What Happens in a Prenatal IBCLC Visit—and Why It Can Change Everything
If you're expecting a baby and hoping to breastfeed, you’ve probably read at least one blog post or been told, "Breastfeeding is natural—you’ll figure it out." While there’s truth in that, here’s what often gets left out: just because something is natural doesn’t mean it’s always easy.
That’s where a prenatal IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) visit can make all the difference. Think of it as a breastfeeding roadmap tailored just for you—so when your baby arrives, you’re not navigating it all on your own.
What Happens During a Prenatal Lactation Consult?
This isn’t a generic class. A prenatal IBCLC visit is a one-on-one session where we focus on you, your body, your birth plan, and your unique goals. We’ll go over what breastfeeding actually looks like in the early days—because spoiler: it’s a lot more than just “baby to boob.”
We’ll talk about:
– How to get the best start immediately after birth
– What to expect with latching, milk supply, and feeding frequency
– How to spot what’s normal (and what’s not) in those first 72 hours
– Common challenges and how to handle them
– How your birth experience can impact feeding
– What tools (like hand expression or passive milk collectors) can be helpful
We’ll also do a breast assessment and talk about your specific anatomy—nipple shape, previous surgeries or trauma, or anything that might make feeding easier or harder.
And if you have a history of low supply, PCOS, breast surgery, or a rough feeding journey with a previous baby, this is where we build your custom plan.
It’s Like Feeding Insurance—Before the Feeding Even Starts
So much happens in the first week postpartum. You’re recovering, learning your baby, navigating hormone swings—and trying to figure out how to feed a newborn around the clock. Having already met with an IBCLC before birth means you won’t have to start from scratch when something feels hard.
You’ll know what to do if baby’s sleepy and not latching.
You’ll know how to hand express colostrum.
You’ll already have your pump figured out (and maybe even a few flange sizes ready).
You’ll have me—on speed dial—ready to walk you through it all.
This is about more than preparation. It’s about confidence. It’s about knowing you already have support lined up before the questions and doubts start rolling in at 2 a.m.
And It Doesn’t End There
One of the best things about a prenatal visit with an IBCLC is the relationship you begin to build. If you need help later, I already know your story. I know your birth plan, your pumping goals, your feeding fears—and I can jump in to help without needing to start from zero.
Plus, we’ll talk about what to expect beyond the first week:
– What’s normal supply?
– How do you know baby is getting enough?
– When should you introduce a bottle (or not)?
– How to prepare for work, pumping, or feeding on the go
Let’s Get You Set Up Before Baby Arrives
If you’re planning to breastfeed (or even just thinking about it), a prenatal IBCLC consult gives you the knowledge, tools, and support system to make that plan feel doable.
💛 Ready to get prepared? Let’s meet before baby arrives and create a feeding plan that feels calm, informed, and personal.
👉 Click here to book your prenatal consult
Breastfeeding might be natural—but it doesn’t have to feel uncertain. Let’s make sure you feel ready, supported, and confident from day one.