Why Should I Schedule a Lactation Consultation?

• Everyone’s breastfeeding journey is different.  As natural and normal as breastfeeding is, it is also normal to feel unsure and have questions about the process. It also can feel very scary if big challenges arise such as poor weight gain or nipple damage.  

• Having the ongoing support of a lactation consultant means that you have someone to guide and assist you in navigating those breastfeeding challenges.  For those with small challenges, it can be reassuring and empowering to know that breastfeeding is going really well for you.

• Hiring a lactation consultant means that you now have someone that you can call, text or email anytime for professional advice and support, which can really put your mind at ease!

 

What Happens During a Private Lactation Consultation?

• Each private consultation lasts approximately 90 minutes, during this time:

  • We conduct a thorough health and breastfeeding history to help us get a better picture of what is going on

  • We preform an oral assessment of the baby’s anatomy

  • A breastfeeding session is observed

  • Pre/post feed weights are preformed to assess for milk transfer

  • Mom and partners' questions and concerns are addressed

  • Together we create a plan of care that helps the parent to meet their breastfeeding goals. The plan of care will be sent to you via a secure message portal within 24 hours of your appointment.

  • Additional resources and referrals are provided as needed

  • A written report is sent to baby’s pediatrician (and parents OB/midwife as needed) within 1-2 days, detailing our assessment and plan

  • We will schedule a follow up appointment if needed.

 

What Kinds of Support Do I Receive After my Consultation?

• The South Jersey Breastfeeding IBCLCs at the Village truly believe that a consultation is just the beginning of a relationship.

  • We generally check in with our clients within 48-72 hours of our initial visit.  We encourage our clients to keep us updated to the progress and challenges.  

  • After your visit, you can send us a message through the secure message portal and we will respond within 24 hours.  If it looks like you have a lot of questions or concerns, we can set up a follow-up appointment.  

 

• We offer a weekly Breastfeeding Meet Up every Tuesday from 11-12:15 in our office.  Our scale is available during Breastfeeding Meet Up and you are welcome to do weight checks and transfer weights during that time.  We believe peer support is critical to breastfeeding success and encourage all of our clients to attend. 

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Can My Partner Attend the Consultation?

• Absolutely!  Partners are always welcome to attend the consultation, ask questions, and participate in anyway they see fit.  If your partner is unable to attend, please feel free to bring your mom, sister, best friend or whoever may be able to provide you with additional support.  

  

What is the Difference Between a Private Consultation and the Support Group?

• A private lactation consult is most appropriate for mothers who desire one-on-one assistance with the lactation consultant and have small to large concerns about their breastfeeding situation.  Mothers who have attended a private consultation also receive free follow-up by phone, email, or text. 

•  Meet Up is a great place to meet other breastfeeding parents, ask the lactation consultant a few breastfeeding questions, and socialize.  Due to the size of group, we are unable to provide extensive one on one assistance. This is a great place for follow-up for mothers who have already had a private lactation consultation.

 

Does Insurance Cover my Breastfeeding Consultation(s)?

• Under the Affordable Care Act, women’s preventive health care, including comprehensive lactation support and counseling by a trained provider, is covered with no cost sharing (no deductible, no copay) for new health plans.  For most insurance policies, this came into effect August of 2012. Unfortunately there are some exceptions, so we recommend contacting your insurance company directly to find out what is covered.  Follow this link for a step by step guide for speaking with your insurance company about your lactation benefits. 

• At this time, South Jersey Breastfeeding Center is an in-network provider for Aetna, Amerihealth New Jersey and Independence Blue Cross (IBX) and can bill directly for in office and home visit lactation consultations for subscribers. *Please note we are not in-network with Horizon, individual, federal, or out of state BCBS plans. 

• All HOME VISITS require a $50 fee travel that will be collected at the time of booking.

• For those with other insurance providers, you will be required to pay for services at the time of the visit. We are able to accept payment via cash, check or charge.

  • Our fee for service costs are:

    • Initial Consult in office or at home- $175

    • Follow Up Consult- $110

    • Back to Work Consult- $110

    • Prenatal Consult- $110

    • All other educational consults- $110

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• We will provide you with an invoice, complete with procedure and diagnosis codes, at the time of your appointment to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. It can be helpful to speak with your insurance company prior to scheduling your appointment so that you have a better understanding of what your costs will be. *It is the responsibility of the parent to seek insurance reimbursement. The Village is not responsible for claims not reimbursed by insurance. 

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Verifying your benefits prior to the appointment:

• It is recommended that you verify your out of network benefits prior to the appointment. This would include contacting your insurance provider (customer service number on back of card) and verify your out of network benefits for CPT/Diagnosis codes 092.70 and Z39.1 and Procedure codes S9443. Follow this link for a step by step guide for speaking with your insurance company about your lactation benefits. *Please note that if you have not met your out of network deductible, your reimbursement will be applied to the deductible.    

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COVID 19:

The novel coronavirus, COVID-19, has been declared a worldwide pandemic by the World Health Organization. COVID-19 is reported to be extremely contagious. The state of medical knowledge is evolving, but the virus is believed to spread from person-to-person contact and/or by contact with contaminated surfaces and objects, and even possibly in the air. People reportedly can be infected and show no symptoms and therefore spread the disease. Evidence has shown that COVID-19 can cause serious and potentially life threatening illness and even death.

The Village – South Jersey Breastfeeding & Wellness (“The Village”) cannot prevent you or your child(ren) from becoming exposed to, contracting, or spreading COVID-19 while utilizing The Village’s services or premises. It is not possible to prevent against the presence of the disease. Therefore, if you choose to utilize The Village’s services and/or enter onto The Village’s premises you may be exposing yourself to and/or increasing your risk of contracting or spreading COVID-19.

 

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