Question 1

What does a lactation consultant do?

Accepted Answer

When you imagine a lactation consultant, you might picture a lady who watches you breastfeed, makes some position adjustments, and then tell you things like "everyone can do this!"

While lactation consultants do offer encouragement and positional adjustments, there is so much more!

An IBCLC takes into consideration your and your baby's medical history, listens attentively to what you are experiencing both with feeding and postpartum as a whole, asks lots of questions to get a good understanding of what things have been like and how you feel about certain things, addresses your questions, demonstrates different ways of doing things, offers encouragement, performs infant and breast examinations, connects you with other resources, and works with you to create a plan that will help you reach your feeding goals.

Every lactation consultant has a different range of education and experience, leading them to each specialize in different things.

A lactation consultant should never:

diagnose any medical condition (unless they are also another type of provider who is able to make a diagnosis)
ask you to do anything you are not comfortable with
 force you to breastfeed
tell you what to do 
put down other professionals in the field
tell you "you're doing it wrong"
define success for you
mom-shame you
tell you you can't

Question 2

What sort of lactation and breastfeeding issues do you help with?

Accepted Answer

As an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant), I am skilled in assessing issues relating to the breast, lactation, pumping, infant feeding, infant behavior, and infant anatomy, and each of these things as they all relate to each other. Here are some examples:

mastitis 
plugged ducts
low milk supply
oversupply
engorgement
pumping challenges
flange sizing
breast and nipple pain 
breast and nipple damage
thrush
milk blebs / milk blisters
position and latch assessment
bottle feeding
colic
tongue and lip ties / tethered oral tissues
torticollis 
reflux
infant weight loss / slow weight gain 
supplementation
introducing solids
weaning
milk storage
lactation after infant loss
milk suppression
herbal galactagogues

Question 3

What can I expect at a prenatal Lactation Visit?

Accepted Answer

During a prenatal lactation visit, we will discuss your medical history, past breastfeeding experience (if any), your expectations for feeding your infant, and what to expect when baby arrives. We will discuss common misconceptions, normal newborn behavior, and make use of a variety of teaching tools. This visit is a great way to help you feel prepared for your new arrival and gather helpful resources.

Question 4

What happens during a home lactation consultation?

Accepted Answer

When I arrive to your home, you don't need to worry about everything looking perfect. Expect to have any pets put away where they won't be able to distract the appointment. We can go anywhere in your home where you feel the most comfortable to feed your baby and talk.

We then begin the appointment by having a discussion about what feeding has been like so far, and what your primary concerns are. We will also go over your and your baby's health history. I'll be asking lots of questions to get a clear idea on how things are going, and what your goals are. If your baby is anxiously waiting to eat, much of this discussion can wait until later, and we can start by feeding baby.

While you feed your baby, I will make observations, and offer adjustments that could help with any pain or other issues you have described. Once your baby is settled in, we can continue our discussion and I can gather all the necessary information needed.

Before diving into recommendations and plan, an important part of a lactation visit includes a head to toe infant exam, including an assessment of oral function. I take a look at how your baby's whole body moves, and then look inside the mouth, observing a range of movement and mobility.

Creating a plan of care involves consideration of your goals, situation, feelings, history, and the observations of the visit. The plan is usually pretty detailed, but kept as simple as possible. It usually involves bodywork exercises for your infant. Additionally, I believe in beginning with the most conservative approach, and adjusting as needed. I do not usually throw you all possible options at once.

Before I leave your home, you will have the opportunity to ask any other questions, and you will have an understanding of what to expect moving forward.

Question 5

What happens during a virtual lactation visit?

Accepted Answer

During a virtual consultation, you have your baby with you, in a place that is comfortable and ideally with good lighting.

We then begin the appointment by having a discussion about what feeding has been like so far, and what your primary concerns are. We will also go over your and your baby's health history. I'll be asking lots of questions to get a clear idea on how things are going, and what your goals are. If your baby is anxiously waiting to eat, much of this discussion can wait until later, and we can start by feeding baby.

While you feed your baby, I will make observations, and offer adjustments that could help with any pain or other issues you have described. Once your baby is settled in, we can continue our discussion and I can gather all the necessary information needed.

Before diving into recommendations and plan, an important part of a lactation visit includes a head to toe infant exam, including an assessment of oral function. I will guide you so that I am able to take a look at how your baby's whole body moves, and then look inside the mouth, observing a range of movement and mobility.

Creating a plan of care involves consideration of your goals, situation, feelings, history, and the observations of the visit. The plan is usually pretty detailed, but kept as simple as possible. It usually involves bodywork exercises for your infant which I will demonstrate using a doll. Additionally, I believe in beginning with the most conservative approach, and adjusting as needed. I do not usually throw you all possible options at once.

Before the consultation ends, you will have the opportunity to ask any other questions, and you will have an understanding of what to expect moving forward.

Question 6

What are your rates?

Accepted Answer

One on one lactation consultations may be fully covered by insurance, depending on your plan. You can check your insurance coverage through TLN (The Lactation Network) using the link below.

If your insurance plan is not covered through The Lactation Network, each visit must be paid out of pocket. You will receive a superbill that you may submit to your insurance to request reimbursement if you choose to do so. Payment for self-pay consultations is due at time of booking. You will receive a Square invoice via email.

In-Person Visits:
Postpartum Lactation Consultation (initial) - $250
Postpartum Lactation Consultation (follow up) - $200
Prenatal Lactation Consultation - $150

Virtual (Telehealth) Visits:
Postpartum Lactation Consultation (initial) - $200
Postpartum Lactation Consultation (follow up) - $150
Prenatal Lactation Consultation - $100

Group Classes - $100

Question 7

Which areas do you serve in-person?

Accepted Answer

I am based in Auburn, Washington, and have a home visit radius of about 45 minutes. For example, I serve the following cities and surrounding areas:

Issaquah
Renton
Kent
Covington
Maple Valley
Enumclaw
Bonney Lake
Auburn
Algona
Pacific
Lake Tapps
Puyallup
South Hill
Sumner
Federal Way
Tacoma
University Place
Gig Harbor
Burien
Des Moines
Seatac
South Seattle

Question 8

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

I understand there are many things going on during the postpartum period. I ask that if you need to make a cancellation, please do so within 24 hours of your appointment, unless there are emergent circumstances such as illness or an urgent doctor visit.

Cancellations made earlier than 24 hours of your visit will be refunded, although I ask that you do try to reschedule instead (this does not apply to TLN patients).

Non-urgent cancellations with less than 24 hours until your appointment time will result in a $50 cancellation fee.