I will observe you feeding your baby and may gently examine your breasts and your baby's mouth to ensure a proper latch.

I will offer personalized guidance on positioning your baby for optimal comfort and milk transfer, and answer any questions you have about achieving a successful latch.

I will leave you with practical tips and adjustments to improve your breastfeeding experience.

We will discuss your pumping goals and challenges, assess your breasts and pump fit, then observe your technique while offering personalized advice to improve milk expression, comfort, and establish a pumping routine.

During a lactation consultation, I assess milk supply by looking at multiple factors that influence production and milk transfer.

I start by discussing the mother’s medical and birth history to identify any conditions that could affect supply, such as PCOS, thyroid issues, diabetes, or past breast surgeries.

I also ask about breastfeeding patterns, how often and how long the baby nurses, and any concerns the mother has about supply.

Next, I observe a feeding session to assess latch, sucking strength, swallowing sounds, and overall milk transfer. I check if the baby is actively drinking or just sucking for comfort. Or bottle-feeding (if baby is bottle-fed).

I also evaluate the baby’s growth and diaper output, as these are key indicators of adequate milk intake.

I examine the mother's breasts for signs of engorgement, blocked ducts, or nipple trauma, and check if the breasts feel softer after feeding.

Based on the assessment, I provide tailored recommendations to support or increase supply, improve latch and milk transfer, or adjust pumping schedules if needed. If there are signs of low or oversupply, I will provide guidance for the mother on managing it effectively while ensuring the baby is well-fed and thriving.

This involves placing a gloved finger inside while your baby suckles to assess baby’s sucking and tongue movement.

I may also check for typical newborn reflexes and your baby's overall mobility.

Remember, successful breastfeeding involves your baby's entire body, and reflexes play a crucial part.

I will observe how you feed your baby and assess milk flow from the syringe or bottle.

I can offer guidance on positioning your baby for comfort and efficient feeding, proper bottle teat selection for optimal sucking, and pacing techniques to prevent overfeeding.

I will also address any concerns you have about bottle-feeding and recommend strategies to ensure your baby is getting enough milk.

In your back-to-work consultation, I will delve into your work schedule and pumping logistics.

We will discuss pump selection and flange fit, help you establish a pumping routine that aligns with your work breaks, and offer tips for storing and transporting expressed milk.

I will also address any concerns about maintaining milk supply while pumping and answer questions about your rights and options for lactation accommodations at work.

Ideally, schedule this consultation 3-4 weeks before returning to ensure you have ample time to practice pumping and establish a comfortable routine.

We will explore strategies for introducing solids alongside breastfeeding.

I can address concerns about milk supply and ensure a smooth transition to a balanced feeding approach that incorporates both breast milk and solid foods.

We will discuss your weaning goals and your baby's feeding cues. I will likely observe a feeding session to assess your current routine.

Together, you'll develop a gradual weaning plan that considers your comfort and your baby's needs.

I can offer strategies for reducing nursing or pumping sessions, introducing alternative sources of comfort, and managing any physical or emotional challenges that may arise during the weaning process.