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 southern and western suburbs and 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. Locations greater than 30 minutes will be charged a fee for my travel time.
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 for clients outside of my practice area.
Do you charge travel fees?
When I have to drive more than 30 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. In-home consults are $205 within 30 minutes of Prior Lake, MN with a $25 distance fee for homes 30-60 minutes away. I may be able to travel further than 60 min. away, fee depends on location.
Lactation Consult Questions
What happens during a visit?
During our visit, we’ll go over your breastfeeding goals and the 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, it means baby’s tongue is rubbing on or pinching your nipple for some reason. I can help you figure out reasons for a shallow latch and how it might be addressed, making referrals as appropriate.
What training do you have in tongue ties and other oral restrictions?
I’ve been a registered nurse for more than 35 years and was an international board certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) from 2009-2024. 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 or physical 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 and will check that you’re using it correctly including measuring you for correct flange size.
My milk supply is low or decreasing!
There are many factors influencing your milk supply including latch, positioning at breast, correct flange size when pumping, thyroid function, PCOS, retained placenta, diabetes, etc. 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. For twins or triplets, contact me before booking for fee information and to book an extended time.
Payment Options
What health insurance providers do you accept?
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. Others find multiple reasons not to cover services.
What payment methods do you accept?
I can accept cash, check, credit card, Square and Paypal payments. You can 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 to discuss details.
General Health Questions
Are you fully vaccinated?
Yes, I’m fully vaccinated. I had COVID vaccines X4. Now due to having COVID just before my booster was due I have “natural” immunity from the latest strain going around.
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. For in-person consults, all adults and children over 2 may choose to wear masks for our visit and must be free of symptoms below:
Fever or chills (PLEASE CHECK YOUR TEMP PRIOR TO MY VISIT)
Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Fatigue
Muscle or body aches
Headache
New loss of taste or smell
Sore throat
Congestion or runny nose
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea
What should I do if someone in my house is sick ahead of your appointment?
No worries. 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 can refer you to another IBCLC. The last thing I want to do is unintentionally share germs with a new baby in the house.
Contact Me
Limited Availability
I am accepting a limited number of appointments. If you'd like to inquire about availability, please email me at anne.cassens.ibclc@babywhispererlc.com or text me at (612) 750-5535.