As a bachelor prepared RN, I have nearly 20 years of experience working with infants, children, and their families both during periods of wellness and illness.  I have been lucky in my career to work with some of the finest pediatricians in Helena. They taught me well as a pediatric nurse.  This experience is invaluable in assessing what is normal and potentially abnormal in growth and development of the newborn, infant, and toddler. When I was a home visiting RN through Lewis and Clark Public Health (LCPH), I also had the pleasure of working with families as they transitioned their premature infants home from the Missoula or Great Fall’s NICU. I offered families education and reassurance with relation to what to expect during this transition home when they no longer had a nurse or doctor at the bedside 24/7.   Breastfeeding challenges were common, and I loved being able to walk this journey with families.  As an RN working at LCPH, I also had the pleasure of teaching breastfeeding classes prenatally, and women always felt empowered in knowing what to do when the baby finally comes. In addition, I have been lucky enough in my career to be a part of St. Peter’s Health’s lactation team. Seeing all aspects of breastfeeding, from prenatal to birth to postpartum is a gift of knowledge and experience I can give to my clients. As an IBCLC, we are recertified every 5 years by the IBLCE governing board. Certification comes only with hard work and keeping up with the latest research related to lactation management. IBCLC’s pass a rigorous test to be certified, and we have to keep up with a certain amount of practicing hours and continuing education every 5 year period of time. It prepares us well to journey with you.

Although breastfeeding is a natural process, we have lost the art of passing down breastfeeding knowledge from generation to generation.  Breastfeeding challenges are common, but knowing what to expect ahead of time makes a big difference in feeling confident to take on a difficulty should it arise. Taking a class in your third trimester can help build your skills ahead of meeting your new baby.

This worry is very common among those that breastfeed.  Our bodies typically respond to the needs of our babies. But, it can be good to investigate a little further to ensure you have peace of mind and that your baby is growing well. A home visit is a perfect opportunity to explore what’s happening and weigh your baby. We can do a pre-feed and a post feed weight to ensure your infant is taking in as much as is needed.

Not necessarily. All different shapes and sizes of breasts are able to successfully breastfeed. However, some maternal conditions may affect supply or the ability to breastfeed.  Talking to an IBCLC ahead of your infant’s birth–or after–can offer you reassurance or guidance on how to have the best breastfeeding experience given your situation.

Depending on the type of breast surgery, your milk making abilities may or may not be impacted.  IBCLC’s have knowledge in this area of breastfeeding and can help answer questions.

Twins will present unique challenges, but having some knowledge ahead of time related to breastfeeding accessories like pillows, how to hold and latch twins, knowing what to expect if your twins deliver early, and what to expect in the first few days can help ease your mind. Consider scheduling a prenatal visit with an IBCLC.. Also, when transitioning home, an IBCLC can observe feedings and do pre and post weights to ensure your wee ones are growing as expected. 

Absolutely! Payment will be due at the time of service.  I will give you a superbill with my NPI and Tax ID for you to be able to submit to insurance on your own.  It is helpful to have a referral from your doctor in this case. Lactation services are supposed to be covered under the Affordable Care Act. IBCLC’s, especially RN/IBCLC’s are the best source of breastfeeding support. Not all insurances recognize IBCLC’s as a provider type depending on what state you live in. It is worth submitting the superbill to insurance as they often will reimburse for part or all of the visit. You have 60 days from the time of the visit to submit this information.

Planning ahead for back to work will lend itself to success when it is time for this transition.  An IBCLC is equipped to give you advice on how to choose a pump and how to approach pumping to build an adequate supply for the transition back to work.  Talking to your employer ahead of time makes a difference. Under the Fair Labor Stardards Act (FLSA) and the PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act, most employees have the right to reasonable breaktimes to be able to express their milk while at work.  This Act covers you until your child is 1 year old. You are entitled to a place to pump at work that is not a bathroom and is free from view or intrusion by the public or coworkers.

I LOVE coming to people’s homes.  Families are typically most at ease in their own homes. Don’t worry about cleaning or being a host. I know what it’s like to have a newborn.  I intend our visit to be an easy lift for you.  If you are more comfortable with a virtual visit, that’s totally OK! However, it can be helpful to weigh your infant in person, especially if you are worried about weight gain and latch.  Virtual visits are a great way to follow up. If you think whatever you need to discuss is more than a quick email or phone call, a virtual visit can work very well. I am flexible. We can see what works best for you.