What type of issues can you help me with?

  • Latching and positioning problems
  • Breastfeeding pain
  • Flat or inverted nipples
  • Pumping difficulties
  • Assessing for oral restrictions (tongue tie/lip tie)
  • Low milk supply
  • Weight gain issues and failure to thrive
  • Engorgement or oversupply
  • Mastitis
  • Plugged ducts
  • Thrush
  • Returning to work issues
  • Transitioning home from the NICU
  • Bottle refusal

This is not an exhaustive list. If you are having other issues, please contact me.

What is a an IBCLC?

An IBCLC is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and is an important member of the maternal-child health team. A Lactation Consultant provides the highest level of expert breastfeeding care to mothers needing assistance and have an overall goal of promoting and supporting breastfeeding.

What type of education does an IBCLC have?

IBCLCs must complete education in 14 health science subjects (similar to the prerequisites required for nursing school). In addition, an IBCLC has completed a minimum of 90 hours of lactation specific education and at least 300 hours of directly supervised lactation specific clinical practice. Finally, an IBCLC has passed a board exam, demonstrating mastery of lactation knowledge and clinical expertise in helping breastfeeding mothers.

What do IBCLCs do/do not do?

IBCLCs educate, evaluate, observe, assist, recommend, empower, and support women in breastfeeding. An IBCLC does not give a medical diagnosis or prescribe medications.

Where will we meet?

I exclusively offer home visits and will come directly to you to help with your feeding difficulties. I will travel distances of 1-15 miles from 91382 for no additional charge. Distances of 15-30 miles from 91382 will incur a $50 travel fee (this fee cannot be covered by insurance). Please inquire about distances greater than 30 miles. Please contact me with any questions.

Are you knowledgeable in the area of tongue and lip tie?

Yes! The basic education that IBCLCs receive to prepare them for the board exam and entry level work involves minimal education in ankyloglossia (tongue tie). Because of this, I have purposely sought out a great deal of further education on this topic as the incidence of oral restrictions related to breastfeeding difficulties has become more apparent.

I have completed over 50 hours of continuing education in the areas of tongue tie/lip tie, oral function, and oral habilitation of the breastfeeding dyad. I am trained not only to assess for oral restrictions, but also in implementing strategies to help infants with ties (or other oral issues because it's not always a tie that's the problem) and in working with babies pre and post frenotomy (tongue tie release) if that is the route that is decided upon. Please understand that it is NOT within the IBCLC scope of practice to "diagnose" tongue and lip tie. However, I do perform a full oral functional assessment and will share my observations and their implications and let you know whether I feel further evaluation by a professional who can diagnose is necessary.

Do you accept insurance?

I am in network with most Aetna EPO/PPO plans (your visit will be fully covered, with no out of pocket cost to you).

I am able to accept many PPO plans (such as Anthem, Blue Cross, Cigna) throught the Lactation Network. Click here to get your insurance verified.

For other insurance (or no insurance), I do accept self pay and can provide you a superbill for reimbursement. You can also contact me regarding getting a how to go about getting prior approval from your insurance company for a visit with me.

I also accept FSA/HSA cards.

Please see the Insurance page for more information about getting your visit covered by insurance, and feel free to contact me directly regarding insurance specific questions. It is my goal to help all parents get lactation services covered completely.

What payment methods do you accept?

If I'm not able to bill your insurance, I accept cash, check, credit/debit, FSH/HSA cards, and Venmo. I will gladly provide a superbill for you to seek insurance reimbursement, at your request.

I'm having some breastfeeding issues, but just hoping for a quick phone call or text. Can you help me?

Unfortunately, I'm unable to answer clinical breastfeeding questions without a signed consent form and collecting a full health history. If your issues do not require hands on help, I'm happy to provide a virtual consult!

What should I do to prepare for our visit?

Not a whole lot! Please do not spend ANY time cleaning or tidying up. I'm absolutely not concerned in any way with the appearance of your home. Please make sure to fill out the forms I send at least 6 hours prior to our visit so I can review.

I will need a complete record of your baby’s weight (including birth weight, lowest weight, and all weights checked at doctor appointments). I will also need access to a clean, flat, hard surface for my scale. Animals can be unpredictable with visitors when a new baby comes home, so it is best to secure pets in a different area of the house.

Finally, since it is helpful to observe a full feeding, please try to have baby ready to feed shortly after my arrival.

What if I'm sick? What if you're sick?

I will absolutely never come to your home if I am displaying any symptoms of illness. I take the health of the babies and parents I see very seriously. I also ask that you reschedule our appointment if you or anyone in your home is showing symptoms of illness.

I'm exclusively pumping OR I need help weaning OR I need my baby to take a bottle... can you help?

Absolutely! All of these topics are well within my scope as an IBCLC. I offer supportive, non-judgmental care and am happy to help you in meeting your goals. You will never receive shame from me regarding your choices in feeding your baby!