Prenatal lactation care
A visit before your baby arrives, so the first feeds are not the first time you have thought about feeding.
Most of our families find us in the thick of it. The ones who come to us in pregnancy tend to have an easier start, not because feeding is guaranteed to go smoothly, but because they already have a plan, a person to call and a sense of what normal looks like in the first week.
Who it’s for
- This is your first baby and you want to know what the first days actually look like
- Breastfeeding was hard, painful or short the last time and you want this time to be different
- You have a history that can affect supply or latch: breast surgery, PCOS, thyroid conditions, a previous low-supply experience, or a baby with a known tie in the family
- You are expecting twins, planning a C-section, or know your baby may spend time in the NICU
- You plan to pump, return to work early, or combination feed and want that built into the plan from day one
What the visit covers
- Your history and your goals, in your words
- What a good latch feels like and the positions that protect your nipples
- How to tell your baby is getting enough in the first week, and when to call
- Pumping: whether you need to, when to start, flange sizing and the schedule that fits your life
- What to ask for in the hospital, and what to do if feeding is hard on day two
- A written plan and the fastest way to reach us once your baby is here
Where
Prenatal visits work well in the office or by telehealth. If you would like a hands-on walk-through with your pump, the office is the better choice.
What happens next
After your baby arrives, the same consultant can see you again. Many families book a postpartum visit in the first week, in the office or at home, and we check your benefits for that visit the same way.
Does insurance cover a prenatal visit?
We check your benefits before you book, the same as any visit. Many commercial plans cover lactation visits, including during pregnancy; we will tell you what yours covers and give you an estimate if you would like one.
When in pregnancy should I come?
Most families come in the third trimester, around 32 to 36 weeks. Earlier is fine if you have a history you want to plan around.
Can my partner come?
Yes, please. Partners who know the plan are the ones who can help at 3 a.m.
