Question 1

What are the qualifications of your lactation consultants?

Tony Zamorano · Accepted Answer

Our lactation consultants are healthcare professionals certified as International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC), who specialize in the clinical management of breastfeeding. IBCLC certification requires thousands of hours of experience and training in anatomy, physiology, sociology, psychology or counseling, child development, nutrition, and medical terminology. IBCLCs have a unique body of knowledge and skill to provide breastfeeding and lactation care in routine and high-risk situations. The availability of ICBLCs increases breastfeeding rates, which, in turn, improves the health outcomes of the community, nation, and the world. The IBCLC is the only certification that requires clinical experience in lactation as a pre-requisite to becoming certified. The IBCLC certification requires renewal through education or examination every 5 years. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the US Surgeon General consider IBCLCs as integral to the quality of breastfeeding management.

Question 2

Who provides board certification for lactation consultants?

Tony Zamorano · Accepted Answer

Lactation consultants are board-certified by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE), independently accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence (ICE).

Question 3

How can you verify an IBCLC?

Tony Zamorano · Accepted Answer

You can go to the Public Registry for the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners to verify an IBCLC. IBLCE updates the online registry two times a year, in January and July.

Question 4

What is telehealth?

Tony Zamorano · Accepted Answer

Telehealth is a rapidly evolving and growing field in healthcare where clinical information and services are delivered using telecommunications technology.

Question 5

Is telehealth safe?

Tony Zamorano · Accepted Answer

Yes. Telehealth has been clinically proven to be a safe and cost-effective means of providing medical care when used under expert-developed guidelines and best practices. The American Telemedicine Association (ATA) has produced a series of standards, guidelines, and best practices for healthcare providers to ensure that they are using telehealth responsibly. The ATA is an excellent resource for those wishing to learn more.

Question 6

What is the distinction between telemedicine and telehealth?

Tony Zamorano · Accepted Answer

While some have parsed out unique definitions for each word, ATA treats "telemedicine" and "telehealth" as synonyms and uses the terms interchangeably. In both cases, we are referring to the use of remote health care technology to deliver clinical services.

Question 7

Do private insurance plans usually cover telehealth services?

Tony Zamorano · Accepted Answer

More than 30 states and the District of Columbia require that private insurers cover telehealth the same as they cover in-person services. Many other insurers cover at least some telehealth service--and many more have expressed interest in expanding their telehealth coverage. To find out if your insurance company covers our telehealth services, please contact us and we will inquire on your behalf with your benefits manager.

Question 8

What are the benefits of breastfeeding?

Tony Zamorano · Accepted Answer

Breastfeeding is good for both infants and parents. Infants who are breastfed have a lower risk of asthma, obesity, type 1 diabetes, acute ear infections, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), diarrhea, vomiting, and severe lower respiratory disease. Parents who breastfeed their infants have a lower risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure.

Question 9

Can a parent breastfeed after breast or nipple surgery?

Tony Zamorano · Accepted Answer

In most cases, a parent can breastfeed after breast or nipple surgery. The longer it has been since your surgery, the better your outcome. Having your surgery at least 2 years ago will ensure your duct system is working well. Some parents who had this surgery many years ago even have an oversupply.

Question 10

Is it safe for parents to use prescription medications while breastfeeding?

Tony Zamorano · Accepted Answer

According to the CDC, a 2013 clinical report by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), “The Transfer of Drugs and Therapeutics Into Human Breast Milk: An Update on Selected Topics,” indicates that most medications and immunizations are safe to use during lactation. According to the AAP, healthcare providers should weigh the risk and benefits when prescribing medications to breastfeeding parents. (Note: The recommendations as stated above are those of the American Academy of Pediatrics and do not represent the views of Nest Collaborative. Any course of treatment or standard of medical care is between patients and their healthcare providers. Variations, taking into account individual circumstances, may be appropriate.)

Question 11

Where can you search for specific medications and their safety in mothers while breastfeeding?

Tony Zamorano · Accepted Answer

The US National Library of Medicine (NLM) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) maintains LactMed®, a database containing information on drugs and other chemicals to which breastfeeding parents may be exposed. LactMed® includes information on the levels of such substances in breast milk and infant blood and the possible adverse effects in the nursing infant. Suggested therapeutic alternatives to those drugs are provided, where appropriate. All data come from scientific literature and are fully referenced. A peer review panel reviews the data for scientific validity and currency. Another good source is the Infant Risk Center of the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. They are a leading research center for medication safety during pregnancy and lactation. Check out their MommyMeds for Mothers app for the latest medication safety guidelines.

Question 12

How can Nest Collaborative lactation consultants help you?

Tony Zamorano · Accepted Answer

At Nest Collaborative our lactation consultants provide breastfeeding support for parents and parents-to-be, anywhere, anytime. Nest Collaborative is a collection of IBCLCs who conduct online, video appointments to help guide parents through the breastfeeding process--from beginning to end. In using telehealth through telecommunications technology we provide lactation support for prenatal and postpartum parents that addresses many lactation concerns including pain, milk supply, latch, positioning, pumping and storage concerns, and return-to-work planning. Additionally, we can effectively assist with other concerns as they relate to breastfeeding such as sleep, mood changes, parental self-care, and more. Check out our website for a further breakdown of all the Services and Expertise we can offer you.

Question 13

When is the best time to call a Nest Collaborative lactation consultant?

Tony Zamorano · Accepted Answer

You should call a Nest Collaborative lactation consultant prenatally and/or just after your baby arrives. Many of our clients call about general concerns or for advice, but we also offer moral support and encouragement and can help you work through some very specific issues such as:

Your baby isn’t gaining weight.
Your breasts or nipples just hurt.
Your baby has special needs.
You have twins or triplets.
You had breast or nipple surgery, breast implants, or a mastectomy.

At Nest Collaborative we know breastfeeding can be challenging, so we are here to help. Book an appointment today.

Question 14

Do you prescribe medications?

Tony Zamorano · Accepted Answer

Our lactation consultants do not prescribe medications. For lactation-related concerns that may necessitate pharmacological therapy, we work directly with your medical providers to assist you in getting the appropriate care, if authorized by you directly.

Question 15

How do you set up a consultation with a lactation consultant?

Tony Zamorano · Accepted Answer

At Nest Collaborative, we’ve put together a seamless process that allows you to set up a consultation all from the comfort of your home. It works like this:

You schedule an appointment online, directly from our website, selecting your preferred provider, date, and time.
You provide your insurance information in our secure patient portal, and our team confirms all information.
You receive an email confirmation and an invitation to complete your registration.
You complete your questionnaires at least 1 hour prior to your visit.
You prepare for your consultation finding a well-lit, private, and comfortable space with a good WiFi connection to share your concerns with one of our consultants.

Question 16

What can you expect during your consultation?

Tony Zamorano · Accepted Answer

During your virtual appointment, your lactation consultant addresses the concerns you identify as most important and creates a plan that works for you. She also collaborates with your primary care team to keep everyone in the loop.

Question 17

What do you mean by a virtual appointment?

Tony Zamorano · Accepted Answer

A virtual appointment means all your healthcare is delivered via live two-way audio/video telecommunication technology from the comfort of your home. You don’t need to drive anywhere.

Question 18

What if there are connection problems?

Tony Zamorano · Accepted Answer

We recommend that you always use the most reliable method available to you to access the internet. WI-FI is preferred over cellular, and a wired network is preferred to wireless, though most high-speed wireless connections are sufficient. If you lose connectivity, try to reconnect. If a connection cannot be established, your consultant will call you at the phone number listed on your account. Alternatively, you can try reaching your consultant by calling our main line at 888-598-1554. If at any time during a telehealth visit, regardless of connectivity issues, you suspect you or your child is having an emergency, call 911 immediately.

Question 19

Does Nest Collaborative take insurance?

Tony Zamorano · Accepted Answer

Yes, many states mandate FULL coverage of lactation services via telehealth for MOST health insurance carriers, with no copays or deductibles. If we determine that your health insurance plan doesn’t cover our service, we will let you know prior to confirming your appointment. Discounted rates are also available if your plan will not cover our service. Note that while most plans cover our visits at 100%, self-funded and Medicaid plans may not provide full coverage. Currently, we are in-network with:

Blue Cross Blue Shield
Aetna
United Healthcare
Oxford Healthcare
Husky (CT)
Cigna
Johns Hopkins Healthcare (EHP)
Tricare (Prime and Standard)
Multiplan

Question 20

How much is a visit?

Tony Zamorano · Accepted Answer

Most commercial health plans cover our lactation visits at 100% with no co-pay and no deductible. This is provided under state and federal (ACA) mandates. For members of our contracted networks (as specified above), there are no out-of-pocket costs, and we will bill directly to your health plan. Discounted rates are available for members of other networks or who are uninsured. The Standard Lactation Consultation Fee is $99 for a 50-minute session and $79 for Medicaid members.

Question 21

Why do you need my credit card information?

Tony Zamorano · Accepted Answer

All appointments require a credit card to secure your appointment and registration. Your card will only be charged if you fail to cancel or reschedule your appointment within 2 hours of your appointment. A $25 no-show fee will be charged to your card. For direct pay clients who agree upfront to a discounted fee for service when their plan will not cover their visit, their credit card will be charged.

Question 22

Do you accept HSA or FSA benefit credit cards?

Tony Zamorano · Accepted Answer

Yes. You are welcome to use an HSA or FSA benefit credit card as supplied by your benefit provider to pay for services. We are an eligible health expense.

Question 23

Why do you ask for my health history?

Tony Zamorano · Accepted Answer

Access to yours and your baby’s health history greatly improves the effectiveness of the telehealth-based interventions we provide. The more we know about you and your baby ahead of the visit, the more individualized care we can provide.

Question 24

Can another adult join me during the consultation?

Tony Zamorano · Accepted Answer

Of course! We suggest you have a support person join you. Your consultant will confirm his/her presence is okay with you at the start of your visit.

Question 25

Do you offer consultations in languages other than English?

Tony Zamorano · Accepted Answer

Yes! We have IBCLCs that speak Spanish, Portuguese, and Urdu. Book with Oneida Segura, Jocelyn Milanes, or Patricia De Lima for Spanish, Patricia De Lima for Portuguese, or Maria Itani for Urdu.

Question 26

I have an HMO, do I need a referral?

Dair Aban · Accepted Answer

Yes, you will need a referral from your PCP but we will get it for you! We will put in the request for the referral once you book your appointment--and that appointment can still be booked for today if you like.

Question 27

I have Medicaid, will my visit be covered?

Dair Aban · Accepted Answer

Most Medicaid plans cover our visits, but you must have prior authorization which we can initiate once you book your appointment. If your Medicaid plan won't cover the visit, we'll let you know ahead of the visit, and can offer you a discounted rate.

Virtual Breastfeeding ConsultsFor Moms and Moms-To-BeAnywhere. Anytime.

Covered in full by most health plans.

Winner and Best Overall