619.888.5730
birth to breast
Serving San Diego in-person, everywhere virtually
What does seeing a lactation consultant feel like?
Seeing a birth to breast lactation consultant feels like a weight off your shoulders. Visits often feel like seeing a supportive friend or doula who knows lactation like the back of their hand. We understand the journey ahead and learn about your specific feeding situation and goals, then create a path towards your goals. Parents often feel lost and can't picture a way out of their current situation. We see similar situations every day and can provide you with the guidance & clarity that will move you closer to your goals sooner, with less pain and worry.
What does seeing a lactation consultant look like?
We don't just let you wing it with a la cárte support! You tell us your goals and challenges, and we will recommend what will move you forward. Some examples include:
Postpartum lactation services
1. All consults start with learning more about you through active listening and discussion.
2. Latch and positioning observation and help.
3. A weighted feed or general weight, we will bring a baby scale accurate to 2 g. With this, we can accurately track your baby's weight, and with a weighted feed, we can see how much your baby drank when breastfeeding.
4. oral and posture assessment. The latch is important, but it can be challenging to achieve a good latch if a baby is struggling with using their mouth or body muscles and reflexes. We can do an assessment to figure out which reflexes and muscles are being over- and underused and adjust the latch/position or provide activities to help.
5. In-depth flange fittings. We have the most in-depth flange fitting in San Diego. We don't just measure your nipples or try on a few sizes. We have ALL the sizes of flanges and inserts, and a system to find the best fit for both breasts.
6. We find most parents can solve supply, breast inflammation, and baby comfort issues when we improve the three latches (breast, bottle, flange). There are times when parents need more in-depth support. During these times, we discuss health hormone history, nutrition, lab testing, and galactagogues (herbs that can promote supply).
7. Checking in on progress and pivoting if we are not moving closer to our goals.
Prenatal lactation services
Prenatal lactation consultations occur as soon as the second trimester and as late as the day of delivery. Some topics include:
1. Preparing the body for lactation from a nutritional or physical standpoint
2. Planning for postpartum. We can discuss how your family and partner can support you and products to improve your postpartum period
3. The traditional prenatal includes general breastfeeding info, discussing the first three days, and a prenatal fitting
What make's us different
It is not uncommon for use to see people who report " the ___ said my latch looks great but my baby wont (latch, transfer, latch without pain, etc)" or "I've had my flange fitted already by ___ but I still am experiencing (low supply, clogged ducts, mastitis, pain, etc). Often parents find our methods are different than what they experienced and find improvement in comfort, supply, and confidence. Below is the foundation of our Latch & thrive method.
1
Experts on the 3 latches
At Birth to Breast, we’re here to help you get that latch just right, whether you’re nursing, using a bottle, or a flange for your pump. We take a deeper look, really figuring out the root cause of the latch issues. Our latch and pumping consultations are super detailed. Think of it as getting a customized eye prescription, but for your breastfeeding journey.
2
Tried and true follow-up timelines to ensure your dont slip through the cracks
We’ve helped thousands of parents confidently feed their little ones, and we’re here for you too. Our personalized plans will guide you through the postpartum journey, making sure you're ready for every milestone without any surprises. With our expert guidance and regular check-ins, you’ll feel supported every step of the way, all while staying within your insurance coverage.
3
IBCLCs who go the extra mile
We listen to you! We know you are the expert on yourself, your baby, and your family. This is why we always work with the parent to make a care plan and will not add something to the plan unless you tell us it is doable. You can also message us in our HIPAA-compliant texting app to change the plan or check in. We see this as doing the minimum. We go above and beyond by always assuming we could be wrong. We go to the drawing board if a plan, technique, or product is not working. This sometimes means buying a different product for the business, taking continuing education, or redoing assessments to double and triple check.
What has shaped our Practice
Before becoming a lactation consultant (IBCLC) Ruth Hale, birth to breast founder was a birth and postpartum doula. As a birth doula, I saw how raw and overwhelming the first few days were, and as a postpartum doula, she supported the parents in trying to follow the lactation care plan given to them. From these experiences she have learned:
1. Your baby & your body. The care plan has to align with your goals & comfort. If something recommended doesn't feel right, it isn't right, and we need to change the plan.
2. A care plan that is overwhelming is a piece of electronic clutter. Care plans need to be simple and easy to follow
3. Follow-up is important; it is too easy to get lost in postpartum. This is why we have virtual and in-person support group options and hipaa compliant messaging.
4. Time & finances are precious resources during the postpartum period. This is why we try to work with insurance as much as possible and provide resources such as reimbursify
Booking & Finances
Insurances accepted:
Other rates:
Travel fee: $25.00 not covered by insurance
Self-pay initial home visit: 250 (includes 2 weeks of in-person or virtual support groups)
Self-pay follow-up home visit: 200 (higher rate if you would like an additional 4 weeks of lactation support groups)
Self-pay initial office visit: 185 (includes 2 weeks of in-person or virtual support groups)
Self-pay follow-up in office: 140 (higher rate if you would like 2 more weeks of in-person or virtual support groups)
Military family discount: $100 (includes 2 weeks of in-person or virtual support groups.)
Military family discount follow-up: $80 (more if you would like 2 weeks of in-person or virtual support groups.)
Click below to verify your out-of-network benefits and we will submit your superbill or your behalf
Travel radius:
East County San Diego (college area, El cajon, Rancho san diego, Santee, alpine, San Carlos, La Mesa and Jamul), Southbay (Chula Vista, Bonita, National City, Otay Ranch, San Ysidro, and Eastlake, Encanto, paradise hills), Central San Diego (north partk, south park,Mission Valley, Tierrasanta, Linda vista, Clairemont, Mira mesa, miramar),Downtown san diego ( Hillcrest, little Italy, mission hills, golden hills), North County ( Del Mar, Carmel Valley, Encinitas Scripps Ranch, 4s Ranch, Rancho Santa Fe, Cardiff, Escondido, Poway, Carlsbad, and San Marcos) and Coastal areas (Coronado, Point Loma, Ocean Beach, Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, La Jolla).
Session length:
Prenatal initial appointment: 75-90 minutes
Postpartum Initial appointment: 75-90 minutes
Postpartum follow-up: 60 minutes
FAQ
Often, breastfeeding, pumping, and bottle feeding are new terrain for parents. Here are our most common questions.
The visit
How should I prepare for my home visit?
There is no need to prepare for the home visit. I am great at finding my way around homes and adapting to new situations. We can conduct the sessions in your living room, nursery, or bedroom, whichever is most convenient for your daily life. Lastly, there is no need to grab any chairs; I will often end up on the floor. After you complete the intake form, I will send you a text with any specific recommendations I may have.
How should I prepare for my office visit?
I understand that home visits require more planning and effort. After you complete the intake form, I will send you a text with any specific recommendations I may have. Partners and other support people are welcome at the office. The parking lot is single-level and has plenty of spots. If you come alone, feel free to text me to help you carry anything from your car. Once in the office, I have nursing pillows, so you don't need to bring your own if you are using one.
How can I reach you outside of business hours?
Our practice has a lactation consultant line. Clients who are actively being seen have access to one of the two support groups, which is offered in-person/virtually.
Finances
How can I verify my coverage?
If you have one of the insurance providers listed above, you will receive a text message with a link to verify your insurance. We will both know your coverage before the appointment, and if you find your insurance is not covered, we will waive the travel fee.
How does out-of-network benefits work?
If you find your insurance is not covered, we will check out-of-network benefits. After your pay your invoice we will submit your superbill on your behalf and you will be able to track your claim using reimbursify
What is reimbursify and how does it work?
Reimbursify is a service we invest in to help our clients increase their chances of receiving reimbursement.
What is TLN & Wildflower and how do they work?
We partner with Wildflower Health and The Lactation Network because they allow us to bill insurance without risking the client will receive co-pays or out-of-pocket expenses (except for the travel fee and support groups). Wildflower Health covers Cigna PPO and HMOs, and TLN covers the rest of the insurance we work with (listed above)
