What happens during a home visit?
A comprehensive home visit is approximately 1.5 - 2 hours
and will likely include:
- A complete birth history, lactation history, and medical history
- Identifying your goals for breastfeeding
- A visual and physical examination of the nursing parent and baby (or babies)
- Pre and post feeding weight assessment on a digital infant scale
- Observation of a breastfeeding
- Demonstration of techniques and education in ways to improve breastfeeding
- A written care plan
- A superbill as a receipt and as verification for insurance reimbursement
Some visits call for the use of breastfeeding tools or equipment.
The fee for an initial home visit is $400 (additional for twins)
Many insurance companies offer reimbursement for numerous visits.
What happens AFTER a lactation visit?
There will likely be "homework" for you and your baby. That homework will include putting into practice what was discussed at the visit.
Your breastfeeding challenges didn't start overnight and it will take time and effort to correct them.
Occasionally, a referral will be made to another professional.
We will set up a mutually agreeable time to follow up by phone or email, usually within 48-72 hours. At that followup we will adjust the care plan accordingly.
Follow up visits
Many families find follow up visits to be reassuring and helpful for additional or ongoing concerns. Some reasons for a follow up visit may include:
- Checking on progress from the initial visit
- Continuing to work toward breastfeeding goals
- Weighted feedings
- Logistics and planning for back to work
- Breast pump concerns and flange fitting
- Starting solid foods
Many insurance companies reimburse for 3, 6, or unlimited visits! Please contact your health care insurance for information related to your particular insurance plan and reimbursement requirements.
You may find these articles helpful:
http://www.second9months.com/the-lactation-consultation-what-to-expect/
http://www.lunalactation.com/06maycolor_LCexpect.pdf