Why do I need a prenatal visit with an IBCLC?

The prenatal lactation visit that sets you up for success—from day one.

Bringing a new baby into the world is one of the most transformative moments of a woman’s life. And while so much planning goes into birth—nursery décor, birth plans, car seats—one of the most overlooked pieces of preparation is breastfeeding support.

As an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and owner of Lavender Lactation, I can confidently say that one of the most powerful things a mother can do for herself and her baby is to schedule a prenatal lactation consult before birth.

This single visit reduces complications, increases confidence, and gives families the tools and clarity they need to thrive in the newborn period.

Here’s why a prenatal lactation session is so important—and exactly what we cover when you meet with us at Lavender Lactation.

The Benefits of Meeting With an IBCLC Prenatally

1. You start breastfeeding with confidence—not confusion.

Most mothers step into breastfeeding with uncertainty, relying on well-meaning advice from family, friends, influencers, or hospital nurses. A prenatal consult gives you clear, evidence-based information tailored to your body, your birth plan, and your goals.

2. You prevent complications before they start.

Many issues like low supply, clogged ducts, nipple pain, engorgement, poor latch, or slow infant weight gain can be reduced—or avoided altogether—when you know how breastfeeding works from the start.

3. You learn exactly what normal newborn feeding actually looks like.

Instead of panicking at cluster feeding, frequent nursing, sleepy feeding, day-two fussiness, or normal newborn behavior, you’ll understand what’s expected so you don’t second-guess yourself.

4. You get a customized plan for your unique situation.

Every mother is different. Breast anatomy, history of PCOS, gestational diabetes, previous breastfeeding experiences, birth interventions, scheduled induction or C-section—all of these affect lactation.

We prepare a plan specific to you.

5. Your partner becomes part of the support team.

We help partners understand what’s normal, how to support you, how to spot a good latch, how to help with positioning, and how to reduce pressure on you postpartum.

6. You know what to do before you’re tired, emotional, or overwhelmed.

The early days are beautiful but intense. Having a plan in place protects your mental load and helps you flow into motherhood, rather than feeling like you’re constantly reacting.

What We Cover During Your Prenatal Lactation Visit

At Lavender Lactation, prenatal visits are in-depth, calm, supportive, and tailored to you. Here is what we go through together:

Understanding Breastfeeding Basics

  • How milk production actually works (supply and demand explained simply)

  • What to expect in the first 24 hours, day 2–3, and the first week

  • The signs your milk is transitioning normally

  • What cluster feeding is and why it matters

  • Normal newborn feeding cues and patterns

  • How long feedings should take at each stage

Maternal Factors That Influence Lactation

  • Breast anatomy and shape

  • History of low supply or oversupply

  • Hormonal issues (PCOS, thyroid, insulin resistance)

  • Planned birth interventions (epidural, inductions, cesarean birth)

  • Breast or chest surgeries

  • Gestational diabetes

  • Medications

  • Anything that may impact early milk production

Latch + Positioning Education

We walk through—and often demonstrate with dolls—how to:

  • Achieve a deep, pain-free latch

  • Recognize shallow latch vs effective latch

  • Protect your nipples from trauma

  • Reduce the risk of clogged ducts

  • Try multiple positions (laid-back, side-lying, cradle, cross-cradle, football)

Pump + Bottle Planning

Many parents feel anxious about pumping. In your prenatal visit we review:

  • When to start pumping (and when not to)

  • How often to pump in the newborn stage

  • Flange sizing basics

  • Choosing the right pump for your needs

  • When and how to introduce a bottle

  • How much milk a baby should take by age

  • What paced bottle feeding looks like

  • Avoiding bottle refusal through early planning

Oral Function Red Flags to Watch For

We review signs of:

  • Tongue tie or lip tie

  • Low tone

  • Inefficient suck patterns

  • Clicking or loss of suction

  • Early indicators that baby may need oral motor support
    So you know what’s normal—and what warrants a follow-up.

Mental + Emotional Preparation

We talk about:

  • Realistic expectations

  • The emotional intensity of early feeds

  • How to protect bonding

  • Sleep considerations

  • How to care for yourself postpartum

The First-Week Feeding Plan

You leave with a clear, step-by-step guide personalized for you, including:

  • How often to feed

  • What to look for at each feed

  • Number of wet/dirty diapers expected

  • When to call me or schedule a postpartum visit

  • When to be concerned about supply or latch

  • How to track weight and feeding progress

Partner + Support Team Training

We help your partner understand:

  • What good latch looks like

  • How to help with positioning

  • How to support milk production

  • How to protect your rest and recovery

  • How to identify early feeding concerns
    This is HUGE for postpartum success.

Dawnalea Robinson