Preparing for your lactation visit

The essentials

Before your visit

Try to have your baby ready to nurse within 30 minutes of your appointment time – a small feed an hour or so beforehand can curb their appetite without filling them up. Rest and relax; I'm not there to see your home, so please don't clean or tidy up for me, and wear something comfortable with easy access for skin-to-skin. Ask a support person to look after older children or pets so you can focus on the visit. Be aware of your baby's feeding habits over the last 24 hours and their weight history, and prepare a list of your questions – it's easy to forget something on the day. Have your breast pump clean and ready if you'd also like help with pumping or a flange fitting.

During your visit

I'll aim to arrive on time with the tools, knowledge and resources to help you and your baby, greet you and your family, and ask where I can wash my hands. I'll ask you to show me to wherever you feel most comfortable nursing, then we'll spend 15–20 minutes discussing your history, your concerns and what we'll be working on. As I watch your baby feed, I'll point out what I see and suggest new techniques, positions or skills to try – always gently, and I will never touch you or your baby without your permission. We may discuss or use tools such as a nipple shield, pump or bottle to help you reach your breastfeeding goals.

After your visit

I'll ask if you have any other concerns or questions and give you a recap of the visit and my suggestions, plus a receipt for services in case you'd like to claim on insurance. If we need more than one visit, we'll discuss how and when to schedule it – sometimes we take a 'wait and see' approach. Please keep a detailed log of your baby's feeds, nappies and weight, and get in touch if anything changes or you'd like to book a follow-up appointment.