Whether you’re expecting a baby with a known medical diagnosis, anticipate complications that may require a NICU stay, or simply want to feel more prepared for your baby’s arrival, a prenatal feeding consultation can help. This session provides guidance on your baby’s feeding journey before birth, helping you feel confident, informed, and empowered from day one.

Struggling with the uncertainty and anxiety that often comes with expecting a newborn? We help with that, too! Through practical support, such as identifying essential feeding supplies, suggesting items for your baby registry, and preparing strategies for both breastfeeding and bottle-feeding, we help you plan ahead and be more prepared. 

Let’s work together to help you reduce stress, feel more in control, and focus on bonding with your baby from the very beginning.

Feel More Prepared with a Prenatal Feeding Consultation

Reducing Anxiety and Building Confidence Before Birth

What Is a Prenatal Feeding Consultation?

A prenatal feeding consultation is a 1-hour session tailored to expecting parents who already know their baby may need extra support after birth, or who want to be extra prepared. This isn’t your typical prenatal class. It’s a specialized service designed to answer your most pressing questions. While designed for high-risk pregnancies or parents whose infants have been diagnosed in utero with conditions that may affect feeding; this service is also great for any expecting caregivers.

Whether your baby is expected to stay in the NICU or may need long-term feeding support, this proactive consultation gives you the tools to navigate what’s ahead. The cost of the session is $150, which includes one-on-one care with a NICU-trained feeding therapist, who is also a Certified Neonatal Therapist. You will receive customized education and follow-up resources to support you after the appointment.

Who a Prenatal Care Consult is For?

- Down syndrome (trisomy 21)
- Edwards’ syndrome (trisomy 18)
- Patau syndrome (trisomy 13)
- Turner syndrome (monosomy x)
- DiGeorge syndrome (22q11 deletion)
- Fragile X syndrome (FSX)
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Williams syndrome
- Micrognathia (Robin Sequence)
- Cleft lip and/or palate

“What an incredible service. When my partner and I found out our baby was going to have Down Syndrome we were shocked and in denial. We were not ready to prepare for this in anyway. A friend recommended Infant Feeding Specialists and I am beyond grateful we reached out to them. The entire team was truly wonderful. When baby came last month we felt so much more ready. And knowing we could continue learning from this team alleviated so much stress. We are all thriving thanks to their education and support! ” 
—Stef O..

What to Expect in Your Prenatal Care Consultation

Each 1-hour prenatal feeding consultation is offered virtually or in-person (depending on location) and includes:

- Compassionate, individualized care from NICU-trained feeding therapists
- A safe space to ask questions, voice fears, and explore options
- A walk-through of what to expect in the delivery room, NICU, and home transition
- Guidance on breastfeeding, pumping, and bottle-feeding tools
- Support for bonding and responsive feeding, even in complex medical scenarios
- Recommendations tailored to your goals and your baby’s specific diagnosis and feeding needs
- A follow-up summary and curated resources for your reference

We meet you with kindness, respect, and expert guidance—wherever you are in your journey.

Each 1-hour prenatal feeding consultation is offered virtually or in-person (depending on location) and includes:

- Compassionate, individualized care from NICU-trained
   feeding therapists
- A safe space to ask questions, voice fears, and explore
   options
- A walk-through of what to expect in the delivery room,
   NICU, and home transition
- Guidance on breastfeeding, pumping, and bottle-feeding
   tools
- Support for bonding and responsive feeding, even in
   complex medical scenarios
- Recommendations tailored to your goals and your baby’s
   specific diagnosis and feeding needs
- A follow-up summary and curated resources for your
   reference

We meet you with kindness, respect, and expert guidance—wherever you are in your journey.

Why Work with Infant Feeding Specialists?

Topics We Commonly Cover

Every consult is personalized, but we often discuss:

- How to prepare for breastfeeding or bottle feeding
- The importance of the Golden Hour and early skin-to-skin care
- What feeding supplies to buy (pumps, bottles, nipples, seats, etc.)
- How to advocate for your feeding goals with your medical team
- Navigating emotions around feeding challenges
- How to support your baby’s feeding skills, overall development, and weight gain
- Planning for pumping and maintaining milk supply
- Understanding feeding milestones and red flags to watch for
- Ways to support your infant’s long term development and quality of life

Every consult is personalized, but we often discuss:

- How to prepare for breastfeeding or bottle feeding
- The importance of the Golden Hour and early skin-to-skin
   care
- What feeding supplies to buy (pumps, bottles, nipples,
   seats, etc.)
- How to advocate for your feeding goals with your medical
   team
- Navigating emotions around feeding challenges
- How to support your baby’s feeding skills, overall
   development, and weight gain
- Planning for pumping and maintaining milk supply
- Understanding feeding milestones and red flags to watch
   for
- Ways to support your infant’s long term development and
   quality of life

We are NICU-trained feeding therapists—speech-language pathologists and occupational therapists - who have earned a specialized designation as Certified Neonatal Therapists. We understand the unique intersection of early human development, neurodevelopmental care, trauma-informed care and medical complexity.

You can count on us to see the whole baby—not just a diagnosis. 

Our approach is rooted in evidence-based, family-centered care, with deep respect for your values, culture, and individual goals. We stay attuned to your emotional needs as a parent and understand how complex and overwhelming this time can feel. Throughout your journey, we’re here to offer ongoing resources, thoughtful referrals, and—when appropriate—collaboration with your medical team to ensure continuity of care and support that truly meets your family where you are.

When you work with Infant Feeding Specialists, you’re not just checking a box—you’re building a trusted relationship with a team that will walk with you every step of the way.

Get the Support You Need Before Baby Arrives

FAQs About Prenatal Feeding Consultations

What if I don’t have a clear prenatal diagnosis yet, but I’m worried?

While this service was designed with prenatal diagnoses in mind, we are available to any family wishing to feel better prepared for the arrival of their infant. Becoming a parent can be overwhelming - let us help you feel confident, informed, and empowered from day one. If your medical team has raised concerns or you’re feeling anxious about feeding for any reason, please reach out. We’re happy to talk and help determine if this session is right for you.

What’s the difference between a prenatal feeding consult and a lactation consult?

A lactation consultant typically supports goals directed towards breastfeeding and milk supply after birth. A prenatal feeding consultation focuses on helping you prepare before delivery for a wider range of goals in a “whole child” approach. We provide information so that all of your infant’s systems can work synergistically : brain development, sleep health, oral feedings, positioning and motor movements, weight gain and parental bonding. Because we recognize that all of these factors have a significant effect on your infant’s comfort and success. 

When should I schedule my prenatal feeding consultation?

We recommend scheduling during the second or early third trimester, as soon as a diagnosis is known or a NICU stay is likely. This gives you plenty of time to ask questions, gather resources, and plan ahead. Some parents prefer to schedule their prenatal consultation before they register for their baby shower to ensure they added items that support their infant’s future feeding and developmental journey. 

Can my partner or support person attend?

Yes, absolutely. This session is designed for anyone involved in the love and care of your infant. The more the merrier. 

How much does a prenatal feeding consultation cost?

At Infant Feeding Specialists, a 1-hour prenatal feeding consultation is $150. This includes individualized care from a NICU-trained feeding therapist, a personalized care plan, and follow-up resources tailored to your baby's needs. We can also provide a superbill upon request for possible out-of-network insurance reimbursement.

Is this covered by insurance?

Some insurance plans may reimburse for prenatal consultations depending on medical necessity. We’re happy to provide a superbill for you to submit for possible out-of-network benefits.

Not sure if you have coverage? Use Reimbursify to find out if you have coverage for our services.

Do you offer ongoing support after birth?

Yes. We offer postnatal feeding support, virtual check-ins, and follow-up care as your baby grows. Many families continue with us after birth for continuity of care.

- Congenital diaphragmatic hernia
- Gastroschisis
- Omphalocele
- Congenital heart defects
- Risk of Premature Birth
- Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR)
- Neurological conditions
- Chromosomal or genetic syndromes
- Possible NICU admission for any reason

**this is not an inclusive list.

This service is great for any expecting parent, but is ideal for parents expecting a baby with:

If you’ve already met with a maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) specialist or your OB has discussed feeding or breathing challenges post-birth, this session is for you.

Ready to feel more prepared? This is one of the most valuable things you can do now to support your baby’s feeding journey later.