Short answer….yes! We are in-network with Aetna, and work with billing companies to accept (Cigna, most Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Anthem, VA OptumEast, VA CCN, Premera, Regence, United Healthcare, UMR, Oxford as well as most plans that utilize MultiPlan and PNOA, First Health, and Unity Preferred Network). We also accept HSA and FSA funds. VERIFY AT THIS LINK IF YOU HAVE: Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Anthem, VA OptumEast, VA CCN, Premera, Regence, United Healthcare, UMR, Oxford as well as most plans that utilize MultiPlan and PNOA VERIFY AT THIS LINK IF YOU HAVE: CIGNA We offer discounts for those with Tricare and Medicaid, so just ask! Regardless of if we are in network or not with your insurance company, following your appointment we can provide you with a superbill to submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement. Clear as mud? Need a real human to help sort it out and verify coverage? Click HERE and we will get right back with you via phone or email (we know these issues can be urgent when you're trying to feed your baby, so we are "on it').

IBCLC stands for “Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant”. It can be quite confusing for the average Jane to know the difference between all of the alphabet soup initials (CLC, CLE--which are certified lactation counselors and certified lactation educators), but what you can be sure of is that the IBCLC is the “Gold Standard” when it comes to lactation consulting; they require the most education and most hands-on training experience. A good CLC/CLE can answer your questions, provide support, and knows when to refer you to an IBCLC or your physician/care provider when needed. In addition to my IBCLC training and credential, I am also a maternal-infant nurse who has experience and training in all aspects of the postpartum period for both mother and baby. You get two for the price of one: a lactation consultant AND a mother/baby nurse!

Are you in pain? Does baby seem uncomfortable or having trouble latching? Does something just feel “off” or “not right”? Is baby not gaining weight well? Has your doctor suggested supplementing with formula? Do you or your baby have a complicating medical issue? A history of breast surgery or injury? Do you suspect an over-supply or an under-supply? Are you going back to work? Are you pumping and not getting much milk and/or it is hurting? There are many things I can do to make pumping “not suck”! Having a second set of eyes (that are experienced in just this thing) can put your mind at ease and/or be helpful in offering suggestions to make your breastfeeding experience a satisfying one. Let’s meet to get breastfeeding back on track as soon as possible.

Consult visits usually last 1.5 hours. We start with you telling me a little about your pregnancy and birth and the first days and weeks (or months) of your breastfeeding experience up to that point. Then we usually weigh the baby, latch the baby, then weigh again to see how much milk they consumed. I will watch the way baby gets onto the breast and offer suggestions to latch/positioning if it hurts your nipple or baby doesn’t seem comfortable/happy. I will also do an infant oral assessment and make referrals as needed. After we work on getting things right for both of you, we go over questions and concerns and I leave you with a written Plan of Care (which I fax to your doctors along with my Breastfeeding Assessment) and we stay in touch as much as needed via email/phone. You can also schedule a follow up appointment for a discounted fee if we need to see each other again. We can also save time for pumping questions and a breastshield fitting (to make sure your breastshield fits you well for pumping). Allow baby to be hungry for the consultation time. You can feed them a small snack if they can’t wait, but just don’t give a FULL feeding within 1.5-2 hours of your appointment...otherwise they won't latch for us because they are full :( Invite your favorite support person (your partner or mom/friend/doula) if desired. Write down a list of questions you’d like addressed so we don't forget anything in the moment. Have nearby any breastfeeding aids you’ve been using (nipple shield, nipple everter, supplemental nursing system, name/dosage of herbs or other medications, etc.). A record of your last 1-2 days of feeding and diaper charting (if too sleep deprived, don’t worry about this one).

Ouch! Engorgement, plugged ducts, and mastitis can be very painful. Check out the new protocol by the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine on treating these conditions, and REACH OUT FOR SUPPORT! Many times we can work on resolving your pain and preventing these issues from happening again. Hang in there!

Check out our helpful “cheat sheet” to help you remember! Proper storage is important for keeping your breastmilk safe for baby to consume.

It’s ok if you forgot what you learned in your breastfeeding prep class! We got you! Here’s an easy template for you to print out, make notes, and keep handy as you navigate those first 5 days. If you’re feeling like something is off, or if breastfeeding has got you thrown for a loop, click HERE to book some help ASAP!