Everything you need to know before your Telehealth appointment
Preparing for your telehealth consult will be much like preparing for a home visit - you get to relax in the comfort of your own home while you and your consultant work through your questions and challenges.
Please make sure you’ve completed your Intake Form if this is your first appointment with THIS baby.
No need to change out of your pajamas, stay comfy!
It’s helpful to have a partner or helper available who can hold the device with the camera and move it around as needed. Consultants often need to see a latch up close or from different angles. It can even be helpful to log into the consult on two separate devices (one kept on mute) and then place one in front, and the other to the side so your consultant can get a better view of your baby feeding.
In most cases your consultant will want to observe a feeding, so try not to give your baby a full feeding in the 2 hours prior to the consult. This ensures that they are hungry and ready when the time comes (skin to skin can help keep your baby calm until the appointment time). Even if a feeding assessment is not necessary your consultant will likely want or need to visually assess the baby, so please plan to have your baby present for the consult.
Please have your pump and pump parts ready for the consult, even if you are not currently pumping. Sometimes pumping becomes part of a feeding plan, and having parts cleaned and ready to go is helpful and will save you time.
Jane, our scheduling system, will send you an email before your appointment with your meeting link. We recommend thinking about a space where you have relative quiet, and perhaps something to prop your device with. Also consider grabbing your snacks, drinks, and using the bathroom before your appointment begins! Please TEXT us at 202-293-5182 if you have any issues with logging in for your consult.
For your records please read and print or save a copy of these forms for your records:
Insurance coverage - what to expect
We are currently in-network with almost all plans under Aetna, BCBS, and United. If your primary insurance coverage is through any of those companies, you can expect that The Breastfeeding Center will submit the insurance claim to your insurance company for you. You will only hear from us about payment if anything is required from you (and usually it’s not).
If your primary insurance coverage is through any other insurance company, you will be charged for the consultation within 30 days using the credit card you put on file when creating your appointment. You will also be emailed a superbill which you can fill out and submit to your insurance company to attempt reimbursement.
Click here for more in-depth information on insurance coverage and here for information on our financial assistance program.
what happens after your appointment
Shortly after your appointment, you will be notified via email that your visit notes have been added to your patient portal. You can log on at any time to review notes and past appointments, and to schedule additional appointments.
If your baby is 6 weeks or under, we recommend scheduling a follow up appointment for about a week after your first appointment, unless your lactation consultant has recommended otherwise. Meeting with a lactation consultant early (and potentially often) will be the best way to ensure a successful breastfeeding relationship - whatever that means to you and your family! Also know that our lactation consultants are well-versed in any and all concerns related to nursing - from latch and nipple pain to clogged ducts to pumping to elimination diets to weaning, and everything in between. We’re here to help you throughout your nursing/pumping journey!
We also recommend taking advantage of the other services we offer here at The Center, including:
Group classes: We offer classes ranging from childbirth prep through toddlerhood, and many are covered by insurance. You can see our full listing and register for classes here.
Support groups: Our support groups - whether for nursing or for mental health - are great for meeting other parents who are sharing some of the same experiences as you and your family, as well as to get support from the professionals leading the groups. All our support groups are free.
Hospital-grade pump & scale rentals: We always have hospital-grade pumps and scales available to rent. You can find more information here.
Breastfeeding/pumping boutique: Our shop is stocked with nursing/pumping essentials, as well as fun baby shower gifts. You can order online and choose shipping or same-day pick up!
Breastmilk depot: We accept donations of breastmilk through the Milk Bank at Austin. We also dispense donor milk through the same Milk Bank. You can learn about becoming a donor or a recipient here.
Workplace support: Our staff can work directly with your HR department to ensure your employer is in compliance with all state and federal laws around nursing/pumping, as well as helping set up a lactation program at your workplace. Click here for more information.
If you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to reach out!