If you are seeking out lactation help, I will open by encouraging you to take a few calm breaths. Then, take a look at that sweet baby and trust that this is going to get better. Just like anythng we have never done before, time and patience is key in the early days of feeding your newborn human milk, either directly or indirectly. Often we feel that we should just "get it" all right from the start. This is so rarely the case.
But, it is so possible. Hang in there! In time you will find your rhythm.
Your lactation visits may be covered at 100%! I am happy to announce that I have recently joined The Lactation Network. Their mission is to help families reach their feeding goals by ensuring they receive the expert, insurance-covered lactation care they deserve. They provide access by working with insurance providers to deliver in-home, in-office, or telehealth consultations, as well as breast pumps to rent or buy.
To verify coverage:
https://go.lactationnetwork.com/ConfidenceInBirth
If you are a Cigna member, you can check coverage through Wildflower for lactation visits with me here: https://portal.wildflowerhealth.net/affiliate-care/05096e1
I offer compassionate, in-home breastfeeding support. Whether you are looking to review the basics of getting a good latch to increase comfort, reading your baby’s cues, or help with more serious challenges along the way, I can help to create a plan that meets your personal desires and goals.
The truth of the matter is that there are many moving and intermingled pieces to your breastfeeding experience. More than just phyically mastering a new skill, it is a bidirectional relationship that involves two "new" human beings. It is easy to relate that term to the newborn, but it is so important to appreciate that you are "new" in this role as mother, parent, and nurturer. This relationship, like any, continues to evolve and change as your baby and you do.
Some key ingredients we can bring are an open heart and mind, a positive perspective, patience and trust in your instincts. Add loving support and some informed guidance, and you will most likely feel more calm and competent. Receiving appropriate lactation support and care when early challenges arise can make all the difference in keeping you comfortable and confident.
The initial consultation includes:
- A 2 hour-session with a feeding observation
- A pre and post feeding weight
- A health history of mom and baby
- The formulation of a mutually agreed upon plan of care
This service includes:
- A written feeding care plan
- A report of my evaluation and plan to your medical provider as needed
- Ongoing text support for up to 2 weeks
In person follow up visits may be recommended, as more complex issues require time and the ongoing adjustment of the plan. Certain situations may warrant an in-person follow up visit with another care provider if parent or baby require medical care that is beyond my scope of practice, ie: prescription medication or evaluation for tongue tie, body worker, etc.
Full payment and healthy history and consent forms are required prior to visit. I will continue to wear a face mask during the visit, although masks are optional for your family.
In-Person Home Visits:
Initial 120 min. visit $250
Follow up 60 min. visit $125
Follow up 20 min. weight check $50
Virtual Visits:
Initial 90 min. visit $125
Follow up 45 min. visit $75
- According to the ACA, "Health insurance plans must provide breastfeeding support, counseling, and equipment for the duration of breastfeeding. These services may be provided before and after birth. This applies to Marketplace plans and all other health insurance plans, except for grandfathered plans.
- "Your insurance plan must cover the cost of a breast pump." Each plan will have their own guidelines on whether it is manual or electric, if it is yours to keep or is rented and for how long. Source: https://www.healthcare.gov/coverage/breast-feeding-benefits/
- Breastfeeding consultations, and breastfeeding related supplies (FSA covered breastfeeding/pumping supplies) qualify as eligible expenses if you have a FSA or an HSA account . You save money by using pre-taxed dollars you have put aside.
- I am not currently an in-network insurance provider, but as mentioned above, more and more insurance companies will cover up to 6 visits through The Lactation Network. If I am seeing you through TLN, you will have no out-of-pocket costs. For cash clients I will provide a super bill that you can submit to your insurance company for full or partial reimbursement. An FSA or HSA debit card can be used to pay for the breastfeeding consultation.