Our International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) travel to clients homes around the Triangle for in-depth, evidence based breastfeeding education, counseling, and support. Whether you are having a specific concern, or just a wanting to make sure you are off to a good start in your breastfeeding journey, these comprehensive consultations will provide the support you need!
In-Home Lactation Appointments
After you are discharged from the birth center or hospital and have received some assistance with breastfeeding, you may need more as your milk comes in and/or your baby’s needs begin to change relating to feeding.
The nurses after you have your baby are amazing at helping getting that first latch and teaching basic nursing positions while you are still under their care. We have found that many clients find that support to be a great start, but once they get home, more is needed. And that is where our in-home IBCLC visits come in! There is no specific time that is recommended for your first visit with one of our IBCLCs, just when you feel like you need a bit more support.
Format of Initial Consultations
Each consultation will always address your individual concerns, but our IBCLCs will also make sure to do a thorough exam of you and your baby to help find any potential issues that make be present.
Exam of Lactating Person: Our IBCLCs will spend time examining your breast tissue, nipples and other in-depth health questions that can help them see the entire picture of you as a person.
Exam of Baby: Our IBCLCs will be sure to notice the shape of your baby’s mouth, body position, and any other relevant information from the birth that can impact how they are able to latch to your breast and feed in general.
Current Breastfeeding Relationship: We will ask about how you are breastfeeding currently, what you think is working, and what you think is not. Our job will be to continue what is working, as well as help provide solutions for what is not.
Individual Questions: Since these consultations are in your home, you have the ability to get the exact level of support you need. So the majority of the consultation will be spent on the reason you called in the first place, whatever that reason may be.
Education: Our IBCLCs are experts in breastfeeding, so this initial consultation will include a lot of education about breastfeeding and breast health in general. Handouts and referrals will also be giving to help you succeed in your IBCLCs recommendations.
Payment
We work with The Lactation Network that covers up to 6 visits completely covered by insurance for a variety of different insurance providers. You can check your coverage here. If your insurance is not in network, after each appointment, we can provide you with a Superbill that you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. Payment is required at the competition of the appointment, and we can accept HSA/FSA cards, cash, credit card or check.
Pain is Never Normal During Breastfeeding
We often talk about the difference between common and normal, and pain is a perfect example of that. Pain is never normal. Let’s say that again: pain is never normal! During breastfeeding specifically, you should not experience pain. While there may be a slight pinch during the initial latch, and various sensations during let down, you should never experience pain. Our IBCLCs will be sure to help figure out why you are experiencing pain, and how to help alleviate it.
