CONSULTATIONS

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GENERAL INFO ABOUT CONSULTATIONS:

Initial Visits generally take 2 to 3 hours 

Follow Up Visits are generally 1.5 to 2 hours

We are VERY thorough!  This is some of what we will be doing:

We will be looking at mom's and baby's medical history as it pertains to lactation and breastfeeding, and pregnancy and labor and delivery history.  

We also examine mom's breasts, and do a physical exam of the baby including an oral anatomy exam with assessment of oral function.  As a result of these exams, we determine if any exercises or therapies might benefit the baby and instruct on those, as needed.  

In addition, we delve into the family history around oral motor function (speech issues/snoring/orthodontia work/etc...the apples don't fall far from the trees with feeding challenges). If needed, we will also teach correct use of the most appropriate pump for the mom and make recommendations for a pumping plan, if that is warranted. 

 And last but not least, we do observe a feeding, making adjustments/suggestions as needed to improve latch and positioning and addressing any concerns mom might have about pain or transfer or other issues.  We will be doing pre and post weights to assess intake.  

We will make necessary referrals to any other specialists we determine who may help improve the baby's feeding skills.  

We leave the family with a customized plan for improvements based on their very specific individual needs. 

We will also communicate our findings to the appropriate health care providers, generally the pediatrician but sometimes, also with the OB/GYN or Midwife.  

Your appointment time will be scheduled around your baby's normal feeding time.  We know you don't know exactly when that will be!  Your IBCLC will be in touch with you prior to the appointment to tell you how that will work.

AS IN ALL THINGS TO DO WITH PARENTING, DO WHAT YOU CAN TO PREPARE FOR THE VISIT & WE WILL WING IT FROM THERE :)  Please don't stress over the details below.  

Home Visit is easy peasy....you can stay in your jammies :)  There is an additional travel fee that insurance will not cover ($25-60 depending on how far you live from our home office in The Heights).

Office Visit is great if you are ready to get out with your baby OR if you have other children at home who may interrupt you too often (we certainly don't mind watching moms mothering their other little ones but have found that often moms who do have other children sometimes prefer to come into the office for some alone time!).  

And in many instances, moms will choose to do the first visit at home and then are more ready to get out and about if/when future visits are needed.  .  

Telehealth is also a great option, for mamas not ready to get out of the house.  To get the best results, it is helpful if 2 adults are present during the visit.  The second person will act as photographer/videographer so that the consultant can clearly see latch, positioning, baby''s oral anatomy, etc. You will be asked to pick up a BabyWeigh Scale from our Heights office prior to the visit so that we can have an accurate weight before and after feeding, and will heed to have it set up prior to the appointment time.

COMPLETE YOUR INTAKE FORM ON LINE

FIND A PLACE IN YOUR HOME TO SET UP THE BABYWEIGH SCALE

It needs to be put on a stable surface with an outlet accessible, preferably near where you like to be for feedings.  Dressers tops, bathroom or kitchen counter tops or tables work just fine.  TV trays or anything wobbly, do not work.  

PUMP & SUPPLIES EASILY ACCESSIBLE & ready to use (if you have them)

If you delivered at a hospital and brought home any pumping pieces, it 's a good idea to dig those out, as well.  

SNACKS/WATER

PILLOWS or PROPS handy, if you are using them or would like to try using them 

WRITTEN QUESTIONS, if you would like

FEEDING & OUTPUT LOGS, if you have them

COMPLETE YOUR INTAKE FORM ON LINE

WHAT TO BRING:

BABY IN ARMS 

Our space is limited and strollers and car seats can get in the way - we do have a place baby can be laid down safely when needed )

SUPPORT PERSON if you would like (hubby/grandma/friend/sister/doula/?!)

SNACKS/WATER

PUMP & SUPPLIES, ready to use (if you have them)

If you delivered at a hospital and brought home any pumping pieces, be sure to dig those out & bring them

PILLOWS OR PROPS you like to use at home or would like to try using

WRITTEN QUESTIONS, if you would like

FEEDING & OUTPUT LOGS, if you have them

IF YOU NEED HELP BRINGING THINGS IN, PLEASE CALL US WHEN YOU ARRIVE!  

COMPLETE YOUR INTAKE FORM ON LINE

Same instructions as Preparing for a Home Visit but with these additions:

PICK UP BABYWEIGH SCALE FROM OUR OFFICE PRIOR TO THE VISIT & SET IT UP AT HOME

Your IBCLC will give you info on when you can get it.  Most families like to send someone the day before your appointment.  You are welcome to keep it until the day after your appointment.  The scale normally rents for $25 per week but you are welcome to use it for the 3 days for the price of the cleaning fee only ($15).

Please set it up on a stable surface as noted above.  Be sure that it is level, and that it isn't touching anything else and that when baby is placed on it, he or she won't be able to touch anything else.

Your IBCLC will walk you through how to do the weight.  It helps to have a clean soft blanket and a clean diaper near the scale on the day of the appointment. 

PICTURES/VIDEOS may be requested by your IBCLC prior to, during, or after your appointment.

Be sure your support person will be available to help during the scheduled appointment time.

WE UTILIZE SPRUCE HEALTH FOR SECURE HIPPA COMPLIANT VISITS 

Your IBCLC will send you info on how to get connected.

 IF YOU HAVE ANY OTHER QUESTIONS, PLEASE CALL 713-884-6204 or TEXT 832-755-1063