FAQ’s
An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) is considered the "gold standard" of breastfeeding support. In order to obtain this credential, the IBCLC must study the comprehensive science of lactation and put in more than 500-1000 hours observing and working with nursing families. An IBCLC, must then pass an examination similar to the boards taken by medical doctors. This is the only internationally, standardized lactation credential available. Visits by an IBCLC is often considered to be a covered service with your insurance company.
While other breastfeeding specialists can be a wonderful resource, they are generally not as well trained an an IBCLC and not able to offer the same standard of care.
First, we will take a medical and health history. We will also chat about your birth story. Not only are we excited to hear your story and share in our journey, but it also can give us insights into why you may be experiencing difficulties.
Next, we will chat about about what's going on and how we can work to solve any problems that have arisen with breastfeeding, pumping, latching, your baby's oral anatomy (like tongue-tie), your anatomy (like parents who wish to breastfeed after breast-reduction surgery) or any other difficulties, questions, or concerns you might have!
Next we will weigh your baby and observe your baby's latch and nursing style. , if it's all right with you. After the feed, we will re-weigh the baby on a specialized scale so that we can tell you (within 1/100th of an ounce), how much milk your baby removed from the breast.
We will then work together to develop a plan that meets the unique goals of each family. Our goal is to make sure you meet your goal. No hidden agenda!
We love questions! And we are happy to work with you to tweak a plan until it feels right. Once you have had an in-home consult, we are happy to answer questions on that topic (lactation, CPR, newborn care, etc) by phone, text or email at no additional charge (just note on your HIPAA form that we can communicate in this manner). However, if you need subsequent in-home visits, you will need to schedule that at the same cost as the initial visit.
If you request, we can send a report to your pediatrician and arrange a call with them so that you can have all members of the care team in communication.
We are also happy to answer questions from partners, grandparents, and adult caregivers.
And never worry about leaving a 3am message. We may be all sleeping (yes, one day your baby will sleep and so will you!), but we usually get back to you by 6am.
While we are happy to provide you the proper paperwork to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement, we do not participate directly in any insurance plans. Many clients are able to successfully seek reimbursement and we will happily advocate on your behalf.
You may also be able to use your FSA or HSA to pay for lactation services. Other related services may or may not be covered as qualified expenses per the rules of your HSA/FSA. Check with your insurer or your company's HR director regarding FSA/HSA qualified expenses.
Payment can be made by cash, check or Venmo. We will provide the proper forms so that you can seek reimbursement through your insurance companies. You may also be able to use your FSA or HSA to pay for lactation services. Other related services may or may not be covered as qualified expenses per the rules of your HSA/FSA. Check with your insurer or your company's HR director regarding FSA/HSA qualified expenses. Contact us directly if you need to create a payment plan or request sliding scale.
A phone or online consult is not much different from meeting in-person, except we do not have the benefit of using a scale to check milk intake. An in person or online consult typically takes anywhere from 45-90 minutes, and subsequent visits are usually much shorter.
To book a phone or online consult, just make an appointment! We will invoice you a deposit to confirm your appointment, and you can pay the balance after the appointment. A 24hr cancellation fee applies.
If within 30 minutes of the phone or online consult, you believe you would be better suited to an in-person consult, we will happily waive the phone/online consult fee and convert your visit to an in-home consult.
No. Many IBCLCs are moving toward an on-line booking system, but we believe that a quick phone call before the visit maximizes what we can do during the visit. This allows Sara to understand the issues before she sees you and possibly brainstorm short-term solutions to make waiting for a visit slightly easier. Additionally, we can work with you to figure out the ideal time for a visit to take place.
Sara D. Newman, JD, IBCLC, RLC has been providing support to new and growing families for almost ten years. The prices reflect her personal commitment to your family and her continuous follow-up (sometimes for years after the initial consult). While some newer or less experienced IBCLCs charge less for a visit, we believe that the amount of information and experience makes a visit invaluable.
Of course, if you cant afford a visit, let us know and we can work out a payment plan or trade!
Yes! Just let us know in advance and we will do our best to work out something with you.
Much of the advice given to new mothers is based on cultural beliefs and family traditions. Everything we tell you will be backed up by science and evidence based. Just ask and we are happy to provide peer reviewed studies that you can send to your mom (But we careful since she raised you and you are doing just fine, right?)
This is not a problem at all. With your permission, we will attempt to contact the person who previously offered support and go over their notes on the visit with you. This helps us know what strategies you may have already tried. In many cases, we come in after a family has worked with a La Leche Leader or Certified Lactation Counselor, and we are happy to work closely with your previous providers to ensure you have the best care possible.
And don't worry. Its a pretty collegial profession and we all work pretty well together.
Jill (Mom to Maria)
I wanted to let you know how special you made the birth of my daughter. From helping out at home during those first few days, to making sure that I was not overwhelmed by all the conflicting advice to helping with breast feeding issues, I don't think I could have done it all without your help. Not only were you a wonderful postpartum help, but a fantastic friend. Getting to know you made a special experience all the more beautiful and I cannot thank you enough for being a part of my family's lives.
Kate (Mom to Molly)
It was so wonderful to know that there was always a friendly and understanding person to talk to - even when I felt overwhelmed at 4am. Without Sara, I don't know how I could have navigated those first months of motherhood. Thank you!!!
Lori (Mom to Will)
Sara supported my parenting choices and offered gentle guidance when required. She helped make me a confident parent and ensured that I was able to give my baby the best possible care.
David (Father to Erin)
Sara's advice was incredibly valuable, especially during the first three months of our daughter's life. Sara was practical, pragmatic, and most importantly, her sense of humor allowed us to find enjoyment, even in the hard times of parenting. I think it's fair to say that my partner and I are better parents because of Sara.
Mimi (Mother to Harper)
I am writing this TWO years after the birth of my baby because I still rely on Sara for advice. She helped me through the my initial breastfeeding struggles with latch and supply and then weaning. Now that my baby has been diagnosed with allergies, Sara is *still* working with me and answering my questions with grace, patience and warmth. I fully expect to be calling her again when my next baby is born.