Your baby's been crying for an hour, and you're pretty sure breastfeeding isn't supposed to hurt this much. You're worried, and the thought of packing up your newborn for a clinic visit tomorrow feels too much right now.
What if you could get expert help without leaving your couch? That's exactly what online lactation consultants offer. Here's how they can help you get through breastfeeding challenges from home.
What is an online lactation consultant?
An online lactation consultant is a trained breastfeeding specialist who’s there to support you through video calls or virtual platforms. They hold the International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) credential, which is considered the gold standard in lactation care.
Unlike doctors or nurses whose training covers a wide range of health issues, IBCLCs specialise specifically in breastfeeding and lactation. They’re not just mums sharing personal experience. They’ve completed extensive education, clinical hours, and exams to earn their certification.
For many parents, this option is especially convenient during the exhausting early days after birth, offering expert support from the comfort of home, when you need it most.
Why choose online lactation support?
Let’s be honest: when you’re in those early weeks with a newborn, the thought of packing up a bag and driving across town for an appointment can feel overwhelming. You may want to give up, especially when you’re dealing with breastfeeding pain or your baby keeps crying without reason.
That’s where online lactation consultation can help. Here’s why it may be exactly what you need:
Convenience and comfort:
You’re getting help in your own house and can even breastfeed your baby during the call.
Your consultant can see your nursing setup at home and suggest adjustments based on your real environment.
Immediate access to expertise:
When something’s not working, you may need answers right away. Online consultations often have shorter wait times than in-person clinics.
Some services offer appointments on the same day or the next, sometimes even within hours. That speed matters when there’s a difficult feeding session.
Personalised one-on-one care:
Your lactation consultant will only focus on you and your baby during that session.
They’ll take time to understand your specific concerns, then tailor advice that suits your unique situation.
Cost-effective option:
Virtual consultations usually cost less than home visits or in-person appointments. You’re also saving money on transportation – no petrol costs, parking fees, or taxi fares with an infant car seat.
Online options make expert help more reachable when you need it most. It removes all the extra pressures that may come with a face-to-face appointment.
You no longer have to rush to get out the door or be anxious about feeding in public. Instead, you can stay in your own space and get the professional support that works for you and your baby.
Common issues online lactation consultants can help with
If breastfeeding isn’t going as smoothly as you expect, it’s easy to feel frustrated. Take a deep breath. The truth is breastfeeding challenges are common, and struggling doesn’t make you a bad mother.
Common issues that online lactation consultants can help you with include:
Latching difficulties and positioning:
Your consultant will suggest positions to reduce nipple pain and help your baby latch more comfortably. Sometimes, just a small change in how you hold your baby can make all the difference.
Milk supply concerns:
If you’re worried about low supply or dealing with oversupply, your consultant can help you understand what’s actually happening. Many mothers have concerns about not making enough when there isn't actually a supply problem.
Pumping support:
Your consultant can walk you through the process from choosing the right pump to building a pumping schedule. This is especially helpful when you return to work.
Painful breastfeeding:
If you wonder whether your sore nipples, engorgement, or discomfort during feeds can be addressed through online consultation, the answer is yes.
Your consultation will help figure out the cause and suggest solutions that work for both you and your baby.
Breast refusal:
It can be stressful when your baby suddenly refuses to nurse. Your lactation consultants can help explore possible reasons and suggest strategies to encourage feeding.
Weaning support:
When you’re ready to transition away from breastfeeding, your consultant can guide you through gradual and comfortable weaning.
Tongue-tie concerns:
If you’re dealing with severe cases, you may need an in-person assessment. Still, your consultant can spot signs of tongue-tie or lip-tie and advise you on what to do next.
Some situations may need hands-on evaluation, such as pain that isn’t getting better, infections, or when your baby doesn’t gain weight appropriately. Here’s the thing: your consultant won’t leave you wondering or worrying. If they find out something that needs in-person care, they’ll let you know and help you reach out to the right support.
If you're struggling with painful feeding or other breastfeeding issues, schedule an appointment with Thomson ParentCraft Centre. Our specialists will assess your situation, answer your questions, and guide you toward a comfortable, successful breastfeeding journey.
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What to expect during an online consultation
You may feel a bit nervous about your first online consultation and wonder what you need to prepare.
The truth is, there’s nothing to worry about. This isn’t an awkward, clinical, or judgemental experience. Your lactation consultant creates a warm, supportive space where you can talk openly about what’s going on, ask questions and get practical help.
Here’s how the session flows:
The Q&A
Your consultant will ask questions to understand your unique situation to have a clear picture of what’s going on. These may include:
How often does your baby feed?
How long do sessions last?
What does a painful latch feel like for you – sharp, burning, or aching?
When did you first notice the problem?
How's your baby's weight gain been?
Every answer gives them a clear picture of what’s really going on.
The observation
In this part, they will ask you to position your baby and start a feeding while they observe closely. They will then take note of:
Your baby's mouth position and how wide they open
How their body aligns with yours
Your baby's sucking patterns and swallowing
How your breast looks during and after feeding
They can recognise issues that you may not realise. Sometimes, it’s a small detail that’s causing your discomfort.
Coaching
Based on what they see, they’ll suggest adjustments. It can be new breastfeeding positions or angles or approaches to support your breast or address your sore nipples.
You and your consultant will work together to make changes and watch the results. This allows you to find what’s most effective for you and your baby.
Follow-up plan
After the consultation, your consultant will send you a written summary, so you don’t have to try to remember every detail.
It’s also helpful whenever you need a reminder to refer back. If your partner missed the session, they can also use it to know what’s in the plan.
The video call usually lasts 45 to 90 minutes. By the end of your consultation, you’ll have clarity on what's causing your struggles and actionable steps to move forward.
That said, if the strategy doesn’t work as you expect, don’t hesitate to reach out to them. Your consultant already knows your history, so they can suggest better approaches or help you address new challenges much quicker. Remember, you don’t have to figure everything out on your own after one call.
Is online lactation support right for you?
Many breastfeeding challenges can benefit from online lactation consultants. This option is a good idea if you need a flexible schedule, live far from lactation clinics or prefer getting support in your own space.
If you feel uncomfortable with in-person home visits or want to save costs, online support can be a great alternative.
However, there are some situations when you may need hands-on assessment, such as:
You’re experiencing severe pain that is getting worse
Your baby is not gaining weight appropriately
You have signs of infection, such as fever or red, hot, or painful areas on your breast
If you notice any of these, it may be time to have an in-person medical evaluation. Your doctor will need to examine you carefully to have an accurate diagnosis.
Choosing online lactation support doesn’t mean you have to commit to it long-term. Instead, you can start with online support and move to in-person care if needed. Or you can use online consultations for follow-up after your first in-person visit. The goal is to find the combination of care that works best for you and your baby.
If you need expert guidance on your motherhood journey, schedule an appointment with Thomson ParentCraft Centre. Our specialists will support you through every breastfeeding challenge with personalised care that fits you and your baby's needs.
FAQ
Is online lactation consulting as effective as in-person visits?
For common breastfeeding challenges, yes. Virtual lactation support can be just as effective as in-person consultations for issues like positioning, latch problems, milk supply concerns, and pumping questions. The key is having a skilled consultant who knows how to assess and guide through video.
What credentials should an online lactation consultant have?
Look for the International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) credential. This certification requires extensive education, supervised clinical experience, and passing a rigorous exam. IBCLCs must recertify regularly to maintain their credential so they can stay current with evidence-based practices.
What technology do I need for a virtual lactation session?
A smartphone, tablet, or computer with a camera and internet connection is enough. It’s also important to make sure your internet connection is stable enough for video calling. You can test your camera beforehand to confirm your consultant can see you clearly.
Can a lactation consultant help with latch issues through video?
Yes. Latch problems are one of the most common issues that can be addressed through online consultations. Your consultant can observe how your baby approaches your breast, how their mouth opens, where their lips are positioned, and how their body aligns with yours through video. Based on the observation, they will suggest the right solution for you.
How long is a typical online lactation consultation?
Most initial consultations run 45 to 90 minutes. This gives enough time for your consultant to understand your history, observe a full feeding, provide guidance, answer your questions, and discuss a plan moving forward.
Follow-up sessions are often shorter – maybe 30 to 45 minutes.
How soon can I get an appointment with an online lactation consultant?
This varies by service, but online consultations usually offer faster availability than in-person clinics. Many services can schedule you within 24 to 48 hours. Some offer same-day appointments if you're facing urgent challenges.
The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations based on your medical conditions, request an appointment with Thomson Medical.