HOW SOON CAN YOU HELP ME?

The sooner you call, the sooner I can help! Don’t wait until the next business day. I take calls until 9 pm 7 days a week. If you call in the morning, it’s likely I can see you the same day.If you have an urgent situation, I will not leave you stranded! I will refer you to a trusted colleague. It’s easy to request an appointment.

How do I prepare for your visit?

You don’t need to do anything special for a lactation visit.  I absolutely am not concerned about a messy house or whether you’ve had a chance to take a shower. You will get more out of the visit, however, if you have a chance to do some minimal preparation. Please see The Lactation Consultant is Coming! How do I Prepare?

Does insurance cover your services?Yes!

Yes! I am able to bill AETNA and UNITED plans for home/virtual visits. Call your insurance to learn about your benefit.  Request an appointment here.

Many other insurance companies cover my services for home visits. My fees may also be billed to your medical expense account. I provide each client with a detailed insurance claim form (superbill) that can be used to bill insurance for reimbursement.

Do you only work in Seattle?

No! Telehealth consultations are available worldwide.

What is included in your fee?

A consultation in your home or virtually includes a complete history detailing your concerns, an observation and assessment of an entire feeding, help and adjustments necessary for your comfort and baby’s optimal intake, weighing the baby, a written care plan, a completed superbill, and communication with physicians. You will be given plenty of opportunity to practice so that you will feel more confident. Follow-up calls are welcome and complimentary.

What forms of payment do you take?

I accept cash, checks or credit cards. HSA cards are welcome.

Can I call you after our initial visit?

Yes! It is common to have questions after the consultation. Your calls and emails are welcome and encouraged.

Do you fit flanges for my breast pump?

YES! I have multiple sizes and shapes to try with you.

Are you available on weekends? Evenings?

Yes, most weekends I am available for consultations. I try to reserve Sundays and evenings for urgent situations.

Why should I hire a private lactation consultant? Aren’t there lactation consultants in hospitals?

Yes, there are some fine lactations consultants in hospitals, but their time with you is very limited—usually less than 15 minutes. You are in the hospital a very short time—not long enough to get breastfeeding established. My visits encompass an entire feeding, lots of practice in your own home, a written care plan and plenty of time for questions. If you have questions after I leave, I am available to you.

Will you still help me if I want to use bottles sometimes? Or formula?

Absolutely! This is your life and your baby.

How are you different from other lactation consultants?

Since I have been doing this work since 1991, I have seen just about everything! My doula experience and child-development background gives me a holistic perspective that many lactation consultants don’t have. Evaluation for structural issues are included with each consultation. I am confident in my skills and rarely have to refer you to another professional. On the rare occasion when I encounter something beyond my expertise, I am happy to refer to a medical provider who will work with me to solve the problem. Here’s what one parent said.

“…I can’t thank you enough for your counsel, guidance and support.  You are such a gift to the breastfeeding community, and I wouldn’t have gotten as far as I did without you.  I will cherish my learnings from you forever.”