Types of Lactation Visits

I do three types of lactation visits. Fathers can be included in the instruction.

1. Prenatal assessment and breastfeeding instruction

This can be done in the home and includes:

• a mother's health history
• instruction on how to get a deep latch
• various feeding positions
• how to avoid sore nipples
• how to avoid engorgement
• how to know when your baby is hungry
• the importance of skin to skin
• soothing techniques
• nutrition
• the importance of having the baby put on her tummy right after birth while the placenta is being delivered
• the importance of having the baby's first breastfeeding take place within the first hour of birth
• how to avoid being separated from the baby while in the hospital, and much more

2. Early postpartum visit for one of baby's first feedings
This visit can be done in the hospital soon after baby is born. If I haven't seen you before, it will include:

• mother's health history
• history of your labor and delivery
• physical assessment of the baby
• breast exam of mother
• feeding observation/instruction
• latch and positioning assistance as needed
• feeding and satiation cues
• breastfeeding management for the first few days
• the importance of skin to skin with the baby
• pre-term or late pre-term instruction if appropriate
• assistance with other issues that may arise
• customized care plan

3. Home visit after hospital discharge
This visit can take place in the days soon after discharge, or later, and includes:

• mother and baby health history
• physical assessment of baby
• breast assessment
• observation of feeding
• assistance with latch and positioning
• nude weight, and pre and post feeding baby weights
• hunger and satiation cues
• how to know if baby is getting enough milk
• when supplementation is needed
• alternative feeding methods if needed
• pumping and storing human milk
• management of sore nipples
• management of engorgement
• dealing with low milk supply
• cluster feedings
• dealing with over abundant milk production
• poor weight gain
• dealing with a fussy baby
• nutrition
• adequate rest for mom
• information and/or screening for postpartum depression
• provision of appropriate supplies and literature
• a personalized care plan
• follow up phone calls and emails, timely report to your physician.

Any of these visits may include more or less of what is listed, but this gives you a general idea of what is involved. If you can have only one visit, I would suggest that the visit after discharge would be the best one to select--as that is when many breastfeeding challenges start to show up. Having a prenatal visit can give parents enough knowledge to help prevent many breastfeeding problems. A visit for baby's first feeding, can help mom have a good latch and positioning from the very beginning, as well as breastfeeding management tips that will help to prevent problems as her milk comes in.
Most mother's and fathers are greatly encouraged and much more confident after a visit. It is my aim to make sure the baby is well fed, and that things are going in a way that is good for the baby and the parents. Breastfeeding involves the whole family. I want to help you meet your breastfeeding goals. I also want you to enjoy the precious new life in your growing family!

I am making a new service available! If you are looking for

"The Best Baby Shower Gift!",

you've found the right place!

I am now offering prepurchased private lactation consultations to use as a gift for that special new mother that you know! It is one of the best gifts you could ever give to a new mom. You can go together with friends, or if you are a big spender, do it on your own.

I have various packages available. You can buy one, two, or three visits. The new mother can choose when she wants the visits.

I can do 3 types of visits:

1. Prenatal assessment and breastfeeding instruction (private in home)


2. Hospital visit for one of baby's first feedings


3. Home visit after discharge from the hospital

All of my visits include individualized teaching, as well as printed information about breastfeeding issues. When I do a home visit, I will give you a superbill that you can submit--along with a claim form and your doctor's order to your insurance company for possible reimbursement. Getting a properly worded doctor's order will make it more likely that you get some insurance coverage for the visit.

Coming up next! More information on what may happen at your private lactation visit.

Breastfeeding Resources

Compiled by Kathleen L. Gale RN, CLS
773-501-4238

Here are some resources that may be of help to you!

Latch Video

< http://www.ameda.com/breastfeeding/started/latch_on.aspx>

Latch Video

< http://redir.ameda.donet.com/breastfeeding/>
as well as lots of information on different positions, breast-feeding stages, dad’s involvement.

Hands on Pumping http://newborns.stanford.edu/Breastfeeding/MaxProduction.html

Newborn care

<http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/infantandnewborncare.html>

The American Academy of Pediatrics http://www.aap.org/healthtopics/breastfeeding.cfm

Reflux / GERD

<http://www.cdhnf.org/wmspage.cfm?parm1=43>

Car Safety Seats

< http://www.aap.org/family/carseatguide.htm>

Your Baby’s Physical Development <http://www.aap.org/family/2004PAFBrochure.pdf>

Post partum Depression
<http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/women/pregnancy/ppd/general/379.html>

Crisis Hotline for post partum depression 1.866.364(.MOMS 866.364.6667).

Laleche League International

<http://www.llli.org/Web/Illinois.html>

Breast feeding and parenting

< http://kellymom.com/>

Breastfeeding after Reduction (or other breast surgeries) http://www.bfar.org/faq.shtml

Looking at Your Newborn—What’s Normal? http://kidshealth.org/parent/pregnancy_newborn/pregnancy/newborn_variations.html
Breastfeedingonline.com

Compounding Pharmacies: (for APNO ointment-all purpose nipple ointment)
Parkway Drugs 2342 N. Clark St., Chicago 773-549-2720
Ballin Pharmacy 3330 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago 773-348-0027

Sacral Cranial Therapy for Infants:
Dr. Sean Mannin of "Well Adjusted World" in Oak Park, IL

Physicians that do clipping for “Tongue Tie” at Children’s Memorial Hospital
Dr. Marletta Reynolds 773-880-4292
Dr. Brant Giessler 847-390-0330

copyright, K.Gale, 2009

Myth: Breastfeeding is "natural" and easy

Many people think that since breastfeeding is a "natural" thing to do, that it should be easy. New mothers and fathers are often shocked when they find out that it doesn't just come "naturally", and they're struggling along to make it work. Breastfeeding is a
learned behavior by both mother and baby. In contrast to the past, today, in our country, most new mother's do not have aunts, sisters, and mothers surrounding them in an extended family to offer help when breastfeeding isn't going well. If you do have them around, it is very likely that they bottle fed their babies and don't have experience with breastfeeding.

If you find yourself in a difficult breastfeeding situation, you are not alone! The best thing you could do for yourself, your baby, and your family, is to get the help you need. Sometimes LaLeche League or a friend who is experienced at breatfeeding is all you need. At other times, you need to recognize the need for a professional lactation consultant. Yes, it costs money....but it is money that will be well spent, and make a huge difference. It is money that will save you lots of dollars on formula and visits to the doctor. Do yourself a favor. You ARE worth it!

When I had my first child, I had some of the most miserable 8 weeks of my life. I was too cheap to pay for a lactation consultant. I knew I needed help, and would call and talk over the phone, but never spent the money to have one come and help me. I had mastitis 5 times in 8 weeks. Eventually, a doctor told me I had to stop breastfeeding. To tell the truth, I was never so relieved. As a mother, I wanted the very best for my baby, and was willing to do whatever it took to give her the benefits of breast milk...but it was making me constantly sick.

Now, I know a whole lot more! In hind sight, I recognize many things that were not done right, and many things that I could have done to help the situation. I would like to be able to share my experience and knowledge in a way that can help you reach your breastfeeding goals.