What is a Telehealth Lactation Consult?

Today I am writing about Telehealth Lactation Consults. You may also hear the term Virtual Consults. This method of support has been a part of many IBCLC’s (International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant’s) repertoire for years before the current health crisis. Recently many IBCLC’s have added this service and sought training on making this successful for our clients and families.

What is a Telehealth Consult?

A Telehealth or Virtual Consult is a consult that is conducted through HIPAA compliant, secure live video. This means I am still adhering to regulations to safeguard your privacy and medical information. A consult through video has limitations and does not replace an in-person consult and examination. This is also true if you have a Telemedicine visit with your MD.

What can I do to support you and your family through Telehealth?

1. Thorough history of parent/baby/ feeding history
2. Address current concerns
3. Visual exam of breasts/baby
4. Observe a feeding/latch/position/pumping/Flange Fit
5. Comprehensive Education
6. Create a Breastfeeding/Lactation Care Plan with your input with written recommendations
7. Provide multiple resources targeted to your needs (articles/videos/pictures)
8. Collaborate with your Health care provider(s)
9. Provide continuing follow-up per agreement

What is different in a Telehealth Consult?

1. I may ask you to video part of a feeding/pumping and send it to me via secure portal
2. I may ask you to make other brief videos to assist me in my assessment. This is all included in the consult even if it takes place later.
3. I can’t examine your baby or their oral structures
4. I can’t physically examine your breast or provide in person help with positioning and latch

How to prepare for your Telehealth Consult

Please have a person available to help position the camera/computer during the consult (For those with scheduling issues, I can arrange evening consults)

Please have sufficient lighting in the room and a separate portable light/lamp that can be directly aimed at a subject

Have your camera available to take pictures/videos for later review

Telehealth consults, due to their nature, may require more follow up messaging (this is included)

IBCLC’s are a creative group of professionals. We have always utilized videos, gesticulating with our hands and using props like dolls and knitted breasts to aid us in teaching! We have adapted to Virtual Lactation. Let us be there for you and your family during this time!

Let’s keep the milk flowing, prevent problems and keep the babies/children and parents smiling on this journey! Join us online!