Phone Lactation Consultation
Breastfeeding Support From an IBCLC by Phone
Have a breastfeeding question or concern but can’t come into the clinic? A phone lactation consultation with a board-certified International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) can provide personalized breastfeeding support from the comfort of your home.
The Lactation Foundation at UTHealth Houston offers phone consultations for parents who need guidance with common breastfeeding and pumping concerns, have questions after a recent visit, or need help deciding what type of care may be appropriate.
Call 713-500-2800 (option 1) to schedule a phone lactation consultation.
What Can We Help With by Phone?
A phone consultation can be helpful for many common breastfeeding questions and concerns, including:
- Questions about breastfeeding or pumping
- Latch and positioning concerns
- Questions about milk supply
- Pumping and breast milk expression
- Combining breastfeeding and pumping
- Choosing or using a breast pump
- Returning to work while breastfeeding
- Questions about bottle feeding and expressed breast milk
- Breastfeeding after returning home from the hospital
- Questions about breastfeeding a premature or medically complex baby
- General questions about breastfeeding and infant feeding
- Guidance about whether an in-person lactation or medical evaluation may be needed
Our IBCLCs will listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and help you develop practical next steps based on your individual situation.
What to Expect During a Phone Consultation
Your consultation begins with a conversation about you, your baby, and your breastfeeding goals. Your IBCLC may ask about your baby’s feeding patterns, your milk supply, pumping routine, feeding challenges, and anything else that may help us understand your situation.
Together, you can discuss strategies and next steps that fit your family’s needs.
A phone consultation may also help determine whether you would benefit from an in-person lactation consultation or an evaluation through our breastfeeding medicine service.
When a Phone Consultation May Be a Good Option
A phone lactation consultation may be especially useful if:
- You have a question that does not require an in-person examination.
- You need breastfeeding guidance but have difficulty getting to the clinic.
- You have questions about pumping or milk expression.
- You want to talk through a breastfeeding concern before deciding whether you need an in-person appointment.
- You recently received lactation care and have follow-up questions.
- You are looking for professional breastfeeding guidance from an IBCLC without traveling to the clinic.
When You May Need an In-Person Appointment
Some breastfeeding concerns are better evaluated in person. A phone consultation cannot replace a physical examination of you or your baby when one is needed.
An in-person lactation consultation may be more appropriate when you need hands-on assistance with feeding, an assessment of latch and milk transfer, or an evaluation of a breastfeeding problem that cannot be adequately assessed by phone.
If you are experiencing significant pain, signs of infection, persistent problems with milk supply, concerns about your baby’s weight gain, or another medical concern, you may need evaluation through our Breastfeeding Medicine service or another healthcare provider.
If you are unsure what type of appointment you need, our team can help you determine the appropriate next step.
Expert Breastfeeding Support From UTHealth Houston
The Lactation Foundation is part of UTHealth Houston and McGovern Medical School. Our team includes board-certified lactation professionals and healthcare providers with expertise in breastfeeding and human lactation.
Our goal is to provide evidence-based, compassionate support while helping each family find an approach that works for them.
Get Breastfeeding Help by Phone
You don’t have to figure out breastfeeding challenges on your own. A phone consultation with an IBCLC can help you understand what’s happening, explore your options, and determine your next steps.
Call 713-500-2800 (option 1) to schedule a phone lactation consultation.
Looking for an in-person appointment instead? Learn more about our Lactation Consultation service.