What is a Lactation Consultant, and do I need one?

Lactation consultants offer breastfeeding support from the prenatal stages to weaning. They are trained and qualified to help during common breastfeeding problems such as engorgement, latching, and positioning, along with more challenging conditions such as mastitis.

International board-certified lactation consultants (IBCLC) are held to strict standards; they must also recertify every five years and continue their education.

What can I expect from a visit?

An initial visit will include but not be limited to a medical and birth history, observation and assessment of a feed, pre-post weight feed (not for virtual visits), breast assessment as needed, and plan of care

How long is the duration of the visit?

Initial visits usually take between 60-90 minutes, it is a very thorough visit!

Follow-up visits can take between 30-60 minutes

Can I text you after my visit if I have questions?

Absolutely! You can securely contact me through the Spruce App. Answers to specific questions about your plan of care are provided for up to 3 days after the visit.

All queries will be answered within 24 business hours of receipt of the message through the Spruce App.

Is the Spruce App free?

Yes! 100% free for patients. It is my preferred communication method as it is HIPPA-compliant.

What areas are covered for home visits?

Home visits are available within a 12-mile radius of my office located in La Crescenta, CA.

Do you take insurance?

By collaborating with The Lactation Network some health insurance plans can offer a no-cost lactation consultation. Anthem PPO, Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO, VA OptumEast, Premera, Regence, UnitedHealthcare PPO and HMO, UMR, Oxford or a plan that includes MultiPlan or PNOA on your insurance card.

To verify if your insurance qualifies please click here

What if my insurance is not covered?

My cash rates are as follows:

Initial Office Visit $250

Follow-up Office Visit $200

Initial Virtual Visit $200

Follow-up Virtual Visit $150

Initial Home Visit $350 (travel fees apply)

Follow-up Home Visit $300 (travel fees apply)

What are the cancellation fees?

If an appointment needs to be canceled, at least 24 hours' notice is required to avoid a cancellation fee. Appointments canceled with less than 24 hours' notice, or if the client is a no-show, will incur a non-refundable $150 fee, which is not covered by insurance.  

An appointment is considered a 'no-show' if there is no arrival or communication within 15 minutes of the scheduled start time. Late arrivals within 15 minutes may proceed with the remaining time of the appointment, but the session will end at the originally scheduled time with no additional time credited.  

For in-office appointments, the $150 cancellation fee may be waived if the appointment is rescheduled as a virtual consultation, either on the same day or another day, depending on availability.

Can I reschedule the appointment?

Rescheduling is available with more than 12 hours of notice only.