PREPARING FOR YOUR CONSULTATION - Rebecca Koyf IBCLC

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Be sure to fill out the intake form. It is important for this step to be done before the visit so we can spend more time talking during the consultation, and less on the paperwork!
There is not much on your part that requires preparation, all you need to do is be there with a baby ready to eat! I will just need a sturdy hard surface (like a table) to place the baby scale on.
- For baby to be interested in nursing while I am here, it is best to nurse him/her about 1.5 prior to the consultation, but breastfed babies can’t tell time! If baby is hungry and frantic, go ahead and feed him/her a little ! We’ll make it work!
- If you are using a breast pump, please do not pump immediately before my arrival. Please record the milk yield in the last 24 hours prior to the consult. If you have been partially bottle feeding with expressed breastmilk or formula, please record how much baby has been taking in the last 24 hours prior to the consultation. These are very important pieces of the puzzle!
- Please, DO NOT clean your house for our consultation! I actualy expect the house to be messy – mine was for sure during the early postpartum period! In fact, one of my advice is to let go of house chores to best take care of yourself and your new baby.
- Upon my arrival you can expect me to ask where I could wash my hands. And, I may do so quite a few times throughout the consult. We will start by chatting unless baby is ready to nurse as soon as I arrive! We will review the health and medical history (yours and baby's) including birth and labor; as well as your nursing concerns.
- I will observe you and your baby where you usually nurse, probably with your favorite pillow, blanket..,I need to see what you have been doing so far in order to assess the situation correctly and suggest improvement if needed.
- I may need to take a close look at your breasts and nipples before and after a feed. Besides evaluation of potential nipple damage, this will give a great indication on baby's latch and where the nipple is placed in baby's mouth while he/she is nursing.
- I will put on latex-free gloves and do a manual assessment of your baby’s mouth ONLY if I see the need to assess baby’s oral anatomy and function more closely.
- I will weigh your baby before and after the feeding and evaluate milk transfer. I use a pediatric scale with the highest resolution (0.1 oz or 2 grams).
We will go over all of your nursing questions.
Your support system is welcome! Spouse, grandma, BFF, even postpartum doula can stay during the consultation. They may learn a few tips on how to support a you and be a great help to entertain older siblings if needed!