About Home Visits
Mothers tend to be more relaxed and open to learning when they are in their own home.  We're on baby time!  Being in the home also allows time to assess issues such as safe sleep arrangements, normal routines, and need for additional support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my insurance cover this?
It depends on your insurance company; not all insurance companies cover lactation support but you won't know for sure until you ask. Payments (cash or check)  must be made directly at the time of the visit.

What happens during a home visit?
We'll go over your medical history and birth story in order to rule out any circumstances that might be causing your difficulty.  We'll take a look at a normal feeding in order to assess problems and suggest changes.  I often show a few short educational DVDs.  Together we'll come up with a plan to improve both your comfort level and confidence.  

Do you charge by the hour?
No, we're on "baby time;" I charge by the visit.  Please call or email to inquire about current rates. 

We need help right now!  Can you come today?

Maybe; it all depends on how flexible my schedule is at the moment.  I sometimes do night visits as well. 

Is it better to make an appointment before the baby arrives?
There is a non-refundable deposit fee (which can be applied towards your visit) if you want to have me be available.  You can always check with me ahead of time to find out how busy my schedule is around your due date.

I'm in a different city.  How far will you travel?
I've traveled as far north as New Hampshire and as far west as Worcester.  Depending on the distance, I may charge a travel fee.
  
Can you visit me while I'm still in the hospital?
Yes, if you feel you need extra support right away, I can visit you in the hospital.  

What is "Baby Led Latch"?

"Baby Led Latch" is a form of biological nurturing.  As mammals, we are designed to breastfeed.  Believe it or not, human babies (like all mammals) are capable of finding the breast on their own.  When they find the breast on their own, they tend to latch on in a way that is comfortable for the mother.  Babies also put themselves in a position that allows the mother to easily have one hand free.  But most importantly, seeing how her baby can latch on comfortably with only minimal assistance from her helps a mother to relax and trust her instincts.     

My doctor is worried about my baby.  He says I should give the baby formula.  Do I have to?
Each case is different.  This is your baby and you have the right to decide what happens to your child.  If you have enough expressed breast milk, there may be no need for formula.  That said, the number one rule that lactation consultants live by is "Feed the Baby."  If a baby isn't thriving, we haven't done our job correctly.  

Should I hold off feeding the baby until you arrive?
No, please feed your baby whenever you see signs of hunger.  We will have plenty of time during the visit to see another feeding.

I've been keeping a log of how often my baby breastfeeds.  Do you want to see it?
Not really.  I'm more interested in looking at the baby's last diaper.  We'll go over feeding cues so you can learn when your baby is hungry by looking at the baby and not the clock.  

Can I get a gift certificate for a home visit?
Of course!  A gift certificate makes a wonderful shower gift and is also appreciated by second-time mothers who struggled with breastfeeding the first time around.  Simply call or email me and I'll set you up with a certificate for a home visit or phone consult.

Postnatal Home Visits

Includes a physical assessment of both mother and baby, observation of a normal feeding, instruction on "Baby Led Latch," formulation of a care plan, and follow up by phone and/or email.
An average visit lasts 3 hours - we're on baby time!



"I am so thankful for the help you gave us -- it made the world of difference. Your name comes up around here every so often when we talk about how well the breastfeeding is going and how I learned to build confidence in it and relax more. Thank you again. I really won't ever be able to thank you enough. You were exactly what we needed at that point in our lives. We were very nervous having a newborn, and you really helped calm us down and give us confidence." Meghan

Prenatal In Home Consult

Better to avoid difficulties in the first place than have to overcome them later!


Includes one-on-one breastfeeding instruction, an assessment of your medical history, personalized instruction on "Baby Led Latch," an evaluation of safe sleep arangements, and advice on avoiding common breastfeeding difficulties, as well as answers to questions concerning your unique situation. 

An average prenatal consult lasts 2 hours.

Who benefits from Prenatal Consults?

• Mothers with fertility issues.
• Mothers who failed to meet their breastfeeding goals with their previous babies.
• Mothers on bed rest.
• Mothers with disabilities or other special circumstances.
• Parents whose schedules won't accomodate a breastfeeding class.