Think of your lactation consultation as a medical appointment that happens to be in your living room. A few simple preparations can transform our time together from good to great. The goal isn't to stress you out. It's to remove obstacles so we can focus entirely on you and your baby.
1. The One Thing That Matters Most
If you remember nothing else from this guide, remember this:
The entire consultation hinges on observing a real feeding. If your baby just ate, we can only talk theory. If they're screaming with hunger, they're too upset to latch well. The sweet spot? Ready and willing to eat.
The 2-Hour Rule
Aim to finish the last full feeding about 2 hours before I arrive.
What if baby gets fussy early?
What if baby just ate?
Pro tip: Skin-to-skin
Place baby skin-to-skin 15-30 minutes before I arrive. This calms them, regulates their temperature, and primes their feeding reflexes.
2. Your Space (Keep It Real)
Here's a secret: I don't want you to clean.
Seriously. Cleaning uses energy you don't have and raises stress hormones that actually inhibit milk flow. More importantly, I need to see your real environment: the chair you actually use, the lighting you actually have, the clutter you actually navigate. That's how I can give you real solutions.
What I do need:
- A comfortable spot where you usually nurse (or want to)
- A flat, hard surface near an outlet (for the baby scale)
- Decent lighting (I'll need to see inside baby's mouth)
- Your pump assembled and nearby (if you're pumping)
One favor: please secure pets in another room. Not because I don't love them, but for baby's safety and to minimize distractions.
3. Records: The Data That Helps
You don't need a spreadsheet. But having these numbers handy lets me see the big picture quickly:
Optional but helpful: A rough log of yesterday's feedings (start times, which side, how long).
4. The Partner Advantage
If your partner or support person can be present, that's ideal.
Two sets of ears: Sleep deprivation is real. Your partner can take notes while you focus on baby.
Skill transfer: They can learn hands-on techniques: how to help with positioning, how to prepare bottles correctly, how to burp effectively.
Sibling wrangler: If you have older kids, having someone keep them occupied means you can focus completely.
No partner available? No problem. I'll send you a written summary after our visit.
5. Your Questions (Write Them Down)
The stress of the moment often makes parents forget what they wanted to ask. Before our visit, jot down your top questions. Here are some common ones:
- Is the pain I'm feeling at latch normal?
- How do I know if my baby is getting enough?
- Does my baby have a tongue-tie?
- When should I start pumping?
- How do I prepare for returning to work?
There are no silly questions. If it's on your mind, it matters.
6. For Virtual Visits
If we're meeting via telehealth, a few extra preparations help:
Face a window or lamp so I can see you clearly
Having both a computer and phone gives flexibility: one for your face, one for close-ups of latch
Wi-Fi beats cellular if possible
You can send videos of latching, bottle feeding, or pumping through our secure portal before the visit
The Bottom Line
- Time It Right: Baby's last feed should end about 2 hours before our appointment.
- Gather the Basics: Birth weight, recent weights, diaper log, and your pump.
- Write It Down: Your questions matter. Capture them before the visit.
Remember: the goal of these preparations isn't to add stress. It's to remove friction so our time together is focused, productive, and, most importantly, helps you and your baby thrive.
