Frequently Asked Questions

 

We hope to provide you with detailed information here, but you can always call with any questions.

 

What happens during a lactation consultation?

• Intake forms will give the lactation consultant some information on you and your baby. Please fill it out as accurately as you can and return it to us before your visit.

• You will be meeting with the lactation consultant for about 90 minutes during your first visit together.

• Follow up visits are about 60 minutes.

• During your visit, the lactation consultant will be checking intake weights to assess how much your baby transfers at the breast. He or she will be weighed repeatedly in just a diaper, so please do not dress baby in anything complicated or difficult to get on and off.

• Since you will be breastfeeding, please wear something that allows baby access to breasts.

• During a consultation, your lactation consultant will perform a breast assessment, weigh your baby, assess the baby, and observe you breastfeed. After the consultation, the lactation consultation will give you a care plan, and send a report to your physician and baby's doctor for their records.

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Preparing for your home visit

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We do ask that if you have any dogs, that you kindly have them in another room for our consultation together. We love dogs, but they can behave unexpectedly with a new baby in the home and a stranger coming to visit.

 

 

Why do I need the help of a lactation consultant?

There are many reasons a mother may need the help of a lactation consultant.

 

• If breastfeeding hurts

• If you left the hospital with a pump or are supplementing with formula

• If you would like to breastfeeding without birthing

• If you need help with positioning and latch

• If you need help increasing your milk supply

• If feedings take "forever"

• If you received lots of conflicting advice

• If your baby is gaining weight slowly or has had weight loss

• Baby's who are fussy during feedings or very sleepy

• Baby's who have Jaundice

• If your breasts are engorged

• If you think or have been told your baby has thrush

• If you have flat or inverted nipples

• If you are experiencing breast pain, plugged ducts or mastitis

• If your baby was premature

• Returning to work, using breast pumps and bottles

• Breastfeeding after breast surgery, augmentation or reduction

• Breastfeeding multiples

• Breastfeeding your newborn and toddler

• If you are interested in re-lactating or inducing lactation

• Medication or herbal safety with lactation

• Milk banking

• Breastfeeding equipment and supplies management, such as pumps and nipple shields

• If you think or have been told that your baby has a tongue-tie, cleft lip or cleft palate

• If you think you have an over abundance of breastmilk

• Prenatal consultation to help get breastfeeding off to a good start and discuss concerns

• Any other breastfeeding challenge or concern

 

When is the best time to meet with a lactation consultant?

Prenatally is ideal. This allows time for the lactation consultant to help you identify any barriers to breastfeeding. Don’t wait! If you think you need help, chances are you probably do. Waiting too long can exaggerate your symptoms and create bigger problems. It is easier to step in and help when the problem is small.

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How much will it cost for a home visit?

Good question. We are currently in-network with Aetna, Coventry, UMR, and United Health Care. If you have any of these for your insurance coverage, then ideally, they will cover your lactation consultation. There may be a copay and associated with your plan, and we will not know if there is or how much your copay charge will be until we submit the claim and they process it. This can take several months and even up to a year or more. Typically, it is about 2-3 months for us to have an answer. There may also be a travel fee associated with your consultation depending on where your live.

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If you do not have any of the above listed health insurance, then we would be considered out-of-network. This means, you would be expected to pay for your lactation visit at the time of the visit. How much the visit costs depends on a variety of things, such as your location, the complexity of the visit and how many clients we are serving. Do you have multiples? This is adding another client to the visit, therefore more complexity, and therefore a higher fee associated. The best way to find out how much the visit fee is will be to email us directly and ask.

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If you do not have insurance or have medicaid, then we would be happy to help you, however medicaid does not cover a home visit. If you have medicaid, then you may want to go to your local health department as they are equipped to serve you there.

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Can you see me at your office?

Currently, we are only offering home visits.

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How do I know if I need a medical/hospital-grade pump rental?

There are many different kinds of pumps available and it can be overwhelming. We only offer medical-grade pumps for rental. These types of pumps are designed to help a mother establish or build her milk supply. They are double electric and the best breast pump to help establish a good milk supply during the first 6 weeks postpartum.

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What is an IBCLC?

An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) is a health care professional who specializes in the clinical management of breastfeeding. There is no higher standard than the IBCLC for breastfeeding care. IBCLCs have the essential credential for lactation support; they empower mothers and save babies' lives.

 

 

What is the difference between a lactation educator and a lactation consultant.

Knowing who you are working with is important. The scope of practice is different for these professions. Simply put, if you are not getting the help you need, seek out another provider who may have the skills necessary to facilitate success on your breastfeeding journey. Be wary of individuals who advertise themselves as having a certain credential, and it not able to produce the proof. Check out ILCA for a listing of IBCLCs. Only an IBCLC has the ability to perform an assessment of baby’s mouth or mother’s breasts to identify potential problems with breastfeeding. Only an IBCLC has the ability to help manage a mother’s milk supply, or help her choose the right breastfeeding equipment necessary to help her on her journey.

 

"Lactation Consultant": What Does That mean?

 

The Landscape of Breastfeeding Support

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Are Lactation Consultants Pricey?

 

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Click here for  Payment Policies

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Click here for Class Policies

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