Integrative Lactation Care

Q: Do you take insurance?

A: Yes! I am able to accept many Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, United, & Tricare plans. You can read more on my Insurance page or jump straight to this form to verify coverage.

Q: What if you don’t accept my plan/insurer?

A: I offer sliding scale pricing for all out-of-network clients, as well as package discounts. I also provide superbills which you can submit to insurance for reimbursement. You can learn more on my Pricing page.

Q: How quickly can you see me?

A: I am usually able to see parents needing urgent help within 48 hours. If you need urgent assistance, please reach out by text (248.702.4531).

I know how dire it can feel if your baby is not latching, or you are experiencing pain. Keep expressing milk however is most comfortable (hand express or pump if needed) and keep feeding your baby, and we will address your concerns when we meet.

Q: Do you offer same-day appointments?

I generally do not accommodate same-day appointments because I need ample time to review completed intake paperwork in order to provide you with the best care. It enables me to come to your consult prepared to address your concerns most effectively. However, if you are able to complete intake forms promptly, a same-day virtual “SOS” session can often be scheduled until you can be seen in person. Please text 248.702.4531 if you need to be seen urgently.

Q: What is covered in a consultation?

A: An initial consultation includes:

• review of your comprehensive intake form
• an assessment of your baby, including reflexes, mobility, & oral anatomy/structures
• a breast/chest exam
• a functional assessment of latch and/or bottle feeding
• weighted feeding to assess milk transfer (on a scale sensitive to 2g)
• discussion of your concerns
• written care plan with resources
• referrals to additional care providers, if needed
• 2 weeks of follow-up support via text/secure patient portal

A virtual consult includes all of these components except a weighted feeding.

Q: I’m losing my supply! Can you help me?

A: Yes! Most supply concerns are resolvable. Book an appointment (or text 248.702.4531 to request one), and in the meantime, keep your milk moving by hand expressing and/or pumping.

Q: Can you tell me if my baby has a tongue tie?

A: While only certain providers (pediatric dentists, etc) can provide an official diagnosis of a tongue tie or a lip tie, qualified lactation providers such as Integrative Lactation Care conduct a thorough functional assessment that determines whether your baby has restrictions impacting feeding. A functional assessment is a great place to start, and from there we will tag in additional providers to provide optimal, collaborative care for desired resolution of any restricted tissue.

If your hospital care team or pediatrician has told you no tie is present, but you are experiencing pain, nipple damage, or other feeding issues (slow weight gain, breast refusal, etc), a functional assessment is recommended. Not every medical provider is trained to identify oral restrictions effectively.

Q: How does text support work?

A: I offer text support primarily for expecting parents who would like to have on-demand lactation care from a trusted professional during their hospital stay immediately following the birth of their baby. It is also an option for families who are not ready to book a full consult but would like to ask questions and determine if a consult is warranted.

Text support is meant as a bridge to help families in the short-term, and is not appropriate to address ongoing feeding concerns. You can read more about text support here.

Clients who have booked a full consult automatically receive two weeks of text/patient portal support at no extra cost.

Q: Do you offer pump fittings?

A: Yes! Pump fittings can be performed virtually or in person. Pump fittings are critical for lactating parents who will be pumping on a regular basis to maintain supply while at work, traveling, etc. The standard sizes included in the box with your pump are not appropriate for most folks! Education on how to pump optimally matters, too. Integrative Lactation Care carries flange inserts and can leave you with everything you need to pump effectively in less than an hour.

Q: How can you do lactation care virtually?

A: Great question! It’s possible to assess & coach a great deal through telehealth. Lactation providers with considerable experience can usually determine whether a latch is effective from observing a feeding virtually and by asking strategic questions of the parent, and offer helpful recommendations without needing to be hands-on. The only element not possible in a virtual consult is a weighted feeding.

Telehealth makes it possible for us to see families anywhere in the world. If needed, or connection is not optimal, I may request high-quality photos/videos to be sent through a secure patient portal.

Telehealth appointments are also great for local families who have been seen in-person and have follow-up questions that are too in-depth for messaging, but don’t warrant an additional in-person visit.

Q: What are your fees?

A: You can see my cash pay fees on my Services page. Sliding scale is available by request.

Q: When should I see a lactation consultant?

A: If you are experiencing any of the following issues, please reach out to book an appointment. If you are not experiencing any issues but are a new parent, many families still find value in a visit for reassurance!

Red flags:

• pain while feeding
• nipple damage
• refusal to latch, or difficulty latching
• baby is coughing, choking, or leaking while feeding
• bottle refusal
• long feedings (30+ minutes)
• slow weight gain
• feeding 12+ times per day
• reflux, gas, or colic
• breast pain, clogs, or mastitis

You can download a full symptom checker here.

Q: Do you offer weighted feedings?

A: A weighted feeding is included with all in-home and office visits (initial and follow-ups). Integrative Lactation Care uses a specialized lactation scale that is sensitive to 2g to provide an accurate measurement.

Weighted feedings are also offered at the free weekly support group on Tuesdays at Nest & Nurture.

Q: Do you work with exclusively formula feeding families or combo feeding families?

A: Absolutely! Every family deserves compassionate feeding support. Contrary to popular belief, you do not have to be breastfeeding (exclusively or at all) to benefit from support from a lactation consultant. ILC can assist with selecting an optimal formula type for your baby, troubleshooting digestive concerns, bottle feeding skills, and more. If you desire to increase your milk production or work on latching, we can work on that, too, but it is not required to receive care.

Q: Do you offer prenatal consults?

A: Yes! One of the best ways to set yourself up for success in your feeding journey is to book a prenatal consult. We can discuss your goals, your concerns, and help you feel confident about navigating the first few days of parenthood.

Q: Do you teach any classes?

A: I currently teach a 2-hour Infant Feeding & Sleep course every other month through Ypsi-Arbor Childbirth Ed. I also offer a self-paced newborn sleep & feeding course through Supported Sleep. If you are an active ILC client, contact me for 50% off!

Stay tuned for additional class offerings coming soon!

Q: How do I book an appointment?

A: You can self-book online using our easy booking system, or reach out by text (248.702.4531) or email (jill@integrativelactation.com) if you have questions or prefer to chat before booking.

Only a portion of available appointment times are displayed in online booking – so if you do not see a booking time that works for you, please reach out. Evening & weekend appointments are opened for urgent situations & for working parents.