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We’ll closely monitor a feeding session / milk expression (direct nursing, bottle-feeding, or pumping). For those breastfeeding/chestfeeding, a weighted feed is available to measure your baby’s milk consumption.
An infant oral exam is usually conducted to evaluate factors like tongue movement, sucking patterns, and palate structure. A breast examination may also be appropriate, where we assess various elements, including tissue health.
Following the evaluation, we collaborate to create a tailored care plan for your continued journey. Often, we incorporate a Pediatrician Report, advocating for a cohesive healthcare approach. If additional expertise is required, written referrals are provided.
For the subsequent two weeks, we’ll be available to you for questions or further assistance, and if a follow-up session is deemed necessary, we’ll help you with scheduling.
We’ll meet in your home. See service area for travel fee details (applicable >15 miles from S. Minneapolis Blooma location). Initial visit $250 (90 minutes), follow-up visits $190 (60 minutes).
Meet us in a private space at our Blooma studio location in South Minneapolis. Initial visit $220 (90 minutes), follow-up visits $155 (60 minutes).
We’ll meet via secure, HIPAA-compliant video chat. Initial visit $190 (90 minutes), follow-up visits $125 (60 minutes).
“International Board Certified Lactation Consultants function and contribute as members of the maternal-child health team. They provide care in a variety of settings, while making appropriate referrals to other health professionals and community support resources. Working together with mothers, families, policymakers and society, IBCLC consultants provide expert breastfeeding and lactation care, promote changes that support breastfeeding and help reduce the risks of not breastfeeding.” (https://iblce.org/about-iblce/)
Simply put, an IBCLC is a member of the healthcare team with advanced training in lactation. IBCLCs are well-versed in both typical lactation and infant feeding journeys, and those that come with a few twists and turns along the way.
IBCLCs are considered the “gold standard” in lactation support. We have received advanced training in both typical and atypical lactation and infant feeding. An IBCLC is an internationally recognized certification that includes a rigorous training program and standardized examination. IBCLCs have a background in a number of healthcare sciences, 90+ hours of lactation specific education, and 300-1000+ hours of clinical practice supporting families.
There are a number of other lactation supporters, from peer counselors (La Leche League, Breastfeeding USA, WIC, etc.) to the alphabet soup of lactation credentials (CLEC, CLC, CBS, CLE etc.). Each of these credentials requires some level of standardized education, usually 20-45 hours of lactation specific education, typically obtained in a week-long training course. These lactation providers are essential to the landscape of infant feeding support, and are hugely helpful for working through the typical challenges families face in lactation. As challenges become more complex, the advanced training and experience of an IBCLC may become helpful or necessary.
Truly anything related to lactation and infant feeding! Some reasons people seek lactation support include:
We are not currently in-network with any insurance providers, so do not directly bill insurance. After our visit, we will give you a Superbill which can be submitted to your insurance for reimbursement. Under the Affordable Care Act, lactation visits with an IBCLC should be covered by insurance. Unfortunately, there are sometimes loopholes or push-back. We recommend contacting your insurance company prior to the visit for pre-authorization – this seems to make it more likely to see reimbursement come through. If you have any difficulty understanding or accessing your benefits, please consult this toolkit created by the National Women’s Law Center.
My experience in lactation started in my role as a NICU nurse in 2015. My passion for lactation and supporting infant feeding grew exponentially during my breastfeeding journey with my first child.
I’ve successfully breastfed my two children (still currently breastfeeding my youngest, a toddler). Each journey has been unique and added first-hand experience to my education and training as an IBCLC. I’ve been an IBCLC since 2019, working in the hospital setting as well as providing in-home lactation/infant feeding support. I’ve taken additional education to be competent in assessing oral/tongue restrictions and the impacts that has on feeding and beyond.
Lactation doesn’t have to be all or nothing. I am passionate about meeting you where you/your baby are at to support your unique goals.I love to teach and equip parents with the knowledge necessary to feel confident feeding their baby. I have additional expertise and training from my NICU nurse role, working alongside Occupational Therapists. Through this I am skilled in paced bottle feeding and implementing any additional bottling techniques to optimize the safety and quality of feeding for babies that bottle feed. I love providing in-home lactation/feeding support – it’s where you feel comfortable and where your physical and emotional supports are.
My approach as an IBCLC is rooted in compassion, empowerment, and a deep understanding of how birth experiences can impact a feeding journey.
Breast/chestfeeding can be beautiful, but it is a journey that comes with unique challenges. My own feeding journey required more equipment for a medically complex baby than I ever could have imagined. I see you if how you are feeding looks different than you hoped and I am here to support your goals.
I have worked as a nurse before, during, and after birth for over 10 years, have been a lactation counselor for 6 years and am a new IBCLC. I am continually learning about assessment of oral restrictions and how to be a resource for families when challenges arise in a world of information overload. I am a lactation and alternative health nerd and love to take in new information and research in my spare time.
I believe pregnancy and postpartum are sacred and it’s an honor to care for families in their homes. I am here to provide a safe space to navigate your feeding path.
Schedule a consultation by submitting an appointment request below.
Don’t see a time that works for you or have urgent needs for a prompt visit? Try Kayla (kayla@blooma.com, 612-268-4360).
Additional support options are available to you in the form of our Lactation & Newborn Care Class and complimentary Lactation Lounge Support Group.
Let our professional postpartum doulas guide and help you with your postpartum care journey. From in-home newborn care (day or night) to one-on-one lactation consulting, we use evidence-based techniques to ensure parents and baby are as healthy, happy, and well-rested as possible.
