​LACTATION CONSULTATIONS

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT FEES & INSURANCE
  • Jen Kowal and Milkwell Lactation & Feeding Solutions is currently OUT OF NETWORK with ALL INSURANCE COMPANIES.  This article explains why some providers choose to be Out of Network.
  • ​Jen Kowal and Milkwell Lactation & Feeding Solutions does not currently bill the insurance company out of network on client/patient behalf.  We are in the process of creating system so we CAN bill out of network to better serve our clients/patients but that is not complete as of now. 
  • Fees for lactation consultations are due at or before time services are rendered.
  • You will receive a superbill/medical receipt with the appropriate diagnosis and CPT (procedural) codes for you to submit to your insurance for possible reimbursement.  How much you'll be reimbursed will depend on your individual policy and out of network benefits.
  • Some families seek pre-approval and/or a Gap exception (asking the insurance company to cover the services as in-network to fill the "gap" they have in their own network by not actually having any in-network lactation consultants.  
  • Requesting a referral from your OB/Midwife for previous medical history that may impact lactation prior to the lactation consultation can  increase the likelihood of reimbursement.  
  • Requesting a referral from your baby's doctor/pediatrician if there are breastfeeding, weight gain, jaundice, low birth weight, prematurity, or other baby related concerns prior to the lactation consultation can also increase the likelihood of reimbursement.  
  • Request your insurance cover numerous visits because often we need to follow up to continue to improve feeding and comfort.  
  • PLEASE KNOW THAT MANY LACTATION CONCERNS IN THE EARLY DAYS ARE TIME SENSITIVE.  ASK YOUR DOCTOR FOR REFERRAL AS SOON AFTER BIRTH AS POSSIBLE SO NO TIME IS LOST to get you the care you need in a timely manner.
***Please note that reimbursement is NOT GUARANTEED.  ​If you are concerned about reimbursement for lactation services, please call your insurance carrier for more information.***
​If you live within 20minutes drive of Montclair, I can come to you!  For all others, I see clients in my office in Montclair. 
​

​How do I know if I need a consultation?​
Lactation consultations are useful BEFORE and AFTER birth.

BEFORE BIRTH:
​Call for a consultation while pregnant if any of the following apply:

history of low milk supply with previous babies
a history of depression or anxiety
fertility issues
diabetes (including gestational diabetes)
flat or inverted nipples
congenital issues that may interfere with feeding
scheduled birth prior to 37 weeks
breast reduction or augmentation
other breast anatomy questions
​lack of support after baby is born

​and so much more...

Prenatal consultations cover lactating parent's (or adoptive parent if inducing lactation) history, breast anatomy, typical newborn breastfeeding practices, how to get a good latch from the beginning, any other medical complications that may impact breastfeeding and early trouble shooting for the first few days. 

90 minutes
Fee is $150

​AFTER BIRTH:
Call for a consultation AFTER BIRTH if any of the following apply:

separation of mother and baby after birth
baby unable to latch consistently
nipple shield use
painful latch/damaged nipples/breast discomfort
baby lost too much weight after birth or Isn't gaining appropriately
desire to decrease formula use
desire to increase formula use
you aren't sure if baby is getting enough
your breasts are too full and hurt
baby wants to feed all the time
baby is gassy, spits up or is otherwise uncomfortable
pumping questions
return to work questions
introducing complementary foods to baby's diet
weaning
​any or all of the above is overwhelming and stressing you out...
or other breastfeeding challenges.
​
Initial postpartum consultations cover mother's history, infant history, labor and birth, feeding history, physical assessment of mother and baby, feeding assessment and a care plan.  

2-2.5hours 
​Fee $300
​+ $50 for each additional half hour (when necessary)
FOLLOW UPs:
Follow up appointments may be necessary as additional questions arise but are definitely recommended:
  • any time feeding complications persist
  • 2 days, 10 days + 4 weeks after tongue tie release
  • if baby is not gaining well 
  • 3 & 6 weeks for pumping + bottle introduction
  • 3-6 months for return to work pumping + introduction of complementary foods
  • and whenever you are prepared to wean 
Follow up appointments are available anytime after the initial consultation AFTER BIRTH and they cover any of the above concerns or whatever other feeding questions may arise.
FOLLOW UP APPOINTMENTS ARE CURRENTLY ONLY generally AVAILABLE IN OFFICE. Exceptions may apply
60-90 minutes.
$200
​+ $50 for each additional half hour (when necessary)
WEIGHT CHECKS:
Weight checks are available for those who need to check baby's weight and adjust their care plan but DO NOT NEED a feeding assessment.  Weight checks are in office only and are for established clients who are not having questions about how much baby is taking from the breast.

​$50 for 20minutes