International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) are the gold standard for breastfeeding care. IBCLCs obtain specialized breastfeeding training and lactation education and must fulfill rigorous prerequisites before sitting for a comprehensive exam through the IBLCE. While mother-to-mother peer counselors and those who have taken a course in breastfeeding management are important in the web of community breastfeeding support, "These support personnel should not be used to replace the expertise of an IBCLC." (Position Paper on the Role and Impact of the IBCLC, ILCA)
As an IBCLC, I have devoted my training, continued education, and work experience to breastfeeding management. I am able to offer specialized lactation support and a tailored breastfeeding care plan for each mother-baby dyad that I work with.
What should I expect from a visit with an IBCLC?
For pregnant women and expectant couples, I offer private breastfeeding classes in-home or in a public space. My classes are not designed to be one-sided; I like to keep it light-hearted and fun! I may begin by taking a brief health history, discussing how the pregnancy is going, and allowing Mom and Dad to share their goals for birth and breastfeeding. We start out with the basics: how to get breastfeeding started off on the right track soon after birth, whether vaginal or c-section delivery, homebirth or hospital. We will then talk about how to make plenty of milk, how to know if baby is getting enough to eat, what to expect during the early weeks, planning for return to work, family planning, and more.
Classes typically last for at least one hour and cost $30.
For initial lactation consults, I will make a home visit. I will take a brief health history and ask about baby's birth. I offer latch assessment and can assist mother and baby with achieving a comfortable, effective latch. I can support mother-baby dyads who may be experiencing a rough start with breastfeeding and offer a tailored care plan to help them reach their goals. I have training to assess for tongue ties and lip ties, and while I cannot diagnose, I can offer referrals to appropriate care providers if I suspect these to be an issue. I can also offer support for families with special circumstances, such as premature birth, relactation or induced lactation, slow weight gain, jaundice, and more. A consult is a thorough visit; it's not an in-and-out kind of appointment!
Initial consults typically last for 1.5-2 hours and cost $75. I offer a $25 discount for families who have taken a prenatal breastfeeding class with me.
Follow-up consults are sometimes needed, typically last for 30-60 minutes and cost $30.
Follow-up phone calls and emails are available at no charge. However, if several phone calls or emails are needed for a more thorough discussion, I may ask that you schedule a consult. Phone and online support are helpful, but nothing compares to talking face-to-face and observing a feeding in person.
Payment
Payment is due at time of service. I accept cash or check. Credit card payments can be accepted via PayPal before scheduled consultations.
Please do not let cost stop you from seeking out skilled breastfeeding help. I am willing to work with families who demonstrate financial need and will not turn away a family in need of breastfeeding help.
All services are free of charge to bereaved families and those whose babies have been given an "incompatible with life" diagnosis.
