FAQs

Breastfeeding

  • First, we’ll review your and baby’s medical background, as well as your goals. Then I’ll observe a feeding to gather information and share some tips.

    If you’re exclusively pumping, I can help you troubleshoot and make adjustments as needed to help you get the best yield and most comfort possible.

    My goal is that you’re left with the information you need, a healthy dose of confidence, and peace of mind.

  • Under the Affordable Care Act, most health insurance plans are required to cover breastfeeding support, supplies, and counseling — including visits with a lactation consultant — at no cost to you.

    That’s because breastfeeding is considered preventive care, with proven benefits for both parent and baby. While coverage details can vary by plan, many families are eligible for full or partial reimbursement for lactation services, even when the provider is out-of-network.

    That doesn’t mean it’s always easy to figure out of it’s covered. Check out my How to Pay page for more info.

  • If you can, yes! A prenatal breastfeeding class can make those early days so much smoother. You’ll learn how milk production works, what a good latch looks like, how to tell if baby’s getting enough, and what to do if things don’t go as planned.

    By learning before your baby arrives, you can skip a lot of the trial-and-error stress and start off with practical tools (and realistic expectations). Plus, if you take a class with your partner, they’ll know how to support you from the first feed.

    I offer this class in-person and virtually. (And insurance often covers it!)

  • You may be an expert, but your baby isn’t. Even experienced moms can benefit — especially if there are new challenges like latch changes, supply shifts, pumping, returning to work, or nursing siblings.

  • If you’re pregnant, I recommend a prenatal breastfeeding class in the second or third trimester.

    Baby here already? I can see you as soon as you’d like — even the day you come home from the hospital or birth center. Early IBCLC support in the first few weeks can make a dramatic difference in your breastfeeding success.

  • I know there’s a lot of anxiety around making sure your baby is getting enough milk and that your milk supply is ample. I’ve been there.

    We generally look at a few things:

    • Wet/dirty diapers: Generally 6–8 wet and 3–4 dirty per day after the first week.

    • Weight gain: We expect newborns to gain .5–1 ounce per day. I’ll bring my scale to make sure we’re getting an accurate measurement.

    • General disposition: Is baby satisfied after a feed? Is baby fatigued? Are there signs of dehydration?

    My goal is to make sure you learn how to trust your body and your baby, and that you’re equipped with the information and backup plans you need to confidently feed your baby.

  • I can help identify if there may be some feeding challenges related to oral function, but I’m not permitted to diagnose. I can help you troubleshoot some feeding positions and strategies, as well as refer you to providers who can help you with further steps.

  • Yes! I can help you troubleshoot positions, pumping, and other challenges on a virtual lactation consult. Without direct observation, there are some things that will limit us, but we can try our best!

Pumping

  • Absolutely! Whether you’re going back to work, building a freezer stash, or exclusively pumping, I’ll create a personalized plan that fits you goals and lifestyle. Together we’ll consider your baby’s age, your daily schedule, milk storage goals, and your supply, so you have a routine that actually feels doable.

  • I can, but I can also help you ascertain if you really need one. A small backup stash is completely within reason, but we don’t want you to struggle with oversupply.

    I recommend a few weeks before you return to work, add one short pumping session per day after a morning feed. This gradually builds a stash without causing oversupply. Remember, you don’t need hundreds of ounces — just enough to cover your first few days away, since you’ll pump at work to keep your supply going.

  • Absolutely. Exclusive pumping is still breastfeeding, you’re just giving your baby your milk in a different way. I support exclusive pumpers with everything from choosing the right pump and flange fit, to setting up a pumping schedule, managing supply, and storing milk safely.

    Whether you choose exclusive pumping from the start or switch later, you deserve the same support, encouragement, and resources as any other feeding parent. Your feeding journey is valid, and I’m here to make it as smooth and stress-free as possible.

  • Breast milk is liquid gold, so safe storage helps you get the most out of every ounce you pump. Here are some general guidelines to keep in mind:

    • Room temperature (up to 77°F / 25°C): about 4 hours

    • Insulated cooler bag (with ice packs): up to 24 hours

    • Refrigerator (≤40°F / 4°C): up to 4 days

    • Freezer (0°F / –18°C): about 6 months is best, up to 12 months if needed

    • Deep freezer (–4°F / –20°C): up to 12 months

    A few quick tips:

    • Store milk in small amounts (2–4 oz) to reduce waste.

    • Always label bottles or bags with the date (and your baby’s name if using daycare).

    • Use the oldest milk first — think of it as a “first in, first out” system.

    • Thaw frozen milk in the refrigerator overnight or in a bowl of warm water. Never microwave — it can create hot spots and damage nutrients.

  • Not all pumps are created equal — and the “best” one depends on you and your goals. I’ll help you sort through options based on your lifestyle, budget, insurance coverage, and pumping goals. We’ll talk about portability, suction strength, flange fit, and whether you need a single, double, or wearable pump. The right fit can make pumping faster, more comfortable, and more effective.

  • Yes! While many people worry about not making enough, making too much milk can bring its own set of challenges: clogged ducts, mastitis, forceful letdowns, or a gassy, fussy baby. I’ll help you find gentle, evidence-based strategies to bring your supply into balance, so feeding is more comfortable for you and your baby.

  • It depends on your goals and your baby’s age. In the early weeks, if you’re exclusively pumping, you should shoot for every 3 hours (8 times in 24 hours) to build and protect supply. Once your supply is established, you may be able to adjust timing to fit your routine.

    If you’re exclusively breastfeeding, I often recommend refraining from pumping as long as possible, with the occasional practice pump a few weeks before work or if you need to leave the baby in someone else’s care.

    The right number for you comes down to your body, your baby, and your feeding plan — and I’m here to help you fine tune it.

Car Seats

  • A car seat check is all about making sure your child rides safely and you feel confident every time you buckle them in.

    • I’ll make sure your child is in the right seat for their age, size, and stage.

    • Check that the seat is installed securely in you car

    • Make sure harness straps, chest clip, and recline angle are correct

    • Educate you on best practices

  • Yes, this is a free service to ensure that kids are being transported safely and securely. If you’re interested in a more in-depth conversation where I help you pick car seats based on a number of criteria, I do offer a paid car seat consultation for $50.

  • As a CPST, I am required to guide and supervise the install rather than doing it myself. The goal is to make sure that you know what you’re doing and can confidently navigate car seat safety on your own.

  • Yes! I am trained on seats all the way from infant to backless booster.

    Whether you’re bringing home a newborn in an infant seat, transitioning to a convertible seat, or just wondering if your child has outgrown their current one, I can help.

    We’ll talk through your options, double-check fit, and make sure the seat is being used correctly for your child’s stage.

  • Please do! I’ll already be at your house, and I’d be happy to take a look at your car seat(s).

    Many parents like to combine a car seat consultation with a lactation visit or prenatal breastfeeding class. If you’re already scheduling one service, just let me know you’d like to add a car seat check, and we’ll make it happen.

Everything Else

  • No! I’m The Mom BFF, meaning I’m a friend who’s a mom, not a friend only to moms. I am happy to work with breast- and chest-feeding individuals, same-sex households, and anyone who identifies as anything. We’re all friends here.

  • Babies don’t adhere to a business schedule, I get it. If you need help outside of my normal hours, message me and we’ll find something that works for you. Please note that weekends do include a surcharge.

  • Yes, there is a different rate for twins because each baby is different! An initial newborn lactation consult for twins is $300 and a followup is $250.

  • Maybe! It depends on where you are and what the schedule is looking like that day. I do charge a $50 out-of-pocket travel fee, payable by Venmo, Zelle, or Apple Pay. I’d also be happy to connect you with an IBCLC in your area.

  • I receive my annual flu shot and Covid-19 vaccine. If you would like me to mask, I’m happy to!

  • I absolutely love animals and have no allergies. If your dog, cat, what-have-you is good with strangers and not protective of you or your baby, they’re welcome to be roaming around while I’m there.