Wholesome Beginnings
Supporting families in the DC Metro through Pregnancy, Birth and Postpartum
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Lactation Services
An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) is a member of the perinatal healthcare team with specialized skills in lactation care and management.
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Plan to nurse before your baby is born. Put your lactation desires in your birth plan and share it with your provider and hospital staff.
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Take 2-3 prenatal education classes and get prenatal lactation education from several reputable sources.
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Nursing takes time and practice. Be patient as you and your baby get comfortable with lactating. Ask for help when you need it.
When to Seek Help
You need help if:
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You have ANY lactation concerns
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You are concerned your milk supply
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You are having difficulty with pumping
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Your baby cries all the time
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Your baby sleeps all the time
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Your baby sleep more than 5 hours a night in the first 2 weeks
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You have sore, cracked, bleeding nipples
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Your baby does not latch
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Your baby is not gaining weight
Insurance
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Wholesome Beginnings is not in-network for any insurance provider. Payment is required via HSA/FSA card or credit card at the time of booking.
We provide a SuperBill, which is a detailed receipt, so that clients may seek reimbursement from insurance providers.
While reimbursement is mandated for most plans under the Affordable Care Act, we cannot guarantee any outcome and will not submit an appeal.
Reimbursement is at the discretion of your insurance provider. Please verify policy coverage with them.
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Did you know nursing supplies may be covered under your HSA, FSA, or HRA account? Read more about it here.
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Medicaid or WIC recipients are eligible for 50% discount.
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What to Expect During a Visit
A initial consultation typically lasts 1.5-2 hours. Follow up visits are typically 1-1.5 hour
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Prior to the visit you will sign consent forms giving permission to work with you and your baby.
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I will review your intake form, completed prior to the visit.
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Ideally I will observed you nurse/chest feed or pump.
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With your permission, I will examine your breasts and your baby’s mouth and sucking abilities.
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If needed, I will assist you with latching and positioning.
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I will answer any questions you may have.
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A care plan will be completed based on your feeding goals and personal history.
Insurance Resources:
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National Women's Law Center Breastfeeding Tool kit: Clearly explains Medicaid and insurance coverage of breastfeeding support, supplies, and counseling. This tool kit also offers tools to women who encounter problems with this coverage.
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Break Time for Nursing Mothers: This free hotline assists women who are experiencing difficulties obtaining coverage for breastfeeding or other women's health needs as required by law.
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HealthCare.gov: Outlines benefits and services covered by insurance
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Preventative care benefits for pregnant women and women who may become pregnant (also in Spanish)
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Vanessa Hanible, IBCLC
Certification: L-303854