Q- How many telehealth consultations has Jennifer completed?
A-Over 3500! During covid there was a need for lactation consultants to begin seeing patients virtually. Jennifer completed many continuing education courses to be able to provide highly skilled consultations this way. Through the years continually providing telehealth care has allowed Jennifer to continue to refine her telehealth skills. 99% of issues can be handled virtually by Jennifer! There are even many patients who have never seen our consultants in person. 


Q- How can you assess a latch?
A-We can use a variety of methods based on what devices are available. The most popular options is to join from a laptop or desktop for a broader view of positioning and a cell phone for a closer view of the latch and suck.*Our video platform is HIPPA compliant

 
Q- How can you tell if my baby is getting enough to eat?
A-There are many ways to tell baby is transferring well which can be obtained through a detailed history. Weighted feeds (weighing before and after feeding) can also be a helpful tool but should not be relied upon. Even when an in home or in office weighted feed is completed that only tells us what baby did at that feed, not what baby may do other times. Often times parents will borrow one of our free scale or buy a scale for completing additional at home weighted feeds. Completing these at home weighted feeds give us a broader picture of baby’s intake. 


Q- How can you check my baby for a tongue or lip tie?
A-Tongue, cheek, and lip “ties” also known as tethered oral tissue (TOTs) are not assessed solely based on looking at your baby’s anatomy. Function needs to be assessed in a variety of ways. This also includes taking a close look at baby’s history for other potential reasons for decreased function in the area of concern. If a suck assessment and/or visualizing infant’s anatomy is needed, you will be walked through this during an appointment. This allows you to also have a better understanding of your infant’s oral motor function. If there is a “tie” and treatment is needed you will need to be comfortable in your baby’s mouth to complete aftercare which will include techniques similar to how we assess for ties. 
 

Q- What if I need help learning how to position my baby?
A-We use the approach of teaching and demonstrating during all visit types, including in person. By teaching instead of doing it for you it helps ensure that when we are not there you can replicate what you have learned.*If you are looking for more "hands on"/ "do it for me" care our practice may not be the best fit for you
 

Q- How do we make sure my baby is gaining weight appropriately?
A-Even when in person visits are complete there are times when home weight monitoring is indicated. At home weight monitoring allows us to remove many variables often missed at pediatrician appointments. We offer free rental scales, discount codes for purchasing a scale (around 40$), and free scales to patients who need it. 
 

Q- What if I don’t want a scale at my home because it will cause me to hyper fixate?
A-That is okay! The office and access to the scale will remain open with a cleaner that can come by daily.*Please be sure to arrange this ahead of time
 

Q- How can you check my flange fit?
A-Easy! We can check it during your video call or via text.*Please note our text is HIPPA compliant and a safe space to send breast, nipple, latching, and other “sensitive” pictures.
 
 
Q- How can you check my baby’s poop for blood?
A-These tests can be purchased on amazon for around 25$ per 2 pack. I will be offering complimentary fecal occult blood tests (FOBTs) to patients in need. 


Q- What if I am not sure whether telehealth is a good fit for me or have further questions about the care I will receive?
A-We completely understand! All of our visits are fully covered through insurance so there is no cost to “give it a try”. If telehealth is not a good fit for you we will provide additional resources as applicable. 

Why have a virtual lactation consultation and what can issues can be  addressed?
​Benefits:

• No need to leave the comfort of your home if you are healing from birth especially a cesarean birth
• Ability to evaluate different times of day easier to see different baby behaviors (Ex. Evening issues/concerns)
• Availability on evenings/ weekends since issues don’t always occur during typical business hours
• Flexibility to schedule before or after parent’s work schedule or can be done at work (ex on lunch break)
• You can have as many support people present for your consultation as you’d like (Ex. No covid restrictions)
• Covered through insurance 
• Allows seeing baby in their own environment 
• Allows seeing positioning on your typical feeding area/surface verses in a doctor’s office chair/setting
• Easier to have all supplies on hand (pump parts, bottles, pillows, etc) without having to pack everything up
• Decreased risk of spreading germs/illnesses
• Great option for parents with other children and no childcare
• Easier for babies who may not like car rides
• Ability to be seen if parent is sick (Ex Covid +)

 
Issues Addressed:

• Prenatal consultations
• Milk supply concerns
• Relactation/ inducing lactation
• GI concerns- Food intolerances, Foremilk/Hindmilk imbalance, reflux
• Tongue/lip tie evaluation and treatment plans
• Weight gain concerns
• Pumping including flange fit and exclusive pumping
• Latching and positioning difficulty including side preference and flat/inverted nipples
• Weaning
• Nipple/Breast/Chest concerns- Mastitis, engorgement, blocked milk ducts, thrush
• Nipple confusion, getting infant back to breast
• Returning to work
• Bottle feeding

And More!
 
99.9% of lactation issues can be addressed virtually!