I generally run the same - 1.5 - 3 hours.  

My 3 hour appts have been for really significant issues - dehydration, referral to the ER, etc... a 3rd time mom with "lactation failure" with her first 2 - I knew if I didn't spend the time with her, she would give up, so I did and she is happily nursing now.  Occassionally I get the super high-needs mom or the one who had a very tough/traumatic/disappointing birth and I spend a good amount of time being her therapist so she can move past it and start breastfeeding.

Generally, I tell all Moms the appointment will run about 2 hours so they know what to expect.  Most of them are stunned - they expect maybe 30 min like they'll get in the hospital.  But I find not only are we doing a history, discussing breastfeeding and working with the latch, in the case of first time moms, I'm often the person who fields tons of general questions - so I end up going over a lot of more general baby-care/trust your instincts type stuff too.

How long have you been in private practice?  I took my exam last year.  I'm hoping that my appts will start to shorten up a bit with the more experience I get.

Have a great day!
Jillian Malan, LLLL, IBCLC
Michigan

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