Consultations
Why See an IBCLC?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all babies have a feeding assessment between day three and day five to assess latch and weight gain. Lactation support is a covered service with most major insurance providers and Nebraska Medicaid.
You are welcome to call MilkWorks in Lincoln (402.423.6402) or Omaha (402.502.0617) and schedule an appointment with one of our International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs), our Nurse Practitioner, or our Breastfeeding Medicine Specialist, Dr. Kathy Leeper. We now offer telehealth consultations, in addition to our in-person visits.
Prenatal Appointments
Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC) are usually seen after baby is born. Making a prenatal appointment before baby is born can be extremely helpful if you did not take a breastfeeding class, have concerns or questions related to breastfeeding, or have had a difficult time breastfeeding with your other children in the past. Your IBCLC will meet with you to talk about your specific need and goals and what to expect with breastfeeding like,
- Barriers you could be facing
- How breastfeeding works
- The importance of skin-to-skin with you and your partner
- What your hospital experience will be like
- The benefits of breastfeeding
Finally, your IBCLC will help you put a care plan into action before the birth of your baby to help you be as successful as possible with your goals.
Insurance Coverage
MilkWorks is in-network with all major private insurance plans and all Nebraska Medicaid plans for consultations. If you do not have any insurance, we can offer you a reduced, out-of-pocket rate.
Lactation Consultation Options -
You may have the choice to see an IBCLC, APRN, or our Breastfeeding Medicine Specialist MD:
- MD/ APRN: Dr. Kathy Leeper, MD, Michelle Lingenfelter, APRN, and Karnyta White, APRN, CLC bring a wealth of pediatric and medical expertise to lactation counseling. They are able to order lab and diagnostic tests and prescribe medications. If indicated, they have the ability to perform a frenotomy procedure. Their services are usually filed under medical codes (vs.preventive services) and may be filed with the parent's or baby's insurance plan, or both. Depending upon the insurance plan, there may be a co-pay or deductible.
- IBCLC: The IBCLC's at MilkWorks have decades of experience addressing breastfeeding issues in newborns and older babies. They have a variety of backgrounds including previous La Leche League Leaders, Registered Nurses, Doulas, and Childbirth Educators. In accordance with the Affordable Care Act, if a lactating parent has private insurance, we file for that visit under preventive services. If a baby has Nebraska Medicaid, we file under the baby for lactation counseling services. When needed, our IBCLC's will refer patients to Dr. Leeper or Michelle Lingenfelter for their medical expertise.
What Happens During a Breastfeeding Consultation?
Your provider will review your medical history and past breastfeeding experiences, discuss your baby's feeding patterns, assess your baby's suck and your milk supply, weigh your baby, and assist with a feeding. You will have plenty of time to ask questions.
You will leave MilkWorks with a care plan and a follow-up plan. We like to provide care until your baby is feeding well. Initial appointments are usually 60-75 minutes and follow up appointments are usually 45-60 minutes. Partners and family members are not only welcome but encouraged to attend appointments with you.
Feel free to bring any positioning aids, like pillows, if you use them at home. You're also encouraged to bring your pump and all your pumping supplies to your first appointment.
Our Providers
Breastfeeding Medicine Specialist -
Kathy Leeper, MD, IBCLC, FABM
Lactation Consultants-
Anne Easterday, BS, IBCLC
Miriam Heider, BA, IBCLC
Michelle Jenkins, RN, IBCLC
Michelle Lingenfelter, APRN, IBCLC
Kristi, Lord, BSN, RN, IBCLC
Suzy Meyers, IBCLC
Christi Schill, BSN, RN, IBCLC
Jillian Vanecek, BSN, RN, IBCLC
Karnyta White, APRN, CLC
Please note: MilkWorks is a well facility. For everyone's protection, if you or your baby or child are feeling unwell or experiencing flu/cold like symptoms, we ask that you wait until you are well to come to MilkWorks. In the mean time, please call and we will assist you by phone.
