Long before the pandemic necessitated a shift to virtual platforms like Zoom, lactation consultants had already been leveraging telemedicine to provide care to families from the comfort of their homes. Thanks to extensive training, experience, and continuous education, lactation consultants are equipped to deliver expert guidance and support remotely. Many seasoned professionals have observed numerous babies nursing and feeding, managed countless cases of nipple damage and mastitis, and helped families achieve their breastfeeding goals. This experience lets them know precisely what to look for when a newborn is learning to latch or when a nursing parent is recovering from an infection.

Addressing Common Feeding Challenges Virtually

Whether you are at home with a newborn navigating breastfeeding, chestfeeding, pumping, or bottle-feeding, or simply trying to understand your healing needs, a virtual lactation consultant can help. You might be experiencing painful nipples, have a baby who falls asleep quickly during feedings, or have a lot of questions about how to ensure both you and your baby are thriving. Virtual consultations can support new behaviors, such as weaning, teething, starting solids, or boosting milk supply, even for parents with older babies or toddlers. All these challenges and more can be effectively addressed through online consultations.

Many lactation consultants have transitioned to offering virtual care exclusively because it is safer in the context of COVID-19 and because it is incredibly convenient and effective for many families.

Preparing for Your Virtual Consultation

To make the most of your upcoming session with a lactation consultant there are several steps you can take to prepare:

Build a Relationship with Your Consultant

Unlike some healthcare providers, who you may see only once, lactation consultants often build ongoing relationships to support you throughout your nursing or feeding journey. Ask your consultant how they prefer to maintain communication after the initial visit, what follow-up services are included, and when you might need another session. Many IBCLCs appreciate receiving photos and videos before and after consultations to understand better your challenges and see what’s already working well. You will work with your consultant to create an individualized care plan that addresses your immediate concerns and anticipates future needs. This dynamic plan will evolve as you and your baby grow and adapt. Regular communication is crucial to ensure the plan works well for you both.

Include Your Support System

Have your partner or a close support person available during the consultation. While many nursing parents manage virtual consults alone—balancing a baby in one hand and a laptop in the other—having an extra pair of hands can be beneficial. A partner can help adjust the camera angle, offer another perspective on how things are going, and learn about baby development and feeding alongside you. Research has shown that supportive partners can significantly increase nursing success. Virtual consultations also allow partners to be fully engaged, which is often impossible during in-person visits due to pandemic restrictions.

Have Your Baby Close and Ready to Feed

For the consultation, try to have your baby nearby and ready to feed if possible. This can be challenging, especially since early feeding schedules can be unpredictable. However, most consultations are scheduled for at least an hour, allowing for some flexibility. If your baby is hungry right at the start of the session, the consultant can assist with feeding immediately. If not, there’s time to talk first and feed later. Consider a brief nursing session or offering a small amount of milk in a bottle if your baby is bottle-fed shortly before the consultation to ensure they are not too hungry or too full when the session begins.

Gather Your Feeding Tools

Before your virtual consultation, gather all the nursing tools and gadgets you have on hand, such as breast pumps. Having these items ready and clean can save time and allow the consultant to guide their use. If you own a scale—whether for infants or in the kitchen—let your consultant know, as this can be useful for assessing your baby’s intake and growth. Lactation consultants are knowledgeable about breastfeeding, pumping, and alternative feeding methods. Knowing the available tools can help them tailor advice to your situation.

Be Comfortable with the Virtual Setting

Consider your comfort level with nursing or having your breasts or chest assessed over a video call. Lactation consultants are mindful of your vulnerability and will respect your personal boundaries. Informed consent is a priority, and consultations are never recorded without your permission, according to professional guidelines and HIPAA regulations. Consultants will always use a secure platform for virtual visits and communications. If you feel more comfortable, have a second device ready so a partner can take photos or videos of new latching techniques or positions that work well for you.

Understanding the Emotional Aspect of Early Parenthood

Take your time during the consultation, and remember that lactation consultants are professionals who understand the emotional challenges of early parenthood. They offer nonjudgmental, evidence-based support and are accustomed to working with crying babies (and parents). They aim to meet you where you are and reinforce the positive aspects of your parenting journey. It may be helpful to jot down any questions beforehand but know that the consultant will also ask questions to provide the best possible care and recommendations.

Embracing the Virtual Experience

Although some consultants initially hesitated about virtual consultations, many have fully embraced the format. Virtual consultations offer a new way to support families effectively, from the early days of a newborn to the introduction of solids and beyond. The shift to virtual care has proven that, even in challenging circumstances, families can receive the support they need to thrive.

Some principles remain unchanged, even in a virtual setting: seek help early, nursing should not be painful, and lactation consultants are here to support your feeding goals, whatever they may be.