Feeling drained and stressed? My expertise in lactation and breastfeeding can offer the support and solutions you need right now. My approach is unbiased and focused solely on meeting your family’s goals, ensuring your baby is well-fed and your needs are supported.
Once you've booked your lactation visit with me, here's how the process will work regarding consent forms and intake information:
1. Booking Confirmation:
- After you schedule your lactation visit, I will send you a confirmation email or message with details about our appointment.
2. Secure Patient Portal:
- You will receive a secure link to a patient portal via email. This portal is where you will complete the necessary consent forms and intake questionnaire prior to our visit.
3. Consent Forms:
- In the patient portal, you will electronically sign consent forms that outline the scope of our consultation and your agreement to receive lactation support services.
4. Intake Form:
- You will also complete an intake form through the patient portal. This form collects essential information about your health history, pregnancy, childbirth experience, and any breastfeeding concerns or goals you have.
5. Security and Privacy:
- The patient portal ensures the security and confidentiality of your personal information. It complies with HIPAA regulations to protect your privacy.
6. Confirmation and Reminder:
- Once you have completed the consent forms and intake form, you will receive a confirmation that your information has been received.
7. Preparation for Our Visit:
- Completing these forms ahead of time allows me to review your information thoroughly before our scheduled lactation visit. This ensures that our time together is focused on addressing your specific needs and concerns effectively.
Before a lactation visit with me, here's what you can expect and prepare for:
1. Feeding Schedule Preparation:
- Try not to feed your baby for about an hour before the visit if possible. If your baby becomes fussy or hungry during this time, offer a short feeding to keep them comfortable until our appointment.
2. Prepare Your Questions:
- Have all your questions ready! Whether they're about breastfeeding techniques, milk supply, baby's latch, or any concerns you have, no question is too small or silly. Your concerns are important to me and addressing them is a priority.
3. Gather Equipment and Supplies:
- Keep any breastfeeding equipment or supplies handy, such as your breast pump, nipple shields, nipple ointments, and any other tools you use. We can review them together and discuss their use if you have questions or need guidance.
4. Health and Safety Precautions:
- Inform me about any health or safety precautions you have in place for you, your baby, and your family. This may include COVID-19 precautions or any other health considerations. I will do my best to accommodate these needs to ensure a safe visit for everyone.
5. Rescheduling for Illness:
- If you or your baby are sick, have COVID-19 symptoms, or have been exposed to illness, please let me know as soon as possible. We can reschedule the visit to another day when it's safe for both parties.
By following these guidelines, we can ensure that our lactation visit is productive, supportive, and tailored to your needs.
During the initial breastfeeding & lactation visit, which typically lasts 90-120 minutes, here's what you can expect:
1. Introduction and Getting Comfortable:
- We'll start with introductions and ensure you're comfortable. Feel free to have a snack while we chat and take notes.
2. Discussion of Pregnancy, Labor & Birth, and Health History:
- We'll discuss your pregnancy and birth experience, including any challenges or factors that may impact breastfeeding.
- Your full health history will be reviewed, including any medications you're taking or medical conditions you have.
3. Baby's Health Assessment:
- We'll review your baby's health history, including any medical conditions or concerns.
4. Breastfeeding Assessment:
- We'll observe a breastfeeding session to assess latch, positioning, and milk transfer.
- If needed, we can perform weight checks before and after the feeding to estimate your baby's milk intake. Let me know beforehand if you prefer not to do weight checks.
5. Addressing Concerns and Questions:
- This is your time to ask any questions or express concerns you have about breastfeeding. No question is too small or unimportant.
6. Individualized Care Plan:
- Based on our assessment and discussions, we'll develop an individualized breastfeeding care plan tailored to your specific needs and goals.
- This plan may include strategies for improving latch, increasing milk supply, managing any breastfeeding challenges, and integrating pumping if needed.
7. Hands-On Support and Guidance:
- I'll provide hands-on support and demonstrate techniques to optimize breastfeeding.
- If you're using any breastfeeding equipment or tools, we can discuss their use and ensure they're being utilized effectively.
8. Health and Safety Considerations:
- Your comfort and safety are paramount. If anything feels uncomfortable or if you have specific health or safety concerns, please let me know so we can adjust accordingly.
9. Follow-Up and Support:
- We'll discuss a follow-up plan, including when to schedule our next visit or how to stay in touch for ongoing support.
- I'm here to support you throughout your breastfeeding journey, so don't hesitate to reach out between visits if you have questions or need assistance.
After our initial lactation support visit, here's what you can expect in terms of follow-up and support:
1. Email Communication:
- I will email you a detailed report and the personalized breastfeeding plan within 24 hours of our visit. This report will summarize our discussions, assessments, and the plan of action we've developed.
2. Communication with Pediatrician:
- Upon your request, I can also email or fax a summary of our visit and the breastfeeding plan to your pediatrician. This ensures that your healthcare team is informed and can provide coordinated care for you and your baby.
3. One Week of Text and Email Support:
- You will receive one week of text and email support at no additional cost after our initial visit. This support is designed to address any questions, concerns, or updates you may have as you implement the breastfeeding plan.
4. Follow-Up Visits:
- If necessary, we can schedule a follow-up visit to reassess and make adjustments. Sometimes minor changes in latching, positioning, or feeding techniques can greatly improve breastfeeding success. Additionally, some situations may benefit from ongoing support and practice.
5. Continued Guidance and Support:
- I encourage you to reach out for follow-up visits or additional support as needed. Breastfeeding can be a learning process for both you and your baby, and I am here to provide the guidance and encouragement you need along the way.
Here's the payment policy for lactation services:
1. Payment Request:
- Payments are kindly requested before the lactation visit. This can typically be done through secure online payment methods or by arrangement beforehand.
2. Insurance Coverage:
- I am not in-network with any insurance companies. However, I will provide you with an itemized receipt or super bill that includes my NPI number (National Provider Identifier) and necessary procedure and diagnostic codes.
3. Submitting for Reimbursement:
- You can submit this itemized receipt or super bill to your insurance company for possible reimbursement. It's advisable to contact your insurance company beforehand to understand their coverage for lactation services and to confirm the process for reimbursement.
4. Coverage Check:
- Prior to our visit, please check with your insurance company to determine if lactation & breastfeeding support services are covered under your plan, and to understand any requirements for reimbursement.
5. Receipt and Documentation:
- The itemized receipt or super bill provided will detail the services rendered during our lactation visit, enabling you to submit a claim to your insurance company for reimbursement.
If you have any questions or need assistance regarding payment or insurance coverage, please feel free to reach out to me.
1. Cultural Sensitivity: I emphasize respecting all cultures, beliefs, traditions, and religions, recognizing the diversity within communities I serve. This fosters a welcoming environment where clients feel valued and understood regardless of their cultural background.
2. Support for LGBTQIA+ Communities: I ensure that my services are inclusive and affirming for all families, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
3. Advocacy for Minorities and BIPOC: As a woman of color and immigrant myself, I bring a unique perspective and understanding to my practice. My advocacy for minorities and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) communities demonstrates my commitment to addressing health disparities and promoting equity in breastfeeding support.
4. Allyship and Safe Spaces: I position yourself as an ally and supporter, actively working to create safe and welcoming environments for all clients.
5. Celebrating Differences: I celebrate the differences that make individuals unique, fostering an environment where diversity is embraced and valued. This inclusive mindset contributes to creating a supportive atmosphere where clients can feel comfortable sharing their experiences and seeking guidance.
Copyright © 2024
Charu Dhiman IBCLC | Lactation Consultant | Breastfeeding
All Rights Reserved.
Service Areas: Shrewsbury, Worcester, Northborough, Westborough, Auburn, Holden, West Boylston, Grafton, Sterling, Rutland, Framingham, Natick, Ashland