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 Consultants) repertoire for years before the current health crisis. Recently many IBCLCs 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?
Thorough history of parent/baby/ feeding history
Address current concerns
Visual exam of breasts/baby
Observe a feeding/latch/position/pumping/Flange Fit
Comprehensive Education
Create a Breastfeeding/Lactation Care Plan with your input with written recommendations
Provide multiple resources targeted to your needs (articles/videos/pictures)
Collaborate with your healthcare provider(s)
Provide continuing follow-up per agreement
What is different in a Telehealth Lactation Consultation?
I may ask you to video part of a feeding/pumping and send it to me via a secure portal
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.
I can’t examine your baby or their oral structures
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 in my practice)
IBCLCs 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 me online!
~Cathy Walker, MA, RN, IBCLC
Registered Nurse and Lactation Consultant
{ Telehealth Lactation Consultation }
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