FAQ
What is an IBCLC?IBCLC stands for International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. IBCLC's are allied healthcare professionals who specialize in the clinical management of breastfeeding. An IBCLC has achieved the advanced levels of clinical and theoretical knowledge required to practice competently and safely in the breastfeeding field, having at least 1000 hours of clinical experience, as well as passing a comprehensive certifying board exam. IBCLCs are knowledgeable in many complex breastfeeding issues and are required to practice using up-to-date evidence based practices in lactation. The IBCLC credential is considered the gold standard for lactation consultants and is the only credential recognized by hospitals and most insurance companies for lactation service reimbursement.
A board-certified lactation consultant is an invaluable asset to breastfeeding families, who reassures you when breastfeeding is going well, and provides information and support to help prevent and manage common concerns. Conflicting advice (particularly incorrect and inaccurate information found online) can make breastfeeding more difficult and incredibly overwhelming for new parents. I aid in removing those barriers and help you have the breastfeeding and new parenting experience you desire.
- As an IBCLC I can help with:
- Prenatal counseling about the factors that may affect breastfeeding and lactation
- Positioning and latch issues
- Information about practices that promote successful breastfeeding and lactation
- Preventing and managing common concerns including inadequate milk transfer or supply, nipple or breast
- pain, and calming a sensitive baby.
- Milk expression and storage for parents who must be separated from their babies
- Strategies for breastfeeding and lactation after returning to work
- Breastfeeding and lactation in challenging situations, such as feeding twins or triplets, a premature or sick infant, or parents and infants in special medical situations.
The online system is the fastest way to schedule an appointment. You will receive an appointment confirmation and reminder messages. Call (818) 913-2228, if you have questions before our visit or if you prefer to schedule by phone. When scheduling a same-day appointment, you MUST also call me directly at 818-913-2228 to ensure I see your booking in time. All appointments are subject to confirmation. Your appointment is not complete until you receive a confirmation. I will call you if we need to re-schedule.
I serve breastfeeding families in the greater Los Angeles area, offering home visits in Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Toluca Lake, North Hollywood, Valley Village, Burbank, Woodland Hills, Encino, Reseda, Tarzana, Lake Balboa, Chatsworth, Granada Hills, North Hills, Glendale, Eagle Rock, Highland Park, Los Angeles, Van Nuys, Tujunga, Sylmar, Sunland, Pasadena, South Pasadena, Altadena, San Marino, Arcadia, Alhambra, Monrovia, Rosemead, La Canada Flintridge, Montrose, La Crescenta, Downtown Los Angeles, Hollywood, Los Feliz, Larchmont, Atwater, Silverlake, Echo Park, Mt. Washington, Santa Clarita and Newhall and the Westside (travel charges apply).
In-home or in-office breastfeeding consultations can usually scheduled same day or within a day or two. Calls and emails are typically answered promptly (unless I'm with a client and unavailable). I typically return calls and respond to emails between appointments.
My availability changes rapidly. I often have unlisted last-minute openings and same-day and next-day appointments for breastfeeding consultations are usually available. If you don't see any online appointment times that work for you or you have an urgent request, please call 818-913-2228 or send an email to [email protected] so I may be able to accommodate a time that works for you.
My availability changes rapidly. I often have unlisted last-minute openings and same-day and next-day appointments for breastfeeding consultations are usually available. If you don't see any online appointment times that work for you or you have an urgent request, please call 818-913-2228 or send an email to [email protected] so I may be able to accommodate a time that works for you.
- Please complete the intake form and parent portal thoroughly. Instructions will be provided to you when you book your appointment.
- Initial consultation visits are generally 2 hours. Please ensure you've had a rest and something to eat prior to our appointment.
- Have the following items close by – light blanket, clean diapers and wipes. If you are using any of the following, please also have them available: nipple cream/ointment, medication, nipple shield, breast pump, feeding cups, syringes, tubes, bottles. If supplementing, enough expressed breastmilk/donor milk or formula for a typical feeding.
- Try to avoid feeding baby or pumping within the hour before the scheduled consult time. It is important that your baby be interested in feeding soon after we start.
Each initial consultation begins with getting to know each other a bit, reviewing pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, maternal and infant health history, and exploring the current breastfeeding issues you are experiencing. You will be invited to feed your baby during the appointment and depending on the issue at hand, I will examine you and/or your baby.
Initial consultations are unhurried and typically last about two hours. After assessing and exploring your situation, I will develop a comprehensive care plan with recommendations for improving and resolving breastfeeding issues. If warranted, I will provide you with referrals to other health care providers.
Initial consultations are unhurried and typically last about two hours. After assessing and exploring your situation, I will develop a comprehensive care plan with recommendations for improving and resolving breastfeeding issues. If warranted, I will provide you with referrals to other health care providers.
Initial consultations are typically 2 hours. Longer for multiples or complex situations. Follow-up appointments are typically 1.5 hours.
Absolutely! Partner support is CRUCIAL to the success of the breastfeeding relationship. Partners and family members are always welcome to attend classes, consultation visits, and support group meetings. Partners are always welcome to ask questions, and participate in any way that supports you.
Each case is unique and it is impossible to predict how quickly a situation will resolve. Most clients need between 1-3 appointments. I strongly encourage my clients to keep in touch with me until they feel fully confident that their breastfeeding issues are resolved.
Fees are due at the time of service. You can pay using cash, check, PayPal, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover Card. At the end of the visit I provide you with a Superbill (an itemized receipt that includes all of my pertinent provider information as well as the applicable procedure and diagnosis codes for each visit) for submittal to your insurance company which may result in a partial or full reimbursement. We make no guarantees as insurance companies and policies vary widely. Obtaining a referral from your midwife, obstetrician or pediatrician may increase likelihood of reimbursement. Pre-authorization from your insurance carrier for lactation services from an IBCLC may also help.
I ask that you please not cancel your appointment once scheduled and confirmed, because I reserve that time for you and may have turned away another family needing help. If you must cancel your appointment, a minimum 24 hour advanced notice is needed. Late cancellations (with less than 24 hours’ notice) and/or no-shows who wish to reschedule will be required to pay in full at the time of rescheduling. Please call or email if you need to cancel or reschedule.
There are no refunds/returns for breastpump rentals, breastpump accessories, nursing bras or apparel. There are no refunds on any services delivered, including consultations and classes.
There are no refunds/returns for breastpump rentals, breastpump accessories, nursing bras or apparel. There are no refunds on any services delivered, including consultations and classes.
MILC offers the convenience of renting multi-user breastpumps and baby weigh electronic scales. A multi- user rental breastpump can provide effective stimulation to promote, increase and establish milk supply. Weekly and monthly rentals are available. Rental breastpumps require the purchase of a personal pump accessory kit and require a signed contract with a Credit Card on file. Pick up and drop off is generally done in office, by appointment only. Please call 818-913-2228 or contact us for pricing and more information.
The office is located on the second level inside the Pondella Building at 13743 Riverside Drive Sherman Oaks, CA 91423. There is free two hour parking in front of the office building as well as on the side streets. Avoid parking in the bank parking lot.
Do you carry nursing bras?
Yes! As trained and certified bra fitters, MILC has a reputation for offering an extensive and complete line of nursing bras and apparel in many styles and sizes. The bras are hand selected based on their quality, access for nursing, support and comfort. Make an appointment online for a professional bra fitting at the MILC office approximately 4-6 weeks before your due date. At your appointment you will measured, fitted, and presented with a wide variety of in stock nursing bras, tanks, tops, nightgowns and apparel.
The office is located on the second level inside the Pondella Building at 13743 Riverside Drive Sherman Oaks, CA 91423. There is free two hour parking in front of the office building as well as on the side streets. Avoid parking in the bank parking lot.
Do you carry nursing bras?
Yes! As trained and certified bra fitters, MILC has a reputation for offering an extensive and complete line of nursing bras and apparel in many styles and sizes. The bras are hand selected based on their quality, access for nursing, support and comfort. Make an appointment online for a professional bra fitting at the MILC office approximately 4-6 weeks before your due date. At your appointment you will measured, fitted, and presented with a wide variety of in stock nursing bras, tanks, tops, nightgowns and apparel.
Yes! There are different protocols for induced lactation and re-lactation. The sooner you can begin preparing your body, the better. Schedule online or contact me to set up an initial consultation so I can review your health history and help you create a care plan that will work best for your situation.