What to Expect at Your First Lactation Appointment in Tempe, AZ

If you've never seen a lactation consultant before, it can feel a little uncertain what will we actually do? Will I have to breastfeed in front of someone? What if my baby doesn't cooperate?

Let me walk you through exactly what to expect so you can come in feeling prepared and confident.

Before You Arrive

A few things to bring:

• Your baby (if available)

• A bottle if you're currently supplementing & supplemental milk

• Your breast pump and all parts if you're pumping — I'll assess your setup and flange fit on the spot

The First 90 Minutes

Your first visit is typically 90 minutes, and we use every bit of that time. Here's how it flows:

We start with a thorough history — your birth experience, feeding history, any challenges you've been having, and your goals. There are no wrong answers here. Whether you want to exclusively breastfeed, exclusively pump, combo feed, or just figure out what's going on, this is a judgment-free zone.

From there I'll assess both you and baby. I look at latch, positioning, breast health, pump setup, and more (just depends on YOUR goals) . If baby is willing, we may do a weighted feed — weighing baby before and after nursing to see exactly how much milk they're transferring. (Very cool data!) Additionally I will do an oral assessment on baby to see how baby is latching, asses tongue function and oral skills. Many of my clients are recommended small stretches or exercises to help baby with coordination and tension as needed.

We'll wrap up with a personalized feeding plan that fits your life, not a one-size-fits-all approach. This is where we really see what’s working, what’s not and dive deep into helping you set an actionable feeding plan.

A Note on Feeding Your Baby During the Visit

Don't stress about timing the appointment perfectly around feeds. Babies are unpredictable and that's totally okay — we can work with whatever baby brings us that day.

What About My Nutrition?

Because I'm also a Registered Dietitian, I can also address any nutrition questions during your visit — postpartum recovery, milk supply support, food sensitivities in baby through breastmilk, and more. You don't need a separate appointment for that. I often get asked: “Is ______ in my diet causing the baby to be gassy?!” These questions are always welcomed and we can discuss this!

What If My Baby Is Exclusively Bottle Fed?

Bottle feeding — whether with breast milk, formula, or both — is absolutely welcome here. You don't need to be breastfeeding to benefit from a lactation appointment.

If you're exclusively pumping, I can help you build an efficient pumping schedule, optimize your output, and make sure your equipment is actually working for your body. If you're formula feeding, I can help you navigate the overwhelming world of formula options and find the right fit for your baby. And if you're combo feeding — mixing breast milk and formula in whatever ratio works for your family — I can help you do that confidently and without guilt.

I can also help with bottle selection, paced bottle feeding techniques, and troubleshooting common bottle feeding challenges like gas, reflux, overfeeding, or bottle refusal. There is no single "right" bottle, and there is no single "right" milk — my job is to help you find what works for your baby and your life.

Whatever is in that bottle, I'm here for it.

Ready to get started?Book your first appointment here or check your insurance coverage first.