What Actually Happens During an In-Home IBCLC Visit

Families often tell us they waited longer than they should have because they were not sure what a lactation visit involves. Here is the whole thing, start to finish.

Before we arrive

You book a time, usually same day or next day, and we verify your insurance benefits in advance. Most families pay nothing out of pocket. Nothing to prepare, no need to tidy up.

The conversation

We start with your history: the birth, how feeding has gone so far, what hurts, what worries you, and what you actually want. A parent who wants to combination feed gets a different plan than one aiming to exclusively breastfeed, and both are valid.

The feeding assessment

We watch a full feed in your own space, with your own chair and pillows, because that is where you will be doing this at 3 a.m. We look at positioning, latch depth, suck-swallow rhythm, and comfort, and we adjust in real time.

Oral and breast assessment

A gentle oral exam checks tongue mobility, palate, and suck function. We also look at nipple shape and tissue, and check for engorgement, plugged areas, or skin issues.

Weighted feed

We weigh the baby before and after the feed on a sensitive scale to measure exactly how much milk was transferred. This single number replaces a lot of anxiety and guesswork.

Your written care plan

You leave with a plan in writing: positions to use, feeding and pumping intervals, supplementation if needed and how to wean off it, and clear signs to watch for. We coordinate with your pediatrician and OB when it helps.

Follow-up

Feeding changes week to week. Follow-up visits and messaging keep the plan current as your baby grows.

Ready when you are: book a visit, or read more about in-home appointments.