FAQ

I'm expecting or nursing multiple babies, do you work with multiples?

Yes! I would be happy to work with you and your babies. I have helped other sets of multiples, through latching issues, low supply, nursing with tongue and lip ties, nursing after tie releases, and weaning off nipple shields, and I would be happy to support your family as well.

I’m pregnant and want to meet with you before the baby comes, do you do that?

Yes! I’m happy to meet prenatally before the baby is born. This can be especially helpful if a parent has specific concerns, worries or risk factors that might make breastfeeding/chestfeeding more challenging. I also highly recommend taking my Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding Basics Class!

I exclusively pump, or want to—can you help me?

Yes! While pumping can be hard, and I’m happy to help you figure it out, and a plan that works for you and your little one.

Will you help me stop breastfeeding/chestfeeding? Can you help with weaning?

Yes! If you're ready to stop nursing, if you need to stop nursing, if you want to stop nursing, or if it’s not working for both the parent and baby. I will be happy to help you with a weaning plan that works for everyone.

Do you help folks who formula feed, feed both breastmilk/chestmilk/formula, or may switch to formula?

Yes! I’m happy to help you with many different aspects of feeding your baby (bottle feeding, bottle refusal, weaning, etc). Some aspects are out of my scope but I’m happy to direct you back to your health care provider with those questions (formula selection, exact daily amount for your infant to take, and so on).

Do you accept health Insurance?

No, I'm currently not able to accept health insurance. I hope to in the future and I’m currently working at the state house on various legislative efforts to make reimbursement available to all families in Massachusetts. Right now it’s sadly a mess, and not guaranteed.

Is my consultation or class an FSA or HSA eligilble expense? Can I pay with my FSA/HSA Card?

Yes! And I can offer you a dated and itemized receipt for you to submit to your FSA/HSA company.

So you're a CLC (Certified Lactation Counselor)... what's that mean?

Great question! A CLC is a Certified Lactation Counselor. This is a certification only available through the Healthy Children Project and the Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice. Details about the scope of practice of a CLC can be found here! . My certification is through a comprehensive, evidence-based, breastfeeding management course (run by Healthy Children Project), which includes practical skills, theoretical foundations and competency verification (Certification exam given by the Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice). CLC’s certification is accredited by the American National Standards Institute. In addition to my preliminary training, I do yearly continuing education to maintain my certification. If the care you need is beyond my scope, I will refer you to a trusted colleague or specialist.

Can you help me virtually?

In most cases, yes! Since March 2020, I have helped many families virtually! Additionally with virtual appointments I am able to see many families sooner than when we meet in person at your home.

What can I do to make a virtual appointment work well?

Excellent question! Setting up in a location with good lighting either above you or in front of you is helpful. We don’t want a large sunny window or bright light behind you. Having another person there if possible to help with the phone or laptop camera can also be helpful. Additionally, sometimes having two devices logged in to the session helps to obtain the visual angles needed for proper assessment.