FAQs

What Can I Expect During My Appointment?

You’ll meet with a Lactation Consultant who will listen to your feeding goals, discuss your medical history, and take vitals on both you and the baby. Vitals include blood pressure, pulse, and temperature on the parent and weight, length, head circumference, and temperature on baby.

The Lactation Consultant will observe your baby nurse and offer education and tips about breastfeeding management. Working as a team, the consultant will meet with one of our medical Providers to ensure that you leave with a feeding plan that supports your goals. As part of our comprehensive care, the medical provider will examine baby and typically do a breast exam on the parent. Please note: consults can last up to two hours.

How Should I Prepare For My BFC Appointment?

Most Importantly: Bring your baby! And wear comfortable clothing with easy access for nursing.

The Pre-Visit Questionnaire: It’s helpful for your consultant to know some information about you and your baby ahead of the visit, filling out our Pre-Visit Questionnaire is highly recommended before your appointment.

Gadgets: If you’re using any breastfeeding gadgets, such as a nipple shield or Supplemental Nursing System, please bring them to the appointment.

Do I Need to Avoid Feeding My Baby Before the Consult?

We need to watch your baby’s behavior at the breast to assess breastfeeding, offer education, and develop a feeding plan, so it’s best to bring your baby hungry. This doesn’t mean you should avoid feeding your baby for a long time before the appointment; sometimes a small feeding is all you need to tide them over until they can feed here in the office.

May I Bring a Support Person or My Older Children?

We welcome one support person of your choice to join us during the consult. The length of the consult can be a challenge for siblings, so it is recommended that you find a trusted caregiver to stay with them while you and baby are seen in the office.

What is the Cost of the Visit?

Your visit will be billed to your insurance as a physician consult. We bill under Kids Plus Pediatrics, not the Breastfeeding Center of Pittsburgh.

Because both you and your baby are considered patients, we will bill your insurance company for both you AND your baby. Please note: if you have a co-pay with your insurer, you are responsible for you and your baby’s co-pay at the time of the office visit.

Please contact your insurance company to see whether or not the consult will be covered and if it will be applied to your deductible. Due to the great variety of insurance plans, it’s impossible for us to determine what your cost will be. Your insurance company will be able to provide you with that information.

Self-pay amounts can range from $260-$350 per mother and baby.

Do I Need to Be a Kids Plus Pediatrics Patient to Visit the BFC?

We’re happy to help parents with infants 3 months and younger from ANY pediatric practice. If have an HMO with a listed PCP, you must obtain the required insurance referrals for your visit to be covered. The HMO insurances that most frequently require referrals are AETNA and UNITED HEALTH CARE. A follow up letter regarding your visit will be sent to your baby’s pediatrician and your OB/midwife.

What if I’m Not Sure I Want to Breastfeed Exclusively?

Our goal at the Breastfeeding Center is to help you reach your feeding goals. Whether that’s partial or exclusive breastfeeding, we’re here to support you and your choices.

What if I Need More Lactation Help After the Initial Appointment?

We call our patients for a follow-up within a few days to one week of the appointment. Patients are welcome to call with questions after they have been seen. We’re also available to schedule a follow-up consult if you need.

What if I Have a Question About a Medication and Breastfeeding?

The Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) is a website recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics to research the impact of medications on breastfeeding. You can also download a free app for your smart phone.

Thomas Hale, the author of the reference book we use (Medications and Mothers’ Milk) has an InfantRisk Center hotline here: 806-352-2519.

We do recommend that you discuss any medications with your physician.

Can I Meet with a Lactation Consultant Before My Baby is Born?

Our Prenatal Breastfeeding Class is a great place to gain information about breastfeeding before you give birth. We encourage you to schedule your first consult shortly after your baby is born. If you’re seeking breastfeeding assistance for special circumstances, such as adoptive breastfeeding, please call the office to discuss whether a pre-baby consult would be appropriate for you.