Description
- Virtual
- Prenatal
- One on one
A video visit with a lactation consultant, before your baby arrives
Our prenatal virtual lactation consultation is a one-on-one video visit with a board-certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) while you’re still pregnant. It’s covered by most insurance plans, $0 out of pocket for most moms, and we check yours before we schedule.
You learn how breastfeeding works, ask everything on your mind, and leave with a plan for your first weeks.
Is a prenatal lactation consult right for you?
Best for
- First-time moms who aren’t sure how to get started with breastfeeding.
- Moms who struggled with breastfeeding last time and want a better start with this baby.
- Moms who plan to pump, or to go back to work, and want a plan before day one.
- Partners who want to know how to help. They’re welcome on the call.
Maybe not for
- Moms whose baby is already here and who need hands-on help today. This visit is for pregnancy, so ask your birth hospital or pediatrician about a postpartum lactation visit.
What happens at a prenatal lactation consult
- Your goals
- How you hope to feed your baby, and a plan built around it. Your questions come first.
- Your health history
- Things that can affect milk supply, like past breast surgery or a hard start last time, so you have a plan for them.
- The first hours and days
- What to expect after birth, when your milk comes in, and how often newborns feed.
- Latch and positioning
- What a good latch looks like and holds to try, so the first feeds feel less new.
- Is baby getting enough?
- The signs to watch for, like wet and dirty diapers, so you know feeding is going well.
- Pumping and work
- When to start pumping, how to fit your flanges, and a plan for pumping when you go back to work.
How your virtual consult works
- 1. Request it
Start our order form and pick “Virtual prenatal lactation consult.” Add it to your breast pump order or request it on its own.
- 2. We check your plan
We confirm your insurance covers the visit, then reach out to schedule a time that works for you.
- 3. Join from home
Find a quiet, well-lit spot with a good WiFi connection. Your partner is welcome to join.
- 4. Leave with a plan
You end the visit knowing what to expect and what to do in your first weeks of feeding.
How to prepare for your consult
Have ready
- Your questions, written down, so nothing slips your mind.
- Your health history: past pregnancies, breastfeeding before, any breast surgery.
- Your breast pump, if you have it, for help with fit and setup.
Set up your spot
- A quiet, well-lit room with good WiFi.
- A phone, tablet or computer with a camera.
- Your partner, if they’d like to learn how to help.
Why see a lactation consultant before birth
The best time to learn about breastfeeding is before your baby is here, when you have time to ask questions and nobody is hungry yet. A plan made now means fewer surprises in the first sleepy, busy days.
Most health plans must cover breastfeeding support and counseling, before and after birth, under the Affordable Care Act. Read more in our guide to virtual lactation support through insurance.
Questions moms ask about a prenatal lactation consult
Is a prenatal lactation consultation covered by insurance?
For most moms, yes, at $0 out of pocket. The Affordable Care Act requires most health plans to cover breastfeeding support and counseling, before and after birth. Grandfathered plans are the exception. We check your plan before we schedule.
Is it worth seeing a lactation consultant before the baby is born?
For many moms, yes. You learn what to expect while you have time to ask questions, and you go into the first days with a plan. It helps most if you’re a first-time mom, struggled last time, or plan to pump.
What happens at a prenatal lactation consultation?
A board-certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) meets you one on one by video. You talk through your goals and health history, what to expect after birth, latch and positioning, and pumping, then leave with a plan.
When should I see a lactation consultant during pregnancy?
Any time while you’re pregnant. Many moms meet in the third trimester; if you have a specific concern, like breast surgery or a hard start last time, earlier is better.
How do I prepare for my lactation consultant appointment?
Write down your questions, have your health history handy, and keep your breast pump nearby if you have it. Join from a quiet, well-lit spot with good WiFi.
How do I book a prenatal lactation consult?
Start our order form, choose your state and insurance, and pick “Virtual prenatal lactation consult.” We check your coverage and reach out to set up a time.
Do I have to order a breast pump to get the consult?
No. You can request the consult on its own, or add it to your breast pump order in the same form.
Can my partner join the lactation consult?
Yes, and we encourage it. Partners can support breastfeeding in many ways, and the visit shows them how.
My baby is already here. Can I still book this?
This consult is for pregnancy. If your baby is here and feeding is hard, ask your birth hospital or pediatrician about a postpartum lactation visit.
Ready to get ready for baby?
Request your prenatal lactation consult in a few minutes, on its own or with your breast pump. We check your insurance and handle the scheduling.
Questions? Call (866) 255-6779.