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 call late in the day or in the evening, I can usually see you the next day. If you have an urgent situation, I will not leave you stranded! If I can’t help you immediately, I will refer you to a trusted colleague.

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?

Many insurance companies cover my services. 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. You may also take advantage of my medical billing service to file your claim for you!

Do you only work in Seattle?

No! I go wherever you are in the Puget Sound region (some travel fees may apply). Phone consultations are available anywhere in the United States!

What is included in your fee?

A consultation in your home 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. Packages of 2 or more consultations are available for more complex situations or for confidence building.

What forms of payment do you take?

I accept cash, checks or credit cards.

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 carry breast pumps?

Yes, I carry Hygeia* professional-grade pumps for rent and for sale. I also carry Medela professional-grade pumps. Rental scales are available as well.

Do you have herbs to help with milk supply?

Yes, I stock an array of helpful herbs from Motherlove Herbal for your convenience. I also am proud to carry Go Lacta and Milkmakers cookies and mixes.

Are you available on weekends? Evenings?

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

Is it safe to use a borrowed breastpump?

Most personal use pumps are not intended for sharing because they are not closed systems. Rental pumps may be shared and Hygeia personal-use pumps may be safely shared. See Are used breastpumps a bargain? and “Sharing Breastpumps: Is it Safe?”

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.

Is a home visit really necessary? Can’t you just help me over the phone?

Phone consultations are appropriate in some situations-for example planning your return to work. Other concerns, such as difficulty latching, require in- person help.

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. 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 mom 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.”

* You may not have heard of Hygeia since it is a relatively new company. My clients love Hygeia pumps! They are shareable with the change of a small, inexpensive filter. They have a 3 year warranty AND when your pump has reached the end of it’s life, Hygeia will take it back and refurbish it! For more information go to our store.