Frequently Asked Questions

Questions About Lactation Consults

I’m happy to answer any questions you have about an in-home or virtual consult with me. For your convenience, I’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions below. If you don’t see the answer to your questions, please reach out to me.

Location & Travel Questions

What areas of Minnesota do you cover?

I offer in-home consultations in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. I’m located in Prior Lake, Minnesota, which is approximately 20 miles southwest of Minneapolis and will drive anywhere within a 60-minute radius of my home. 

If you’re outside of this radius or would rather do a virtual consult, these are available as well!

Do you offer virtual consults?

Yes! I offer virtual lactation consults via HIPAA-compliant Google Meet.

If you’re outside of this radius or would rather do a virtual consult, these are available as well!

Do you charge travel fees?

When I have to drive more than 60 minutes to see you that leaves me less time in the day to see other clients. Charging a travel fee for clients that require more driving time allows me to see families in towns that I normally wouldn’t be able to get to in time. My fee for travel beyond 60 minutes is $40.

Lactation Consult Questions

What happens during a visit?

During our visit, we’ll go over your breastfeeding goals and any concerns or questions you may have. I’ll assess you and your baby to look for any potential issues that may affect breastfeeding. I will weigh your baby before and after a feed (I will observe a complete feed) to determine their intake. Again, the consult will depend on what unique needs you and your baby have, but generally, latch issues can be addressed, as well as hand expression, pump use, and milk storage. Find more information about what to expect during our consult here.

Is breastfeeding supposed to hurt?

The idea that breastfeeding is supposed to hurt is a myth! Breastfeeding shouldn’t hurt. If it does, I can help you and your baby change that.

What training do you have in tongue ties and other oral restrictions?

I’ve been a registered nurse for more than 35 years and an international board certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) since 2009. I have extensive training in assessing oral structure and function that may be causing challenges with breastfeeding. I typically refer to releasing providers, bodyworkers/chiropractors/craniosacral therapists as needed and desired by the family.  I can also work to help improve breastfeeding for families choosing not to have further assessment of potential ties at this time.  

Can you help me with pumping?

Yes! I can help you learn your pump, check that you’re using it correctly including using appropriate suction settings and flange size.

Can you help me with my milk supply?

There are many factors influencing your milk supply. We will go over several aspects of this and work to develop a plan for increasing your milk supply that fits your needs and is sustainable.

Can you help me with nursing multiples?

Yes! Each baby is assessed individually, and we can work on tandem breastfeeding positions as well. When booking, be sure the select the “Twins” option. For triplets, contact me before booking for fee info and a special appointment link.

Payment Options

What health insurance providers do you accept?

I work with Blue Cross Blue Shield and Cigna insurances through the Lactation Network. Click here to check your coverage.  For all others, I’m considered an “out of network provider.” You pay me directly and I give you an itemized receipt to submit to insurance for possible reimbursement.  

Minnesota does not license IBCLCs, and because of this loophole, many insurance companies will not allow us to be “in-network providers.”  Believe me, this irritates me as much as it does you.

The best way to know if your insurance will reimburse you is to call the Member Services number on the back of your insurance ID card and ask whether they will reimburse you for lactation support by an out-of-network provider. The Affordable Care Act says that insurers are required to cover “breastfeeding support, supplies, and counseling” for every birth with no co-pay or deductible. Many insurers are good at reimbursing for lactation visits

What payment methods do you accept?

I can accept cash, check, credit card, and Paypal payments. You can also use your FSA or HSA card, if you have one. The receipt I provide you with is the “proof” they require for verification of appropriate fund use.  

How can I pay my bill?

Payment is generally required at the time of your consult.  Payments plans and sliding scale fees are available, contact me prior to booking your appointment to discuss details.

Do you offer gift certificates?

I do! Click here to see what options are available, and contact me directly if you want to create a different type of gift option.

General Health Questions

Are you fully vaccinated?

Yes, I’m fully vaccinated and boosted for COVID.  

Do you require clients to be fully vaccinated?

No, however, I do require that you affirm that you do not have any symptoms of illness as outlined in the post-booking email I will send you. Non-vaccinated parents are required to wear a mask for our time together, as are any other adults or children over 3 who are present for the consult.

What should I do if someone in my house is sick ahead of your appointment?

You can call me to reschedule or change to a virtual consult. Either way, call me!

If you are sick before our appointment, what will you do?

If I am sick, I will call to reschedule with you or will refer you to another IBCLC. 

Contact Me

Text Me

Texting is my preferred method of communication, so feel free to text me with any questions about potentially booking a consult at (612) 750-5535

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