Breastfeeding & Bottle Feeding Visits
We currently offer feeding support for all types of baby feeding challenges including breastfeeding, bottle feeding (breastmilk or formula). Prenatal/Pregnancy visits are a great way to prepare for any goals you choose. Office visits, video (secure telehealth) and in home visits are available.
We have many very happy clients from the past 8+ years- please see the testimonials page or check out our facebook page for more.
We are a teaching practice and our Pathway 3 candidates will often be present at visits during their training. On occasion we may have other healthcare professionals observing. Jen will be the one running the visit, but Kelly may help and participate under Jen’s guidance. We value consent and will ask for permission before baby assessments.
Though we cannot guarantee a that you will reach all of your breastfeeding goals, we always do our best to support you during the time we work together and provide you extensive knowledge and resources to reach your goals.
INITIAL Feeding Visit includeS:
A superbill to submit your claim to insurance for reimbursement
Detailed history
Assessment of breasts and nipples (as needed)
Assist with positioning and latch
Observation a feeding & teaching skills
Assessment of the baby's oral anatomy & suck & body/movement
Evaluation of milk transfer
Weight Check and pre/post weight if needed
Investigate cause of sore nipples
Information on Pumps and Flange fit
Provide education and support for newborn care
Care Plan based on your goals
List of resources for your specific challenges
For older babies, discussion of issues related to weight gain, milk transfer, symptoms, solids, and/or returning to work as needed
Please note that many in-depth breastfeeding issues (such as non-latching babies, low supply/low weight gain, medical complications with parent or baby) may benefit from more than one visit.
Higher fees may apply for extra travel and holidays/weekends and multiples.
We specialize in complex breastfeeding situations, especially including:
tongue and lip tie
low supply
low weight gain
nipple and breast pain
oversupply
non-latching babies
non-transferring babies
pumping and exclusive pumping
recurrent plugs/mastitis
engorgement
bottle refusal & bottle feeding
older nurslings
tandem nursing
returning to work
starting solids
reaching short and long term feeding goals
multiples
re-lactation and induced lactation
and much more
We are experienced with nursing babies & children of all ages, from the moment of birth all the way up.
Prenatal Breastfeeding Consultation
Set yourself up for feeling confident in the first few weeks
Each visit is customized and may include the following:
Detailed history & Examination of breasts and nipples (as needed)
Learn the importance of skin to skin and the hours after birth
Learn about breastmilk, breast anatomy and how your body produces milk
Positioning techniques and tricks & the secrets to a great latch
What to expect the first few days and weeks
How to know that your baby is getting enough milk
How to work your breast pump and choose the right size flange
Safe infant sleep
Customized Breastfeeding Plan
General Postpartum Plan
Any follow up questions on our prenatal appointment, resources I share,
or care plans I give in the weeks after our prenatal visit
Payment & Insurance
Full payment is due at the time of service, no matter the type of insurance reimbursement you may receive. Cash or personal check preferred and major credit cards (including HSA/FSA account cards) accepted.
I will give you a form (superbill) to submit to your insurance provider for potential reimbursement of the cost of the visit. Reimbursement is not guaranteed and depends on your insurance and plan. With COVID, some insurances will also reimburse for telehealth.
Calling your insurance company to ask their policies and to submit for pre-approval is suggested. Please let them know your visit with me is urgent and request a rush on the process.
I will not be able to correspond directly with your insurance in any way. This includes writing letters, talking on the phone, or submitting any paperwork (other than the superbill I give you which has all the necessary information listed).
Though I am not in-network for any insurance providers, if there are no other in-network IBCLCs locally, it is my understanding that I must be covered being an out-of-network provider.
If you have Aetna health insurance, often 6+ visits with me reimbursed for some/most/all of the visit fee, even though I am not in network. Prior authorization with Aetna is needed. Please contact me for directions on how to get prior authorization for Aetna. Please note that it may take many phone calls to get reimbursement but Aetna often gives the best reimbursement rates. Other insurances are also supposed to cover my visits with no co-pay/deductible, and I have seen variability in coverage.
Lactation *should* be covered according to the Affordable Healthcare Act.
Please see this document for more information and for an appeals process:
www.nwlc.org/sites/default/files/pdfs/final_nwlcbreastfeedingtoolkit2014_edit.pdf
And this document for more information about when breastfeeding is covered:
https://nwlc.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/nwlc_breastfeedingfactsheet.pdf
From Best for Babes: Are Lactation Consultants Too Pricey?
http://www.bestforbabes.org/are-lactation-consultants-too-pricey/
We provide home visits to locations all around Syracuse, NY and throughout CNY. We regularly travel to Baldwinsville, Liverpool, Clay, Cicero, North Syracuse, Bridgeport, Camillus, Marcellus, East Syracuse, Kirkville, Minoa, Fayetteville, Manlius, Jamesville, DeWitt, Cazenovia, Chittenango, Skaneateles, Auburn, Lafayette, Pompey, Tully, Fabius, Fulton, Oswego and beyond.
Travel fee may apply for locations over 30 miles from Baldwinsville. Contact us to see if we travel to your area.