What is a Lactation Consultant?

The International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners, INC. defines a Lactation Consultant as an allied health care professional who possesses the necessary skills, knowledge and attitudes to facilitate breastfeeding.

Lactation Consultants encourage self-care and parental decision making.

A Lactation Consultant is an important resource for assistance when dealing with breastfeeding concerns or difficulties, including but not limited to: Sore breasts or nipples, engorgement, latch-on, milk production concerns, or slow weight gain.

A Lactation Consultant can also assist with special circumstances such as:  Multiples, jaundice, prematurity, relactation, adoptive nursing, going back to work and weaning.

As an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant,
I have dedicated myself to upholding the standards above. 


Skills:

I have been working in the field of Lactation since 1995 and have been an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant since 2000.   I can assist with many situations including, but not limited to, position and latch-on challenges, feeding issues - suck issues, suck-swallow dysfunction, adoption and breastfeeding, inducing lactation, breastfeeding twins, triplets and more, breastfeeding after reduction surgery, breastfeeding with implants, etc., information regarding breastfeeding and medications mother's must sometimes take, breastfeeding and alcohol, breastfeeding and food allergies in the infant, and many more situations. 


Lactation Consultations: 

I believe that the Gold Standard of a Lactation Consultation is in your home.  An In-Home visit is most effective for moms because we work within your environment using what you have available. While a clinic setting can be helpful and even successful using the clinics chair and/or pillow, many moms find that recreating their breastfeeding experience at home may be more of a challenge since often times they don't have just what the clinic had. When I work with you in your home, we can find just the right position for you and your baby anywhere you choose! 

I offer consultations provided in the comfort of your home and usually available 7 days a week.  I serve Sacramento and surrounding areas (travel fees may apply - please call for details).  I do not charge for travel that is within 30 minutes of my home (that is 30 minutes in good traffic!).  If you need help and are out of the area please don't hesitate to contact me - I can help you find someone in your area if you need. 

Office Visits:

I also have a home office and consult room if you would prefer to come to me (the benefit is a lower consult fee).  I have a loveseat, glider and nursing stool.   You will need to bring your pillows to work with as not everyone has the same nursing pillows. 


Fees and Length of Visit:

Consultations last between 1.5 and 3 hours.  For this reason, I charge a flat fee which allows us a relaxed atmosphere to be able to work - no one is watching the time go by and their bank account empty. 

Initial Visit Fee:

In Home:  $120
In Office:   $90

There may be extra fees if other supplies are needed (nipple shield, breast shells, etc).  However, I do my very best to keep your costs down and you are never obligated to purchase extra supplies from me.  I will even let you know where else you can purchase these items.  You might be interested in knowing, though, I do charge 10-15% below suggested retail on almost all items in my inventory.   

Although I work hard to ensure all challenges are resolved in our first visit, sometimes follow-up visits are needed. 

Follow-up fees are:

In Home: $90
In Office:  $65

I accept cash, check and credit cards for payment.

If you need help and have financial challenges, please talk to me.  There is almost always a way to work it out...or I can refer you quality services.


Lactation Counseling by Phone:

Free phone counseling is available 7 days a week. Phone follow-up is always included with an in-home Lactation Consultation.  If you have a question about breastfeeding - any question - please feel free to call.  It is what I am here for!  I nearly always answer my phone unless I am talking with a mom or in a consultation.  If you get my voicemail, please leave me a message and I will return your call as soon as possible. 

Breastfeeding Classes!

We are now honored to be offering an exciting new Breastfeeding Class entitled: Breastfeeding:  It's Not Supposed to Suck! 

Taught by Jaye Simpson, IBCLC, CIIM and Anita Butler, IBCLC, HBCE, CD(DONA) this class is an innovative and interactive class filled with information and laughter.  We'll make sure you have all your questions answered and are prepared for your new baby and new adventures in breastfeeding! 

Breastfeeding Support Group!

Breastfeeding Network has offered a Mother's Support group since November of 2006.  It has become a strong and successful group of wonderful and amazing women who continually amazie me with their strength.


 Authorized Medela Rental and Retail Station:

Medela Symphony and Lactina Pumps and BabyWeigh Scales are available to rent.  Personal breastpump accessory kits used with rental pumps are available for sale.  Replacement parts for hospital grade pumps are also available.


Infant Massage:

Infant Massage Classes are a lot of fun and help you learn how to communicate even better with your baby!  


See our Products Page for information on the quality products we carry!