When Is the Right Time for a Prenatal Lactation Visit?

Written By Jessica Anderson, IBCLC, CLC

One of the most common questions I get is:
“When should I schedule a prenatal lactation session?”

The short answer? Whenever you want.
Truly—there’s no such thing as too soon when it comes to planning for feeding your baby.

Let’s Bust the Myth of the “Perfect Time”

Most clients schedule their first prenatal lactation session between 28 and 32 weeks. That’s often the sweet spot because:

  • Pregnancy complications have typically declared themselves by then

  • You’re forming a clearer picture of your birth plan

  • There’s still time to create a solid strategy before baby arrives

That said, earlier is absolutely okay too. I've worked with people still in the trying to conceive stage who had questions about breastfeeding feasibility based on their medical history or past experiences. I’ve had folks reach out immediately after a positive pregnancy test—and yes, I’ve taken those appointments. When it matters to you, it matters to me.

There is no milestone you must reach before it’s “appropriate” to get lactation support. If you’re thinking about feeding your baby, you’re already at the right time.

A Special Note on Prenatal Flange Sizing

The one exception to the “anytime is fine” rule is prenatal flange sizing, which is the most time-restricted service we offer.

We typically need to wait until 34–36 weeks gestation for the most accurate flange sizing recommendations, since breast and nipple anatomy continues to shift during pregnancy. This window gives us the closest possible match to your postpartum anatomy. In certain high-risk or complex cases, we may be able to assess earlier, but that’s determined on a case-by-case basis.

Genuine Lactation is one of the few lactation practices that offers prenatal flange sizing as a stand-alone service—and it’s automatically included with all of our prenatal appointments, no matter when you book.
If you're a client of mine, I will personally make sure you're set up for success with your flanges from day one.

If pumping or combo feeding is part of your plan, this is a step you don’t want to skip.

Read more here:
https://www.genuinelactation.com/blog-for-breastfeeding-families/the-411-on-prenatal-flange-sizing

Everyone’s Timeline Is Different

Some people want to think through feeding goals the second they see two pink lines. Others don’t even begin considering it until they’re putting finishing touches on the nursery—or trying to survive first-trimester nausea.

There’s no wrong way to approach it.

As a parent myself, I can tell you: every time I’ve found out I’m expecting again, one of my first thoughts is how am I going to feed this baby? I replay what went well before, what didn’t, and how I want to do things differently this time. That’s the mental space where many of my clients find themselves too.

Don’t Let Insurance Be the Gatekeeper

While many insurance plans do cover lactation visits, the rules are vague and wildly inconsistent. Some plans restrict prenatal visits until the third trimester, and others route you to “in-network providers” who may have no specific lactation training at all.

To protect yourself:

  1. Call your insurance company early in pregnancy.

  2. Ask: What lactation visits are covered? When? With whom?

  3. Be wary of bundled “free” classes from pump suppliers like Aeroflow. These are often billed to your insurance and may use up your benefits before you see a real IBCLC.

More on this here:
https://www.genuinelactation.com/blog-for-breastfeeding-families/yes-you-need-a-prenatal-breastfeeding-consult

If your insurance doesn’t offer adequate support, don’t give up. Most lactation consultants offer affordable self-pay options—often similar to what you'd pay with insurance but without the hoops or delays. This is a smart expense to budget for just like a crib or car seat.

How Many Visits Should You Plan For?

On average, most families benefit from about three key visits:

  1. Prenatal – to prepare, plan, and get confident

  2. Early postpartum (within the first 2 weeks) – to troubleshoot latch, supply, or positioning

  3. Follow-up (around 6–12 weeks) – to assess long-term supply, baby’s weight gain, and transitions

More visits may be needed if challenges arise. That’s normal. Some babies are simply more complex to feed. But starting with a plan—and support—makes all the difference.

Bottom Line: No Time Is Too Soon

You do not need permission. You do not need to hit a particular week of pregnancy. If you’re curious, overwhelmed, or just want answers—reach out.

We are always here to support you, wherever you are in your journey.

💡 Related Resources and Links (Plain Text):

Jessica Anderson, IBCLC, CLC https://www.genuinelactation.com
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