What to Expect During Your First Lactation Visit

What to Expect During Your First Lactation Visit

Whether you’re preparing to breastfeed for the first time or navigating an unexpected bump in the road, booking a lactation consult can feel like a big step — and maybe even an overwhelming one. You’re not alone in that feeling. But here’s the truth: a good lactation visit isn’t about judgment or pressure — it’s about support, education, and personalized care that meets you exactly where you are.

So, what actually happens during your first lactation consultation? Let’s walk through it together.

Step One: Listening to Your Story

Every consult begins with a conversation. I want to hear what your feeding journey has looked like so far — whether you’re pregnant and preparing, recovering from birth, dealing with latch pain, worried about supply, or exclusively pumping. There’s no “wrong time” to schedule a visit.

You’ll be asked about:

• Your pregnancy and delivery history (if applicable)

• Feeding goals and concerns

• Baby’s feeding and diapering patterns

• Any medical or breastfeeding challenges you’ve faced

This part is essential — it helps me tailor our session to your unique needs and values. It’s also when many parents start to feel their shoulders drop a little. You’re not in this alone anymore.

Step Two: A Gentle Feeding Assessment

If you’re currently breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, we’ll observe a feeding session — either in person or via secure video. I’m looking at:

• Positioning and latch

• Baby’s suck and swallow patterns

• Your comfort level during feeds

• Any signs of milk transfer issues

In virtual visits, I’ll guide you through how to set up the camera so I can observe feeding while maintaining your comfort and privacy. And yes, bottle-feeding is absolutely something we can evaluate too — especially if you’re offering expressed milk or supplementing.

Step Three: Physical Assessment (if in person)

For in-home visits, I may examine:

• Your baby’s oral anatomy (e.g., tongue movement, palate)

• Nipple condition or signs of trauma

• Engorgement, plugged ducts, or signs of infection

Everything is done with your consent and explained in real time — this is a collaborative, not clinical, experience.

Step Four: Personalized Support Plan

Before we wrap up, we’ll create a plan together. That might include:

• Positioning adjustments or latch techniques

• Milk supply strategies (whether you want to increase, stabilize, or wean)

• Pumping plans and flange fitting

• Bottle feeding techniques (like paced feeding)

• When to follow up and how to monitor progress

The goal is to leave the visit with practical steps you feel confident using — not more to Google at 2 a.m.

Evidence-Informed, Family-Centered Care

Research shows that lactation support improves breastfeeding outcomes and parent satisfaction — especially when it’s timely, individualized, and nonjudgmental (1,2). Many families feel more empowered and less anxious after even a single session with an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).

Ready to Book?

I offer both virtual visits (available to anyone in the U.S.) and in-home consults for families in the Greater Hartford, CT area. You can learn more and book your visit right here:

Book a consult at Lindsey Lactation

I’m also partnered with The Lactation Network (TLN) — a service that helps families access lactation care through their insurance.

Check your TLN coverage here to see if your visits are fully covered.

Final Thoughts

Reaching out for support is a sign of strength — not struggle. My job isn’t to tell you what to do. It’s to listen, inform, encourage, and help you feed your baby in a way that feels good to you.

And that starts with one visit.

About Me

Hi, I’m Jayme Lindsey — a Registered Nurse, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), and postpartum doula. I’ve spent years supporting families through the early days of parenthood, and I’m passionate about providing compassionate, evidence-based lactation care. Through my practice, Lindsey Lactation LLC, I offer in-home support in the Greater Hartford, CT area and virtual visits nationwide. My goal is to help you feel informed, empowered, and supported every step of the way. You can learn more about my services here, or book a visit through The Lactation Network (TLN) — many families qualify for fully covered consults through insurance.

The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, pediatrician, or a qualified lactation consultant with any questions you may have regarding your health or the health of your baby. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read here.

References

1. McFadden A, Gavine A, Renfrew MJ, Wade A, Buchanan P, Taylor JL, et al. Support for healthy breastfeeding mothers with healthy term babies. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017(2):CD001141.

2. Balogun OO, Dagvadorj A, Anigo KM, Ota E, Sasaki S. Factors influencing breastfeeding exclusivity during the first 6 months of life in developing countries: a quantitative and qualitative systematic review. Maternal & Child Nutrition. 2015;11(4):433–451.