Busy Moms Breastfeed!
Kathy Abbott, IBCLC
Certified Lactation Consultant
kathyabbott@BusyMomsBreastfeed.com
  978-648-4186

Home Visits:
Why A Home Visit?
  • Mothers tend to be more relaxed and open to learning when they are in their own home.  
  • We're on 'baby time!'  There is no need to disrupt a baby's normal routine.
  • In the newborn period getting out of the house with a new baby is not only a lot of work, it can actually cause a mother to delay or even miss a feeding. 
  • Home visits are less stressful.  Unlike during an office visit, there is no pressure to 'perform' at an appointed time.  
  • Seeing a mother in her home provides a truer picture of all the issues affecting the breastfeeding relationship.
  • Home visits give insight into a mother's lifestyle which makes it easier to find the breastfeeding strategies which will work best for her. 
  • Being in the home also makes it easier to assess issues such as safe sleep arrangements, or a need for additional support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my insurance cover this?
What happens during a home visit?
Do you charge by the hour? 
Why are your visits so long?
Should my partner join us?
We need help right now!  Can you come today?

Can I hire you before the baby comes?
How far will you travel?
Can you visit me while I'm still in the hospital?
What is "Baby Led Latch?" 

I can't do this.  Should I give my baby formula?
Should I wait for you to arrive before I nurse?
I have a feeding diary.  Do you want to see it?
Can I get a gift certificate for a home visit?



Will my insurance cover this? 


It depends on your insurance company; not all insurance companies cover lactation support but you won't know for sure until you ask. Payments (cash or check)  must be made directly at the time of the visit.

What happens during a home visit?  

We'll go over your medical history and birth story in order to rule out any circumstances that might be causing your difficulty.  We'll take a look at a normal feeding in order to assess problems and suggest changes.  I often show a few short educational DVDs.  Together we'll come up with a plan to improve both your comfort level and confidence.
 
 

Do you charge by the hour?  

No, we're on "baby time;" I charge by the visit.  Please call or email to inquire about current rates.

Why are your visits so long? 
My visits are anywhere from 3 to 5 hours.  This gives me plenty of time to see more than one feeding and it gives the mother more opportunities to improve her technique.   

Should my partner join us? 

Absolutely!  The more we include your partner the more he will be able to support you.  After all your partner is the one you are going to turn to for help at 3 a.m., the more he knows the better!

We need help right now!  Can you come today? 

Maybe; it all depends on how flexible my schedule is at the moment.  I sometimes do night visits as well. 

Can I hire you before the baby comes? 
There is a non-refundable deposit fee (which can be applied towards your visit) if you want to ensure that I'm available.  You can always check with me ahead of time to find out how busy my schedule is around your due date.

How far will you travel? 

I've traveled as far north as New Hampshire and as far west as Worcester.  Depending on the distance, I may charge a travel fee.
  

Can you visit me while I'm still in the hospital? 
Yes, if you feel you need extra support right away, I'm happy to visit you in the hospital.  

What is "Baby Led Latch"? 

"Baby Led Latch" is a form of biological nurturing.  As mammals, we are designed to breastfeed.  Believe it or not, human babies, like all mammals, are capable of finding the breast on their own.  When they find the breast on their own, they tend to latch on in a way that is comfortable for both themselves and the mother.  (Babies also put themselves in a position that allows the mother to easily have one hand free!)  Seeing her baby latch on comfortably with only minimal assistance from her helps a mother to relax and to trust her instincts.     

I can't do this.  Should I give my baby formula? 
Each case is different.  If you have enough expressed breast milk, there may be no need for formula.  That said, the first rule for every Lactation Consultant is to "Feed the Baby."  The goal is always a thriving baby.  


Should I wait for you to arrive before I nurse?   

No, please feed your baby whenever you see signs of hunger.  We will have plenty of time during the visit to see another feeding.

I have a feeding diary.  Do you want to see it? 
Not really.  I'm more interested in looking at the baby's last diaper.  We'll go over feeding cues so you can learn when your baby is hungry by looking at the baby and not the clock.  

Can I get a gift certificate for a home visit? 
Of course!  A gift certificate makes a wonderful shower gift and is also appreciated by any second-time mother who struggled with breastfeeding the first time around.  Simply call or email me and I'll set you up with a certificate for a private prenatal breastfeeding class or a home visit.

 

TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT:

Call:  978-648-4186

or email

KathyAbbott@BusyMomsBreastfeed.com

Postnatal Home Visits
Includes a physical assessment of both mother and baby, observation of a normal feeding, instruction on "Baby Led Latch," formulation of a care plan, and follow up by phone, text or email.
An average visit lasts at least 3 hours - we're on baby time!




"I am so thankful for the help you gave us -- it made the world of difference. Your name comes up around here every so often when we talk about how well the breastfeeding is going and how I learned to build confidence in it and relax more. Thank you again. I really won't ever be able to thank you enough. You were exactly what we needed at that point in our lives. We were very nervous having a newborn, and you really helped calm us down and give us confidence."
Meghan

 

Prenatal In Home Consult

Better to avoid difficulties in the first place than have to overcome them later!



Includes one-on-one breastfeeding instruction, an assessment of your medical history, personalized instruction on "Baby Led Latch," an evaluation of safe sleep arangements, and advice on avoiding common breastfeeding difficulties, as well as answers to questions concerning your unique situation. 

An average prenatal consult lasts 2 hours.

Who benefits from Prenatal Consults?

  • Mothers with fertility issues.
  • Mothers who failed to meet their breastfeeding goals with their previous babies.
  • Mothers on bed rest.
  • Mothers with disabilities or other special circumstances.
  • Parents whose schedules won't accomodate a breastfeeding class.

 


TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT:

KathyAbbott@BusyMomsBreastfeed.com 

OR CALL
 


978-648-4186 




 

 

 

 

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