• Health History Review: The CLC will review the medical history of both mother and baby, discussing the birth experience, feeding history, and any current concerns.
• Observation of a Feeding: The counselor will watch a full feeding to assess the baby’s suck, swallow, and breathing, as well as the mother’s milk supply and nipple comfort.
• Physical Assessment: This may include assessing the mother's breasts for tenderness or engorgement, and examining the baby's mouth and weight.
• Hands-on Coaching: CLCs provide guidance on comfortable positioning (such as cradle, cross-cradle, or football hold) and assist with achieving a deep, comfortable latch.
• Weight Check: The baby may be weighed before and after feeding (a weighted feed) to determine how much milk they transferred.
• Individualized Care Plan: The CLC will create an actionable plan to resolve issues such as pain, latch difficulties, or milk supply concerns, and will offer education on identifying hunger cues.
• Goal Setting & Support: The session focuses on building the parent's confidence, providing emotional support, and addressing any questions about breastfeeding, pumping, or supplementing. 

The CLC will document the consultation in accordance with ALPP standards, which may include sharing findings with the pediatrician or midwife, and scheduling a follow-up visit to evaluate progress. 

• Clinical Assessment:
• Evaluating milk transfer using evidence-based tools.
• Checking breast and nipple health, specifically addressing pain or soreness.
• Performing infant weight checks (pre- and post-feed if necessary) to ensure adequate growth.
• Reevaluation of the Care Plan:
• Assessing what suggestions from the initial visit worked and which did not.
• Updating the evidence-based care plan to match current needs as the baby grows (e.g., transitioning from latch issues to long-term pumping or milk supply management).
• Counseling & Education:
• Addressing the parent's concerns with evidence-based information.
• Providing guidance on breast milk collection strategies (hand expression or commercial pump use) if needed.
• Reviewing supplementation if applicable, including reasons and delivery methods.
• Care Coordination:
• Screening for behavioral, social, or cultural conditions that may affect breastfeeding success.

Providing referrals to other healthcare providers for medical diagnosis or specialized treatment (e.g., dentists for ties or physical therapists for bodywork).