FAQs

• How should I prepare for my consultation?
• What can I expect at a lactation consultation?
• What is an IBCLC?
• Do I need an IBCLC?
• Where do you travel?
• Do you take insurance?
• What forms of payment do you accept?

How should I prepare for my consultation?

The beauty of an in-home lactation consultation is that you don’t have to do a thing. Just be home at the agreed-upon appointment time, which should be planned around one of your baby’s anticipated feeding times. Please do not clean, cook, or tidy up for my visit. I’m coming to help, not judge! I’ve been a new, exhausted mother myself, so I understand. top

What can I expect at a lactation consultation?

I will visit your home at the agreed-upon appointment time to meet you, your partner or other support people, and your baby. A typical home visit lasts about one and a half hours. We will discuss your breastfeeding goals as well as the challenges or problems you’re facing, watch your baby feed, and work with you to create a care plan for moving forward. We will complete necessary forms and take payment at the start of our visit. top

What is an IBCLC?

An international board certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) is an experienced and highly skilled allied health professional. An IBCLC has passed an accredited exam designed and administered by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE). Candidates for the exam are required to complete up to 1,000 hours of clinical work and earn educational credits in health science courses such as anatomy and  physiology, cultural diversity, psychology and counseling, infant and child development, and nutrition, as well as complete almost 100 hours of lactation-specific education. The IBCLC certification is recognized as the highest credential for health professionals who work with breastfeeding parents and babies. All IBCLCs are required to adhere to IBLCE’s Professional Standards. I have been an IBCLC since 2014. top

Do I need an IBCLC?

Some breastfeeding challenges are easily addressed with subtle positioning changes, additional education for the parent, or simple tricks to improve baby’s latch. Other challenges are not so simply fixed, and may be part of a larger issue that only an IBCLC will have the experience and education to evaluate and assess. top

Where do you travel?

My home visit fee includes travel within about 15 minutes of travel time from State College, PA. Home visits requiring longer travel times will incur a $50 travel fee. top

Do you take insurance?

Many insurance companies will provide coverage for the services of an IBCLC.  I accept select insurance plans through my affiliation with The Lactation Network. Check your coverage here. I encourage you to contact your insurance company to find out the specifics of your coverage. If your insurance company is not among those I accept through TLN, I will provide you with a detailed insurance claim form (known as a superbill) that you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.

The Affordable Care Act requires coverage of “breastfeeding support, supplies, and counseling” under “Women’s Preventive Services.” You can learn more about the Affordable Care Act here. top

What forms of payment do you accept?

I accept cash, Venmo, PayPal, or checks. Payment is due at the time of service. top