What happens before a lactation consultation?

You may be asked when feeds happen, how long they last, which breast or bottle is used, and whether feeding causes pain, clicking, leaking, or nipple changes. The consultant may ask about your delivery, your baby’s birth history, sleepiness, and any supplements or pumping.

If the visit includes an observation, you may feed your baby in your usual position. The consultant looks at attachment, suckling, swallowing, and comfort, then explains practical adjustments. Bring your baby if the appointment is intended to assess a live feed.

Write down your main concern and note recent feeds, pumping sessions, and wet or soiled nappies if you have been tracking them. Bring feeding equipment you use, such as a breast pump, flange, nipple shield, or bottles. Wear clothing that allows comfortable access without making you feel exposed.

Do not force a feed immediately before the appointment unless instructed. If your baby needs to feed, that may provide useful information for the assessment. Bring expressed milk or formula only if it is part of your normal plan.

Seek prompt medical advice for a baby who is difficult to wake, has breathing trouble, or is feeding markedly less than usual. Contact your maternity or medical team for you if you have fever with a hot, painful breast, rapidly worsening redness, or feel seriously unwell; lactation support can complement, but does not replace, medical assessment.

Ask what to bring, whether the baby should attend, how feeding will be observed, and whether your pump or feeding plan needs review. Ask how you will know that milk transfer and your baby’s intake are improving.