Babies were born to be breastfed, however, we know that breastfeeding can be challenging for some mothers and babies!

In our experience, most mothers are able to breastfeed their babies.  However, some must work at it much harder than others.  Breastfeeding may never be perfect for you.  It may actually look quite different from what you thought it would.  But with assistance, support and patience, we are convinced you can make it work for you and your baby.

Research has shown that mothers who receive help in the early days tend to have an easier time breastfeeding and tend to breastfeed longer.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all babies have a feeding assessment between day 3 and day 5 to assess latch and weight gain.  Your baby’s health care provider may have a Board Certified Lactation Consultant who offers this service.  If not, you are welcome to call and schedule an appointment at MilkWorks.

Individual Consultations

MilkWorks provides individual assistance to mothers and babies who are experiencing difficulties.  When you call for an appointment, we will help you decide whether you should schedule an appointment with one of our Board Certified Lactation Consultants (LCs) or with Dr. Leeper, our Breastfeeding Medicine Specialist.

Lactation Care consists of comprehensive, one-to-one care from one of our LCs.  It is designed for mothers and young infants (usually less than two weeks of age) who are experiencing feeding difficulties with latch, weight gain or supply.

What happens during a consult?  The Lactation Consultant will review your baby’s feeding history, assess baby’s suck, review your medical history and past breastfeeding experiences, weigh baby and assist with a feeding.  You and the LC will then develop a care plan and a follow up plan.  Follow up may consist of more appointments, drop-in weight checks and/or phone call(s).  Your initial appointment may last 60-90 minutes.  Follow up appointments are usually 30-60 minutes long.

What is the fee for Lactation Care?  The fee is $105 and includes your initial appointment as well as all follow up until your baby is feeding well. 

Our Breastfeeding Medicine Specialist, Dr. Kathy Leeper, provides care for mothers and babies with special needs, including prematurity, birth anomalies, induced lactation, tongue ties, food sensitivities and nipple and breast pain.  Appointments with Dr. Leeper are available on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.  Fees range from $48 to $150 and are billed per visit.

Will insurance cover your appointment?  Few insurance plans cover lactation care.  As a result, we no longer file directly with insurance companies for appointments with our LCs.  If you see Dr. Leeper, we will obtain your insurance information and ask for your co-pay.  We will file a claim with your insurance company.  You will receive a bill for
any balance that insurance does not cover. 

Please note that we do not deny services based upon ability to pay.  If our fees create a hardship for you, please let us know.

MilkWorks is a non-profit corporation and we seek tax-deductible donations from individuals and foundations to subsidize our clinical services for low income mothers. 

We do not deny services based upon ability to pay.  If our consultation fees create a hardship for you, please let us know.

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We currently have two Outreach Clinics – designed to make it easier for mothers to access our services.  These clinics are funded by local foundations and agencies and are designed to help all mothers obtain help with breastfeeding.

The WIC / Young Family’s Program Breastfeeding Support Center is located near the Lincoln Family Medical Center.  A Lactation Consultant is on site Mondays and Thursdays from 10 am to 4 pm for prenatal breastfeeding education and newborn feeding assessments, as well as breastfeeding concerns with older babies.  Appointments are made through Abbe at 488-6511.

The People’s Health Center (PHC) on north 27th street has a Breastfeeding Clinic one afternoon a week.  A Lactation Consultant and a Spanish interpreter are on site to provide services for PHC clients.  Please call MilkWorks at 423-6402 for additional information.