. Because early, frequent and effective stimulation is so important to establishing a supply of milk for your baby, early work with a lactation specialist can be critical. If you have any questions, concerns, and certainly, challenges in the beginning days postpartum it’s important to reach out. As the feeding journey continues there are many possible opportunities for support including creating a pumping or back to work plan, starting solids, tandem nursing, weaning, and many more. Because of the Affordable Care Act, many parents have up to 6 lactation support visits covered by insurance. This allows them to truly benefit from ongoing support that can make all the difference.
Why should I work with an IBCLC (Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant)?
The IBCLC credential is the gold standard for lactation professionals. Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) are required to undergo a rigorous examination process after completing extensive educational and clinical hours. They are expected to have current and comprehensive knowledge in the areas of development and nutrition, physiology and endocrinology, pathology, pharmacology and toxicology, psychology, sociology and anthropology, techniques, and clinical skills.
How many visits will I need?
There is no set length of time for effective and comprehensive support. More involved issues may require different phases of strategy and multiple follow-up visits, whereas straightforward challenges may resolve with a solo visit and some phone follow-up to check that progress is sustained. There is no one size fits all approach with feeding babies so the aim is always to work together to create a plan that is desirable, realistic, and sustainable for each family and feeding couplet. Fortunately, multiple lactation visits may be covered by insurance.
What areas do you serve?
I generally travel 20-30 minutes(one way) from the 90034 zip code. This includes Beverlywood, Beverly Hills, Cheviot Hills, Rancho Park, Pico-Robertson, La Brea, Fairfax, Carthay Square, , La Cienega Heights, Picfair Village, Mid-Wilshire, Culver City, Mar Vista, Venice, Ocean Park, Santa Monica, Westwood, Brentwood, Bel Air, Korea Town, Leimert Park, Baldwin Hills, West Hollywood, Crenshaw, Ladera Heights, West L.A., Palms, Mid-City, Crescent Heights, Playa Vista, Century City, Inglewood, Reynier Village, West Adams, and more. For areas that require more than a 20 minute drive(one way), there may be an extra charge applied. Meeting virtually is also an option.
How should I prepare for a home visit?
My first request is that you spend NO extra time cleaning your home in preparation for our time together. Life with a baby is not always tidy, and that is perfectly wonderful! I will need a stable, hard surface to place my scale on and access to a sink and soap to wash my hands. It’s helpful if your baby is ready to feed during our visit if the timing works out. However, life with babies isn’t always scheduled and predictable, and we will make any circumstance work. Partners and/or support people are welcome to participate. For privacy reasons, there will be a place in your intake forms to list any and all people that will be present during our visit. By doing this you consent to those present being aware of the details of your personal health history and visit details as they pertain to our work together. If you have any pets that may cause a significant distraction, I kindly ask that you arrange for them to be in a separate area during our visit.
What happens during a home visit?
During our visit we will cover a lot of ground. I’ll take your baby’s weight to add to your chart, as well as a pre and post-feed weight to determine an estimation of milk transferred during a feeding. I’ll ask that you feed your baby to take a look at how breast or chestfeeding is going, and we can discuss pumping if that is relevant. We will go over your health history, any questions and concerns you have, and I may do a breast or chest examination(with your permission) if this is indicated. I will also do a gentle examination of your baby’s mouth with a gloved hand to get a picture of oral function and related structures, as well as a general examination of your baby’s alignment and tone. We will discuss a plan of care that addresses any obstacles, which will include access to resources in the form of articles, websites, and video links. You will receive everything we discuss in writing via a HIPAA compliant message portal to refresh your memory if needed.
How does a virtual consultation work?
You will receive a HIPAA compliant Zoom link the day of our scheduled meeting. We can accomplish everything that we would during a home visit, with the exception of hands on exams and weights. We can get creative with camera positioning during feeding observation time, and I may request that you send me secure videos illustrating any oral or feeding issues prior to our meeting.
What about Covid-19 safety precautions?
I am fully vaccinated and boosted against Covid-19. However, if you would like me to wear a mask during our visit, I am happy to accommodate. Please let me know ahead of time if anyone in your home has symptoms that may be related to Covid like fever and/or coughing. In this instance, we may need to reschedule our visit.