Lactation Support with Marlee

I’ve been helping parents feed their babies since 2015 and it’s one of my very favorite things to do.

Feeding your baby can be one of the biggest challenges of the newborn period. Whether nursing, exclusively pumping, formula feeding, or some combination, chances are you've had some questions or challenges along the way. 

As an experienced lactation counselor and postpartum doula, I bring a calming presence to help new parents when they're going through the most trying times in those early newborn weeks.

Think of me as your baby feeding doula!

My focus is on gentle support and creative problem-solving, supporting all kinds of families in feeding their babies. I don’t believe in a “cookie cutter” approach!

I offer focused care and mentoring through feeding issues of many kinds, helping you learn about your options, evaluate what is working and what isn’t, and feel supported (and less overwhelmed!) as you sort through whatever challenges may be at hand. For some examples of situations when you might benefit from professional lactation support, check out this blog post and this follow-up post.

My favorite thing to hear from clients is that our time together was a turning point in their lactation journey. I can't wait to help you and your baby!

Rates

Virtual lactation consult: $150 (1-2 hour Zoom video chat)

Lactation and infant feeding consults are normally on weekdays between 10am-5pm, but I am sometimes able to schedule appointments outside those hours so you can get the help you need quickly. 

Ready for support?

What to expect if we work together:

• Compassionate support. I know how tough feeding a baby can be, and I approach this work with the utmost compassion for both babies and parents.

• Individualized care. No two lactation consults are the same, because no two babies and parents are the same! My support is flexible and designed to help YOU, whatever your goals, challenges, and circumstances may be.

• Education. My goal is to help parents gain a deeper understanding of the ins and outs of feeding a baby. After a visit with me, I hope you'll feel more confident about ways you can move forward.

• Referrals as needed. If I feel that you or your baby could benefit from a different kind of support or service than I offer, I will be happy to offer resources and referrals so you can get the help you need.

During a lactation consult I can help parents become more comfortable nursing directly, address their milk supply and help make sure baby is getting enough, offer guidance on when and how to introduce pumping and bottles, and so much more.

If you’re struggling and are ready for some relief, help, and encouragement, I’d love to help!

How I can help

Here are some of the challenges I can help you address:

• Pain when nursing

• Pain when pumping

• Difficulty getting baby latched comfortably

• Cracked nipples

• Engorgement

• Plugged milk ducts

• Concerns about milk supply (low supply or oversupply)

• Baby is sleepy during feedings

• Finding a feeding rhythm that works for your family

• Figuring out how often your baby needs to eat

• Learning your baby's hunger cues

• Baby is having tummy problems

• Helping baby learn to eat from a bottle

• Switching between feeding at the breast and feeding with a bottle

• Helping to identify a different type of bottle that may work better for your baby

• Helping you explore other feeding methods (spoon, syringe, SNS, cup, donor milk, formula, etc.)

• Pumping guidance and storing pumped milk, including for exclusively pumping parents

• Deciding when and how to start solid foods

Getting support often marks a turning point in the newborn journey.

Contact me sooner rather than later! I am often able to fit in same day or next day requests depending on my schedule - I always try to prioritize lactation consults, especially when there is an urgent need for help!

What are the differences between virtual lactation support and in-person consults?

In order to protect my clients, the current coronavirus pandemic has necessitated that I move my in-home lactation support to a virtual platform instead. While this is not the way I prefer to work in an ideal world, I can still do most of what I normally would do in person over a Zoom call during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The components of in-person work that we can’t exactly replicate in a virtual format include:

• Making physical adjustments to help nursing become more comfortable. Since I can’t be there in person to make those adjustments, I’ll be narrating the changes I’d like you to make so you can follow some simple steps and get more comfy.

• Observing how much milk baby seems to be getting during a feed. I’ll rely on you to be my eyes and ears up close with baby! I’ll ask specific questions so you know what to look for, and when you let me know what you’re seeing and hearing we can make adjustments as needed.

• Teaching hand expression. Hand expressing milk is a really useful tool most of my clients love! I have some great videos I’ll send your way if you need this, and I’ll also be able to model a little bit over video chat using some handy teaching tools.

• Physically preparing a saline solution for healing nipples. If you’re struggling with cracked or bleeding nipples, I usually recommend a simple saline soak a couple times a day to help you heal quickly. Since I can’t be there to prepare the solution for you the first time, I’ll send you an article with step-by-step instructions on how to do this yourself (or better yet, have a partner or helper make it for you!)

I think in this time of social distancing we’re all realizing just how much different in-person interactions feel than online or virtual ones. While I won’t be able to physically be present in the room with you - with all that brings to my work with clients - I will show up in this next best way with all of my warmth, compassion, and expertise to help your feeding journey move in the right direction… just as I always do!

Will your health insurance cover our consult?

Possibly. You will need to pay for your consult up front and then apply for reimbursement.

Under the Affordable Care Act, insurance companies must cover lactation counseling services in full. You may be able to be reimbursed by your primary health insurer for a class and/or consultation with me. But depending on your plan, there may be limits as to how many appointments, the maximum cost of those appointments, or the specific lactation professional you see… so it’s possible that working with me would not qualify for coverage.

If you want to pursue reimbursement, I can provide you with a superbill that you can submit to your insurance company. (It’s important to remember that things like this can take weeks or even months to work their way through the bureaucracy of health insurance companies, so any reimbursement provided may take awhile.)

Another more reliable way to receive reimbursement for lactation classes and/or consults is through a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA). It's not the same as services being covered by an insurance company, but those pre-tax dollars in your FSA or HSA account can be allocated to reimbursement for lactation education and counseling if your particular FSA or HSA administrator allows for that coverage.

For clients planning to submit for reimbursement to their primary insurance, FSA, or HSA, we have a special receipt we can give you that includes our National Provider Identifier (NPI) - just let me know that's something you need, and I'll get it to you after the completion of our consult.

What my clients say

“Marlee is the best. From the first moment you speak with her, regardless of what you’re going through, you will feel so loved and supported. It’s truly a gift to have support like this available to families in Orange County.

I asked Marlee for lactation support when my baby was 4 days old and it was the best decision! As a new mom there are so many questions around breastfeeding— even if things are seemingly going well — and to have the such loving energy come into my home put me at ease immediately.

Marlee gave me tips, answered all my questions, and validated my breastfeeding journey. I cannot express the sense of relief I felt after her visit, not to mention all the practical tools and resources she gave me. I was also able to reach out anytime things popped up in the future. I can’t more highly recommend this amazing person!”

- Kristin, Aliso Viejo

“After a rough start and much healing, my baby’s latch still wasn’t quite right. I was referred to Marlee and I am so happy I was able to work with her. She made time for us right away, made me feel comfortable and put my mind at ease. Most importantly, she encouraged me and, with the advice she gave me, we were able to significantly improve my baby’s latch and ensured we were able to continue on with breastfeeding.

I would happily recommend Marlee to anyone with questions or in need of help to improve (or stick with) their breastfeeding journey.”

- Kendra, Santa Ana

“The first month with my first child was rough. Nursing was challenging, and despite all my efforts, the hospital lactation consultant told me, ‘Breastfeeding is not for everyone.’ I was doing two hour cycles of nursing on each side, pumping while my husband gave a bottle of breast milk or formula, and... we were all just exhausted.

Enter Marlee--my hero!! She came to my home when I was a mess, un-showered, and exhausted, and was the most gentle with me. She checked on how I was doing, listened to my birth story, and asked how she could help. Marlee showed me some new cozy ways to safely nurse my newborn! She also showed my husband and I how to use a bottle in a way that would encourage breastfeeding.

I felt so at peace and confident to move forward because of Marlee’s help. My husband also felt really comfortable and confident with helping feed our son after her visit. I really don't know what I would have done without her. I ended up nursing my son for almost 21 months! I applaud Marlee’s gifts and talents, and would absolutely recommend her services to any struggling new parent.”

- Kathleen, Fullerton

“I hired Marlee for her lactation services when my daughter was 5 days old. I really wanted to ensure I had a good latch and that I was doing everything I could to make sure my daughter was getting good feedings. Marlee showed me multiple techniques to optimize my daughter’s latch as well as offering encouraging support and a listening to ear for all my new mom fears!

I am so grateful for her services! I highly recommend Marlee for your lactation needs!”

- Lizzy, Dana Point

Preparing to Breastfeed

If you're planning to breastfeed your baby, consider taking our Bringing Baby Home class during pregnancy. 

This 2-3 hour private class for expecting parents is a great way to become familiar with what to expect throughout your breastfeeding journey.

In classes, we will talk about:

• Breastfeeding as a skill that both you and your baby will learn

• Learning to read baby's hunger cues

• What to expect in the first couple days

• What to expect in the first week

• What to expect in the first month

• How to care for your body when you're nursing a newborn

• 24 hours in the life of a nursing newborn baby

• Pumping and milk storage basics

• What to do if breastfeeding doesn't go as planned

• Helping baby learn to eat from a bottle

• Some of our favorite resources for questions new parents often ask

As with any class, we won't be able to teach you absolutely everything you need to know. One of our goals will be to help you feel prepared to ask for help during your feeding journey, and to develop a working knowledge of what resources are available to you.

What is a virtual lactation consult like?

The basic format I use in my lactation counseling visits is: 

• Where are you now?

• Where do you want to be?

• What is already working for you?

• What new skills, knowledge, or help do you need to move forward?

• After learning and practicing, what is working? Is anything further needed?

Consults take place via Zoom video chat and usually last between 1-2 hours. When we begin, we will talk about what's been going on so I can get a good understanding of the challenges you're dealing with. Sometimes the act of talking about these challenges in and of itself with someone who "gets it" can feel healing! Sometimes it helps to know that you're dealing with is normal (usually it is!). Often there are things you're doing instinctively that are working already, so we will spend a few moments recognizing all the hard work you're already doing despite the challenges you're going through. We'll also talk about your values around caring for your baby so I understand what your goals are and can offer steps toward solutions that will be helpful for you.

After I've had a chance to hear from you what your struggles and goals are, we will actively work together toward some solutions to help you on your journey. Depending on the situation, I may observe a feeding, work with you to try nursing in a different position, show you some tips and tricks for bottle feeding, help you figure out some ways to keep baby awake at the breast, show you some options to help relieve pain and soreness in the breast, etc. If your partner or older children are around during our visit, I would be glad to show them some things they can do to help support you as you nourish your baby.

We can also talk about the mechanics of producing milk, expressing milk, and baby's intake process. Knowing what is happening biologically can sometimes help parents either reframe expectations of themselves or their baby, or understand why their challenge is occurring. 

Once you're feeling comfortable with the things we've tried and are finding some relief, we will talk about some goals to work on over the next week or two. If you’re interested in a follow-up appointment with me, we can get that on the calendar as well.

After our initial consult, I will follow up with you by email and include any links to resources I think you'll find helpful based on our time together. I will also include any referrals for additional care for you and your baby. 

Follow-up lactation counseling consults can make all the difference. Working together again after our initial visit can be very helpful in ensuring that both you and your baby are getting the support you need during what can be a very challenging time. Since babies grow and change very quickly, you might be surprised how some of the things we worked on in your first appointment don't work anymore, or that something that didn't work before can become your favorite tool. Don’t be afraid to reach out again down the line!

No two lactation consults are the same, because no two parents and no two babies are the same! My support is always, always nonjudgmental and open-minded.

It's my privilege to work with a wide variety of families with differing goals and perspectives on caring for their little ones.

For parents who are pumping

If pumping is part of your lactation journey, I’m here to help!

Many people are surprised to learn that pumping can be a complicated and logistically challenging experience. I have a lot of experience helping to improve the pumping situation in many ways. Here are some of the aspects of pumping I can help with:

• Figuring out when to start pumping and how to work it into your routine

• Addressing pain or discomfort from pumping

• Increasing your milk supply

• Helping you figure out when to pump and for how long based on your situation and goals

• Helping to avoid creating an oversupply from too much pumping

• Addressing plugged ducts or mastitis

• Navigating pumping while traveling or being away from your little one

• Best practices for storing and using pumped milk

Ready for some pumping help?

If you need more help

If you find yourself struggling, you might want to consider purchasing a postpartum doula package. In my role as a postpartum doula, I'll be able to spend more time with you and your family helping you adjust during the newborn period. I will also be with you more often to help make sure feeding is progressing well and support you in your daily routine with baby. 

Oftentimes my clients find that having someone coming over for several hours a few times a week to answer their questions, help with food preparation and light housekeeping, and give them some personal time for a nap or shower makes a huge difference. It also means that you'll have your breastfeeding counselor right there with you a few times a week, instead of having to schedule individual visits. 

If your early parenting experience could use some TLC, I'd love to provide that extra layer of support for you and your family.

How many consults will I need?

Usually just one. About two-thirds of my lactation clients only see me once, and then just keep in touch by text or email if other questions arise.

For the remaining third, some families choose to see me once more for another lactation consult, and some choose to book a postpartum doula package with me so we can keep seeing each other with more frequency. This option works well for families who are experiencing complications in their postpartum journey, and can be a lovely way to keep getting support from your friendly neighborhood lactation professional!

Advice from family and friends

Many of our clients find that their families and friends have a lot of advice to offer around feeding their baby. Sometimes advice from loved ones - no matter how gently it's meant - can feel overwhelming and critical during the sensitive postpartum period. Sometimes it feels like everyone has their own opinion on how you should feed your little one, and none of those opinions match up with what you're doing or what you want to be doing. 

It can be helpful to remember that older friends and relatives raised their babies in a different era. The study of lactation, infant nutrition, gut health, and so many other areas relating to baby-feeding have come a LONG way in the past 20 years. Sometimes well-meaning loved ones can give advice that is now known to be unhealthy or unsafe. It can be difficult to validate that while that may have worked for them and their children, you're choosing to do things differently. 

It's also important to remember that everyone is different. Every parent, every baby, and every family is different. Something that worked for someone else may not be right for you, just as something that's solving your family's problems might not be the right fit for someone else. Sometimes it's not a matter of whose way of doing things is better, but a matter of which way of doing things is better for YOU. 

For compassionate and practical help in dealing with these kinds of things, we recommend Elizabeth Pantley's article on Handling Unwanted Advice. 

Feeding advice from pediatricians

Sometimes pediatricians can be a wonderful source of help with feeding during the early months. But sometimes, that's not the case. Many parents are surprised to learn the limited extent of breastfeeding knowledge pediatricians often have. (One study estimated that pediatricians only receive 3 hours of breastfeeding education per year during their training.) 

If you're working with a pediatrician you trust who is providing care in alliance with your goals and values as a parent, that's wonderful! If you don't find yourself with that sort of relationship with your pediatrician and you have questions or doubts about feeding advice or information you've been given, schedule a visit with a lactation counselor. 

Lactation counselors and consultants are often the best local resources for help with feeding a baby (and thriving). My perspective encompasses both parents and babies, allowing my support services to really be whole-family care. Often pediatricians are limited in the amount of help they can give because they only see one piece of the puzzle. Since I can come into your home and don't have a waiting room full of other families to examine, we can take our time getting to know each other so I can really understand where YOU are coming from and what YOUR challenges are.

Lactation counselor support often marks a turning point in the newborn journey. If you're struggling with advice given by your baby's pediatrician and would like to chat, let me know. 

Are you an Orange County lactation consultant?

No, I'm not. The term "lactation consultant" is reserved for those who are International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs). IBCLCs can provide medicalized care for you and your baby concerning lactation. Their clinical lactation support is covered by some insurance providers and usually costs around $200+ per visit. Often IBCLCs work in hospital lactation clinics or pediatricians' offices. Many IBCLCs work as lactation consultants full-time, especially if they are employed by a hospital or medical group. 

Because of the high cost of receiving care from a lactation consultant, I've seen many families hesitate to reach out for help at all. That's one reason I offer lactation support and mentoring as part of my work. As a lactation counselor, I have the flexibility to offer this service in addition to my other offerings as a birth and postpartum doula, childbirth educator, etc. This is just another facet of my support for families in Orange County and Long Beach. Think of me as your lactation doula!

Of course, my lactation counseling services are not a replacement for clinical care from a lactation consultant. If during our time together it becomes clear that the type of feeding help you need is outside of what I can offer, I will refer you to a local IBCLC for clinical assistance so you and your baby can access the care you need.

What other baby feeding support is out there?

• Informal peer support (advice from family & friends)

• Formal peer support, including breastfeeding support groups like La Leche League

• Professional support from lactation specialists, including lactation counselors like me

• Private lactation consultants (described above) for more medicalized, clinical care offered in your home

• Hospital lactation consultants (described above) for more medicalized, clinical care at a hospital-based clinic

• Online resources (visit the Infant Feeding section of our resources page)

What if I can’t afford your services?

Lactation support is so important, and I feel strongly that high-quality support should be available to everyone who wants it.

I offer scholarships for free and reduced cost services on a limited basis. If you qualify for Medi-Cal, SNAP benefits, TANF, or WIC and want to work with me, reach out so we can discuss details.