The Benefits of Telehealth Lactation Support
Over the years that I’ve worked as a lactation consultant, I've had the privilege of supporting families through both in-person and virtual lactation visits. And while there's certainly something invaluable about that face-to-face interaction, I've come to deeply appreciate the power of telehealth as well.
When my first son was born in 2016, I experienced firsthand the challenges that can arise in those early days of breastfeeding. After a rocky start that included a NICU stay, I found myself feeling isolated, overwhelmed, and unsure of where to turn. I longed for the kind of personalized, hands-on support that an in-person lactation consultant could provide.
But what if that kind of support wasn't readily available? What if you needed help sooner than you could coordinate your schedule for an office or home visit? What if you lived in a remote area, had limited transportation, or simply couldn't step away from your newborn for an extended period of time? That's where telehealth can be an absolute game-changer.
Since founding IMMA, I've had the honor of connecting with families beyond office walls through our virtual lactation services. And time and time again, I've seen the profound impact that these remote sessions can have.
Here are just a few of the key benefits:
Convenience and accessibility. Let's face it - those first few weeks and months of parenthood are a whirlwind. Between recovering from childbirth, caring for a newborn, and adjusting to your new normal, the last thing you need is the added stress of coordinating an in-person lactation appointment. Telehealth allows you to access expert support from the comfort of your own home, on your own schedule. No more packing up the baby, fighting traffic, or trying to find childcare. You can simply log on, get the guidance you need, and get back to bonding with your little one.
Care in the palm of your hand. The convenience and accessibility isn’t limited to those with a laptop computer or tablet. It’s as simple as booking straight from your phone, receiving a link, and tapping to join from that same device. In the same way you might be FaceTiming with long-distance loved ones to share your little one’s first moments, we’ll be on the screen to guide your sessions.
Personalized, compassionate care. Just because an appointment is virtual doesn't mean it has to feel impersonal. At IMMA, we pride ourselves on providing the same level of warmth, empathy, and individualized attention that you'd receive in an in-person visit. Your lactation consultant will take the time to get to know you, understand your unique circumstances, and tailor their approach accordingly. We're here to be your cheerleaders, your confidants, and your partners in this incredible journey.
Ongoing support. Breastfeeding and chestfeeding challenges don't always neatly fit into a single, one-off appointment. We encourage our telehealth clients to schedule regular check-ins, whether that's weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. This allows us to monitor your progress, soothe any issues that arise, and provide the continuous care and encouragement you need to reach your feeding goals without the difficulty and time commitment of multiple in-office visits
Allied healthcare professionals. Even if you do have access to in-person lactation support during your hospital visit, telehealth can be a valuable complement to that care. Working with one of our International Board Certified LCs beyond your hospital visit can align with care from your pediatrician, OB/GYN, doula, or other healthcare providers. Of all these professionals, we’re the only ones that care for both parent and child together. Plus, virtual visits also make it simple to include your partner or other family members, keeping everyone informed and involved.
At the end of the day, our mission is to empower you with the knowledge, tools, and emotional support you need to nourish your little ones in the way that feels right for you. Whether that looks like an in-person consultation or a telehealth session, we’re here to walk alongside you every step of the way.
So if you're an expecting or new parent, I encourage you to explore the benefits of virtual lactation services with any of our experienced team members. It just might be the lifeline you need to navigate those early days with more confidence, less stress, and a whole lot of love.