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Virtual Breastfeeding Consults
For parents & parents-To-Be.

Anywhere. Anytime.

Covered in full by most health plans

Winner and Best Overall

Verywell Family Review of Online Lactation Consultants

Infant Formula Shortage 2022

Nest Collaborative is here to support you during the current infant feeding crisis! Our IBCLCs have specialized training to provide information on safe infant feeding practices, no matter how you choose to feed your baby. We are available 7 days a week via telehealth with no out-of-pocket costs through insurance. Please reach out to schedule an appointment or visit our blog for more information on how a Nest lactation consultant can help during this stressful time.

HOW IT WORKS

SCHEDULE AN
APPOINTMENT

When making a booking, select your preferred date, and time. You’ll receive an email confirmation and an invitation to complete your registration.

PREPARE FOR
YOUR CALL

Our team will confirm your insurance information. All you have to do is find a well-lit and comfortable space with a good WiFi connection.

CREATE A
PLAN

We’ll address the concerns you identify as most important and create a plan that works for you. We’ll collaborate with your primary care team to keep everyone in the loop.

Breastfeeding Support

HAPPIER, HEALTHIER 
MOTHERS AND BABIES

HAPPIER, HEALTHIER 
MOTHERS AND BABIES

Nest Collaborative is a collection of International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants® who conduct online, video appointments to help guide moms through the breastfeeding process.

We’re all moms who have breastfed and understand the challenges. We’re here to offer you the best evidence-based advice, support, and guidance to help you reach your breastfeeding goals. We advocate for what you want and work closely with your primary care team to provide you with the best breastfeeding support you need.

WHAT EXPECTING MOMS ARE SAYING

Prenatal Mom

At first I thought a zoom call would be difficult for a lactation consultation but WOW! I was really struggling with blisters and a bad latch and getting desperate for help immediately. Sandy was able to help improve the latch- over zoom, suggest resources to help us continue to learn, and even helped us find the right people locally to get her tongue tie looked at and released. I would highly recommend NEST to every breastfeeding mom.
-Jenna

Postpartum, New Baby

LaShanda has been so helpful with my breastfeeding journey. She gives great advice and teaches me new things every call. She is very supportive and never judgmental and also gives me other great resources to reference for more knowledge. I don't know what I would have done without her these past 7 weeks! I feel like my breastfeeding journey has been so positive thanks to her help and guidance.
-Mackenzie

Postpartum, Breastfeeding Concern

I just want to say thank you for providing such a great platform to help women with their breastfeeding journey. I am expecting and have been having some anxiety but I had a meeting with Lori today and she helped so much! I can’t wait to share everything I learned with my husband. I already have a post-partum appointment set for May 18th!
-Sarah
I live in Buffalo and was unable to find a Lactation Consultant who conducted home visits. In desperation-at 3am- I found Nesting Collaborative. Their scheduling system was super easy to use and they accept insurance. I booked immediately. I was a little apprehensive about how a video session would work but it was hands down the most effective help I have received in the two weeks I have been struggling with nursing. Ann Bennett identified and corrected issues immediately and I left the call with a concrete plan in place that I felt comfortable executing. Bonus-Ann is very funny humor combined with her enthusiasm and belief in my baby and me made the whole experience worthwhile. My husband and I will recommend this service.
- Gretchen Yehl
Nest Collaborative was my first experience with any kind of "e-health clinic and it was wonderful! Because of the unique nature of my "visits" being online, I was able to connect with a Lactation Consultant whenever I needed the, from the comfort of my own home. When my newborn son and I were battling thrush for months, Amanda and her team were an indispensable resource. The lactation consultant helped me to idefy the thrush as the root of my breastfeeding difficulties and encouraged me to stick with it much longer than I would have without her support. As a pediatric NP, Amanda was able to also help oversee my sons treatment and helped me to advocate for us both when we weren't getting appropriate care from our OB pediatrician Both Amanda and the Lactation consultants were extremely friendly and accessible at all hours. As a mother trying to juggle life with a three year old and a demanding infant. I am so thankful for the ease and accessibility of services that Nest Collaborative offered me and my family. I would definitely recommend them to any moms, new or old!
- Sara Straw
Amazing is an understatement! Blown away by how awesome and supportive everyone is there! My consult with KiKi was fabulous and I took more from that than the 3 times I met with a LC at the NICU! Being virtual was not a hindrance in any way. When I had some other breast issues arise Joanna took my communication to the owner, Amanda, who reached out to me to discuss various options (that are not directly related to BF). They truly care and have you and your babies interest at heart. I will be "seeing" them for as long as needed on our BF journey and I could not recommend them enough! I will be telling everyone I know about them so if you even think you need to talk to a IBCLC, choose Nest
- Lauren Malone

WHAT MOMS ARE SAYING

Alison's Story

Kara's Story

  • LaShanda has been so helpful with my breastfeeding journey. She gives great advice and teaches me new things every call. She is very supportive and never judgmental and also gives me other great resources to reference for more knowledge. I don’t know what I would have done without her these past 7 weeks! I feel like my breastfeeding journey has been so positive thanks to her help and guidance.

    – Mackenzie

  • Lori was an amazing listener. She encouraged me to keep trying to breastfeed my baby. I absolutely love her recommendations. She is very knowledgeable, thoughtful, empathetic. I highly recommend her.

    – Arshdeep

  • Sandy was extremely knowledgeable and helpful. I immediately felt at ease when we joined the call and my husband and I feel very confident in our feeding plan after speaking with her.

    – Carley

  • Aimbriel is great. She answers all my questions and more. She gives me more confidence in the direction I’m going with breastfeeding and meeting my baby’s nutritional needs during this first year of life. I’m a first time parent so these visits have helped a lot!

    – Trisha

  • It was a wonderful experience and she was very caring and compassionate! Made me feel that I was doing a great job and doing well! And it WORKED!! Helped me breastfeed my baby during engorgement when baby couldn’t latch.

    – Sarah

About Us

Breastfeeding can be challenging, we’re here to help.

Nest Collaborative is a collection of International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants® who conduct online, video appointments to help guide moms through the breastfeeding process. MOST commercial insurance plans will cover these appointments at 100% – no copay, no deductible.

Our expert team provides lactation support for prenatal and postpartum moms, during any stage from beginning to end.

ON-DEMAND, VIRTUAL APPOINTMENTS

BOARD-CERTIFIED EXPERTS

100% INSURANCE COVERAGE

meet Our team

Insurance Accepted

100% covered by MOST network commercial health plans. Discounted rates are available for members of other networks, Medicaid, and those who are uninsured.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Lactation Consultant FAQs

What are the qualifications of your lactation consultants?

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

Who provides board certification for lactation consultants?

How can you verify an IBCLC?

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.

Telehealth FAQs

What is telehealth?

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

Is telehealth safe?

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.

What is the distinction between telemedicine and telehealth?

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.

Do private insurance plans usually cover telehealth services?

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.

Breastfeeding FAQs

What are the benefits of breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding is good for both infants and mothers. 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. Mothers who breastfeed their infants have a lower risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure.

Can a woman breastfeed after breast or nipple surgery?

In most cases, a woman 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 mothers who had this surgery many years ago even have an oversupply.

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

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 mothers.

(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 the patient and her healthcare provider. Variations, taking into account individual circumstances, may be appropriate.)

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

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 mothers 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.

Nest Collaborative FAQs

How can Nest Collaborative lactation consultants help you?

At Nest Collaborative our lactation consultants provide breastfeeding support for moms and moms-to-be, anywhere, anytime. Nest Collaborative is a collection of IBCLCs who conduct online, video appointments to help guide moms through the breastfeeding process–from beginning to end.

In using telehealth through telecommunications technology we provide lactation support for prenatal and postpartum moms 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, maternal self-care and more.

Check out our website for a further breakdown of all the Services and Expertise we can offer you.

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

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.

Do you prescribe medications?

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.

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

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.

What can you expect during your consultation?

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.

What do you mean by a virtual appointment?

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.

What if there are connection problems?

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.

Does Nest Collaborative take insurance?

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

How much is a visit?

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.

Why do you need my credit card information?

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.

Do you accept HSA or FSA benefit credit cards?

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.

Why do you ask for my health history?

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.

Can another adult join me during the consultation?

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.

Do you offer consultations in languages other than English?

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

I have an HMO, do I need a referral?

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.

I have Medicaid, will my visit be covered?

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.
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Introducing Latch Lounge from Nest Collaborative!

Virtual group sessions to help you along your breastfeeding journey.

Proactive

Learn what comes next in your breastfeeding journey

Community

Connect with other parents in a small group setting

Educational

Get expert advice from a friendly and knowledgeable IBCLC

Personalized

Talk about any concerns YOU may have

No Out-of-Pocket Costs

Covered in full by most insurance plans

LEARN MORE ABOUT LATCH LOUNGE

Nest Collaborative stands with our Black Families to denounce our country’s long standing epidemic of racism and white supremacy. We speak out hoping to encourage you to do the same, as our voices together support the changes needed to ensure the future safety and health of our Black brothers and sisters.
#BLACKLIVESMATTER

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