Sometimes breastfeeding is harder than it seems. We’re here to help you get to the bottom of what’s challenging you and to connect you with a circle of mom’s who get where you’re coming from.
We have teamed up with community lactation consultants take a non-judgmental, collaborative, family-centered approach and work with you to help you reach your personal breastfeeding goals. Learn More About Our Lactation Consultations here.
*Current service area includes Oakland, Berkeley, Albany, El Cerrito, Alameda, Emeryville, Lafayette, & Orinda.
Rates
Lactation Consultation (In-Home, Initial Visit. 1.5 - 2 hours) | $300 |
Lactation Consultation (In-Office, Initial Visit. 1.5 - 2 hours) | $250 |
Lactation Consultation (In-Home, Follow-Up Visit, 1 - 1.5 hours) | $225 |
Lactation Consult (In-Office, Follow-up. 1 - 1.5 hours) | $175 |
Back to Work Consultation (In office, 1 - 1.5 hours) | $125 |
Out-of-Area Service Fee | $75 |
Lactation Consultation (Twins, add $75) | $75 |
Prenatal Lactation Consultation + private mini-class (1 hour) | $150 |
Other Lactation Services
Lactation Services
We will resume the latch clinic in November 2016. Please stay tuned, and if you need direct one-on-one IBCLC support please contact us and we can connect you with other talented IBCLCs in the area.
“They say breastfeeding isn’t supposed to hurt, but it just does! It’s supposed to hurt at least a little, right?”
Honestly, no. Feeding your baby should not hurt you and it does not do you or your baby any good just to grin and bear it. Come get hands-on help in a group setting from an experienced lactation consultant. When it comes to breastfeeding, getting help sooner rather than later is strongly encouraged.
We will resume the Breastfeeding Moms Circle in November. Please stay tuned, and if you need direct one-on-one IBCLC support please contact us and we can connect you with other talented IBCLCs in the area.
Come meet other breastfeeding moms at various stages mom-hood, learn from each other, or get your questions and curiosities answered by a Board Certified Lactation Consultant. Anyone who is breastfeeding and/ or combo feeding is welcome to join us, most commonly babies are less than 4 months old, but that’s not required. Whether you have a new baby in your arms, are expecting one soon, have older babies, toddlers, or preschoolers, this is the place to meet and support each other, celebrate reaching goals big and small, and enjoy a little tea or coffee in our cozy center!
Grab lunch in the neighborhood before, or feel free to pack something along to eat in class.
(NOTE: This is an combo education class and social group — if you are struggling with breastfeeding, please consider our Breastfeeding Clinic or One-on-One Lactation Consulting)
1st & 3rd Mondays, 1:00pm – 2:15pm, Sliding scale $5 – $10 (to pay $5, please use coupon code BFSUPPORT) (resuming November 7th, No meeting November 21st, the week of Thanksgiving)
If that’s not in your cards right now, please still come. Really. Proceeds after expenses go to the Then Comes Baby New Family Foundation fund, which supports mid-income families by supplementing the cost of lactation consults, childbirth education, and new moms support groups.. Save a Spot
Private prenatal visits with a Lactation Consultant are appropriate for women with history of:
- any breast/nipple surgery
- flat or inverted nipples
- insulin dependent diabetes
- PCOS and infertility
- pregnancy with twins or more
- significant difficulty breastfeeding in the past
- are planning to induce lactation
The visit is tailored to your specific needs and will include individualized breastfeeding education, a breast exam, discussion and demonstration of key techniques in the first few days, referrals to other health care providers who may need to be part of your breastfeeding team, how to put your best foot forward with establishing a solid milk supply, common hospital procedures and experiences that lead to unplanned supplementation… and more!
We include a mini private breastfeeding class for you that covers key information and guidance for your first few weeks.
Note: If necessary, we may request to collaborate with your other health care provider(s) to help you be ready when you need to be.
By appointment in our office (1 hr. appointment)
$150
These private visits are for mothers who are returning to work and plan to pump and provide breast milk for their babies while separated. You really can make breastfeeding and work work for you — it’s all about planning, prioritization, and realistic expectations. This consultation should take place, ideally, at least 3 weeks before mom plans to return to work. And, if you plan on giving milk to your baby by a bottle, that bottle should be introduced slowly sometime between 4-6 weeks postpartum, generally. Visits last about 60 – 75 minutes.
By appointment, Monday - Friday.
$125
This 30-45 minute lactation consultation intended for folks who just need some relatively quick hands-on help or fine-tuning, not an in-depth assessment and follow-up. Common scenarios are:
- One-on-One Latch and positioning help
- Guidance and care plan for engorgement or plugged ducts
- Support with using a breast pump and protecting/ promoting milk supply
- Guidance around older baby breastfeeding/ feeding issues (like planning for or challenges with introducing solids, biting, weaning questions)
Note: Sometimes once in session it will be apparent that a more thorough lactation consultation is needed and appropriate.
By appointment in office
$100
By appointment in your home
$150
We offer a wide-array of breastfeeding services. If you’re unsure what’s the right fit for you, check out our list of breastfeeding support options and if you have questions, we’re just a call away.
FAQs
Lactation Support
The reasons to see an Lactation Consultant can be quite varied (many described in the “list of breastfeeding support options” link above), but the short answer is to get help sooner rather than later if you are struggling with breastfeeding, feeling pain, your baby is not gaining enough weight, or you just need a little fine-tuning. Not everyone needs an in-depth assessment and care, which is why we have many options for you here. If you’re concerned about something, just give us a call — if we can help you in 10 minutes, it’s free!
There is a very good chance that your insurance will partially or completely cover the cost of your lactation consultation and any lactation-related tools you may need. Talk with our founder and Lactation Consultant, Sabrina, directly to discuss your specific situation. And, if you have a flex-spending account through your employer, check to see if appointments with IBCLCs or breastfeeding-tools are covered. Most are pleasantly surprised to find out they are, though you may need a note from your health care provider to be eligible. (We are happy to coordinate this with you if need be.)
Thanks for asking. A few things are helpful for you to maximize the value of your time with us.
- Please download the two intake forms (found just above the Lactation Services menu), fill them out, and send them to the email listed on the top of the form;
- Try to feed your baby about a 1.5 to 2 hours prior to the scheduled visit. This way, your baby should be ready to breastfeed during our time together. If you are needing to use pumped breast milk or formula, please bring it with you just in case it’s needed;
- Finally, try to arrive about 10-15 minutes before your scheduled appointment to allow time to park, get the little one out of the car, and get settled in. Tea, water, light snacks, and a cozy home-like will be waiting for you.
First and foremost: your baby! (Unless you are still pregnant or your baby is hospitalized, we usually observe your baby nursing.) Additionally, most breastfeeding moms find it helpful to have another set of eyes and ears listening and supporting them–especially if that person is going to be around regularly. We welcome an additional parent, a close friend, your own parent, or anyone else you feel comfortable having with you. If you think you’ll be bringing more than one other adult or an older child, please let us know so we can accommodate them.
In short, quite possibly… but it may take time, shared care with other health care providers, and committment to follow through. When helping unravel lactation challenges, sometimes it’s a quick direct line to resolving the issue and you’re off to the next thing; other times it takes some real sleuthing and time to figure out the root of the issue. As with many things in parenting world, patience, perserverence, and a good ol’ fashion sense of humor can get you through. We will stay committed as long as you are, and if we feel that we can’t help us (or you feel that way), then we have a wide-network of trusted lactation consultants who we would be happy to refer to to help add new perspective.