8 Topics to Discuss with a Prenatal Lactation Consultant
CentraCare offers prenatal lactation appointments because you and your baby are unique, and every breastfeeding experience is different.
During a prenatal lactation appointment, you will meet with an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant to talk about your specific goals and what to expect with breastfeeding. A review of your medical and prenatal history, along with an anatomy exam, is part of a routine visit.
What should I expect at a prenatal lactation consultation?
Besides answering any questions you might have, we will discuss these eight topics:
- How the breasts produce milk and how breastfeeding works
- Barriers you may experience
- Plans you can put in place prior to delivery to help you and your baby prepare for success
- Prenatal milk expression and how to use the milk collection kit you will receive
- Skin-to-skin time
- Benefits of breastfeeding
- Using a breast pump
- Returning to work and maintaining lactation
Is seeing a prenatal lactation consultant worthwhile?
Expectant parents find the consultations helpful. Even second-time parents, who didn’t have this option with their first baby, appreciate learning all they can. If you’ve had breastfeeding challenges previously, this visit gives you an opportunity to discuss them and make a feeding plan. It often feels good to talk about this previous experience and potentially how to overcome challenges.
Prenatal lactation appointments are appropriate for anyone who is pregnant and especially helpful to those who have a:
- Concern regarding breast shape or size
- Flat or inverted nipples
- History of type I, type II or gestational diabetes
- History of high blood pressure in pregnancy
- History of thyroid disorders
- History of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
- History of infertility
- History of breastfeeding difficulties
- History of making too little or too much milk
- Breast surgery or lumpectomy
- Pregnancy with twins or multiples
- Possibility of delivering before 39 weeks
- Plan to pump and bottle feed only
How much does a prenatal lactation appointment cost?
Often these appointments are part of a bundled package of prenatal care with no additional charge. However, health plans vary. It is a good idea to check with your insurance company before scheduling an appointment.
How can I make an appointment with prenatal lactation consultant?
Ask your doctor for a referral or call these phone numbers to schedule a 30-minute, in-person appointment:
- Melrose: 320-256-4228
- Monticello: 763-271-2218
- St. Cloud: 320-654-3630
- Sauk Centre: 320-352-6591
Together, we can take the stress out of breastfeeding!