Why Should I Schedule a Lactation Consultation?
While breastfeeding is natural and normal, sometimes there are challenges, both big and small. For those with big challenges, having the ongoing support of a lactation consultant means that you have someone to guide and assist you with making the breastfeeding process easier. For those with small challenges, it can be reassuring and empowering to know that breastfeeding is going really well for you. Either way, hiring a lactation consultant means that you now have someone that you can call or email anytime for professional advice and support, which can really put your mind at ease!
How Should I Prepare for a Private Consultation?
Once you schedule your appointment with us, you will receive an email confirmation with a three-page questionnaire. Please print and fill this out before your appointment. If you do not have a printer, let us know and we will bring an extra copy. Also, try to feed your baby no sooner that 2 hours before your appointment. We'd like to see what your baby does when he/she is hungry. Lastly, if you have time, feel free to write up a list of questions you'd like to ask during your appointment.
What Happens During a Private Lactation Consultation?
Each private consultation takes about 90 minutes. During this time:
- Baby's suck is evaluated for strength and range of motion
- Breastfeeding positions and latch are assessed
- Baby is weighed before and after the feeding to see how much breastmilk was transferred
- Mom and partners' questions are answered
- Mom and baby are given a customized Plan of Care
- Mom and baby are given additional resources and referrals, if necessary
What Kinds of Support Do I Receive After my Consultation?
At the San Diego Breastfeeding Center, we truly believe that a consultation is just the beginning of a relationship with us. After your visit, you will receive a follow-up phone call within 48 hours, just to check in on your progress and to answer any questions you have. After that, you can call, email, or text us anytime you want. If it looks like you have a lot of questions or concerns, we offer follow-up appointments at a discounted rate. Also, we are one of the only lactation consultants in San Diego that offers a FREE weekly breastfeeding support group, which is a great place to check in with us face to face. And, when it's time to wean your little one, we can help you with that process as well!
The San Diego Breastfeeding Center also hosts an extensive blog, the Sanity Spot, with articles on every breastfeeding subject you could imagine! Robin Kaplan, SDBFC's founder, also hosts The Boob Group, a weekly breastfeeding podcast which has over fifty 30-minute episodes you can download at any time.
Can My Partner Attend the Consultation?
Absolutely! Partner support is CRUCIAL to the success of the breastfeeding relationship. Partners are always welcome to attend the consultation, ask questions, and participate in anyway they see fit.
Where Can I Get Help When the Office is Closed?
Just because we 'close' at 5pm doesn't mean that you won't be able to reach us until the next business day! We often conduct phone consultations and Skype consultations during non-business hours, as well as respond to emails and texts for established clients.
What is the Difference Between a Private Consultation, a Clinic Consultation, and the Support Group?
- A private consultation is most appropriate for mothers who desire one-on-one assistance with the lactation consultant and have small to large concerns about their breastfeeding situation. Mothers who have attended a private consultation also receive free follow-up by phone, email, or text.
- The Breastfeeding Support Clinic is most appropriate for mothers who have minimal breastfeeding challenges and are just looking for a 'breastfeeding tune-up.' These clinics have up to 3 moms and babies at a time, so mom-to-mom support is also encouraged during these visits.
- The Breastfeeding Support Group is a great place to meet other breastfeeding moms, ask the lactation consultant a few breastfeeding questions, and mostly just socialize. There are usually 15-20 mothers at each support group, so it is quite difficult to give extensive breastfeeding assistance there. This is a great place for follow-up for mothers who have already had a private or clinic consultation.
Does Insurance Cover my Breastfeeding Consultation(s)?
At this time, the San Diego Breastfeeding Center does not bill insurance companies directly, although many insurance companies are reimbursing families for these consultations. If you have time while you are pregnant, call you insurance company to get PRE-APPROVED for a visit with us. Several of our clients have been pre-approved for up to 6 visits with us, if they called their insurance company ahead of time. Otherwise, all mothers will receive an invoice and forms to submit to their insuance companies for possible reimbursement.
When Should I Take the Breastfeeding 101 Class?
The best time to take the Breastfeeding 101 class is during pregnancy. Although much of breastfeeding is something you learn 'on the job', it can be incredibly helpful to know easy ways to latch your baby, signs that your baby is getting enough milk, how to prevent nipple soreness and other breastfeeding concerns, and quality local/online breastfeeding resources. We offer this class 2-3 times a month, all over San Diego!
