Preparing for your Lactation Consult

Hi there! Thank you for booking a lactation consult with me! I’m so glad you reached out—I truly believe that no one should have to navigate feeding challenges alone, and I’m honored to be part of your team.

A few quick things before we meet:

  1. Check your email.
    You’ll receive intake forms (health history, consent forms, HIPAA notice) to complete electronically before our visit.

  2. Download the Spruce app.

    This secure platform allows us to message before and after your consult, and we’ll also use it for video if we’re meeting virtually.

For in-home visits:

  1. Please gather any gear you normally use to feed your baby.

    Nursing pillow, bottles, pacifiers, nipple shields, etc. If you’re pumping and we’re going to check your flange fit or talk through pump settings, have your full pump setup ready to go (pump, flanges, tubing, bottles).

  2. Feeding timing—

    If we’ll be working on latching or bottle feeding during our visit, try not to give your baby a full feeding right beforehand. They don’t need to be starving, but it helps if they’re at least open to eating. If the timing doesn’t work out — no stress! I can work with whatever is going on.

  3. Weighted feeding—

    If we’ll be using my scale, please clear a small, stable surface (like a table or spot on the floor). I’ll need a clean swaddle blanket to put on the scale and will weigh your baby in just a dry diaper before we start feeding.

  4. Please have your dogs and cats in another room during our visit.

    I love animals, but because pets can be unpredictable after a new baby arrives, especially towards strangers, please have your dogs and cats in another room when I arrive.

For virtual visits:

  1. Before the visit—

    You are welcome to send me any videos that you think might help me understand what is going on with you and your baby. You can send them via Spruce or to jenn@supportedstartstc.com, and we can review and discuss during the consult.

  2. During the visit—

    Make sure you’re in a space with good lighting so I can clearly see you and your baby. It’s super helpful to have another adult nearby to help hold the phone or camera so I can get a good look from different angles if needed.

  3. Have anything you’d like to talk about or use during our time nearby—

    Pumps, bottles, shields, pacifiers—you name it.

  4. If we’re working on something that doesn’t involve baby directly (like pumping or weaning)—

    No need for baby to be present during the visit.

  5. To avoid connection issues—

    Please close any other apps or programs running on your device during the call.

Looking forward to working with you!