What does a visit look like?
Are you wondering what a lactation visit might consist
of for breastfeeding or pumping moms?
1. Wash my hands
After a team member arrives at the home, they will introduce themselves and bring in the luggage, then ask to wash their hands.
3. Infant oral assessment
Then the IBCLC will complete a full 12 point oral assessment including: feeling the palate for any abnormalities and the shape of it, suck assessment, tongue movement, frenulum placement, and more. We will show you the floor of the mouth and what happens when we elevate the tongue. We will wear a head lamp light when assessing and wear gloves or finger cots.
We will also assess the cheeks and the padding needed for a proper suck. We will look for any mouth trauma or lip blisters as well. We will make sure the baby has moist/pink mucous membranes, elastic skin, and an overall well appearance.
5. Show me you can do it on the second breast, if baby is willing.
Lets use the new tips and tricks and put them into play. You got this, the team member will be there to watch and assist as needed. If you are pumping, we will look at your pump and bottle/pacis and discuss how to properly pump and pace feed.
2. Set up the scale
Secondly, we set up the scale if there is any question as to whether the baby is appropriately gaining weight. We will do a pre and post feed weight. We will get the baby undressed and in a clean diaper before the first weight. We can find out how many ounces/grams the baby is consuming on each breast. We will need a very sturdy surface, and we usually ask to use a countertop. The infant scale is a top-of-the-line TANITA, it is very sensitive and most accurate on a sturdy surface.
4. Show me how you feed the baby (or how you pump)
We like to see what a "normal" feed looks like. Tell us what you are feeling. We will watch the latch, discuss tips and tricks. The position or the latch may need to be adjusted, we'll help you with this. We will work through any problems you may be having and then use them on the second breast as well.
If you are pumping, we will size your nipples and see how your pump works in relation to modes, suck strength, length of pump sessions, and much more.
6. Look at the whole picture including infants' skin, CST infant massage education, and discuss gut health if necessary
We will review all the details and come up with a plan of care together. We will write down notes and give you a copy while in the home. After our first visit we usually follow up in 2-7 days.