Out of pocket lactation consultant cost?

TDM

Thinking ahead here...

My insurance does not pay for a lactation consultant at the hospital; I did not verify but assume they will not pay for one in general.

I'd like to give BF'ing the twins a shot when they're born (though I figure I can at least pump if it doesn't work out)

If you had/have to pay for a lactation consultant out of pocket, how much do they run?  Is it worth it?

sweetfern

I suggest finding an LC local to you that does classes outside the hospital.  I went to one three months before Eve was born and paid $25 for the class.  She gave her phone number and email and said that if we have any questions/problems once the baby is born that she is available.  I have been in contact with her and have not paid anything else.  Try this link to find an LC in your area or ask around, that's how I found out about the class I attended.

https://gotwww.net/ilca/

sweetie_roo

I paid $100, totally worth it.  Try to find an IBCLC if possible.  Also get in touch w/ your local La Leche League leader- she will help you for free and you don't have to have attended meetings.

Totoro1979

If you can get a prescription from the pedi the cost could be covered.  I had a bunch of latch issues and went to the LC- cost was $60-$75/session.  Both session were covered under my ins I just had to submit the prescription.  Also, I would highly recommend support groups- the hospital that I delivered at had a breastfeeding support group for new moms with babies under 6 weeks of age- it was all free and the best thing ever!

ghdst1

$50 at the hospital where I delivered for an outpatient consult.  Not sure if that would be different for inpatient consult.

beckytr

I had to pay $150 for the initial session and $95 after that - but I am in the NYC area so maybe it is more expensive here.  In my opinion, it was def. worth it though.

cathy_and_matt

I paid $150 for the initial consultation and I think after that it was maybe $100. But I'm also in a high COL area. I thought it was worth it.

madhatter2003

Our offered free office follow ups if you took their class which was $25. To have them come to the house was $100.

Can you see if the LLL has someone that can help you? That might be cheaper. But yes, help is WELL worth it.

 

philosoraptor

I had to pay a $10 co-pay (might have been $20) because my pedi was concerned about my milk not coming in for 5 whole days. Maybe if your pedi writes a "prescription" and it's a certified lactation consultant (not just a LLL leader) your insurance would cover it.

But otherwise, call a couple of your LLL groups locally. I'll bet one of the leaders has had twins and can help you

returnhomegnome

The LC I saw was $90/hour, which included a follow-up phone call.

Was it helpful? Yes. But LO and I were having serious problems and required multiple visits.  You hopefully will not need to see a LC.

Just go to a breast-feeding class, and take it from there. 

 (see what is included in your hospital stay: my hospital provided a post-partum breastfeeding class, as well as help from a LC while we were still in hospital which we were not charged for.  The one I paid for was after we were home a week or two. She was wonderful, and worked out of a center which provided support groups and free classes as well.  Look around, I'm sure you'll find some great stuff!!)

alikat07

I'm very lucky as a friend is a LC but she normally charges $75 a session plus mileage.  If you are BFing twins, I would definitely recommend it.

Check out kellymom.com, though - that website has tons of great information.

tanya8

if u qualify for WIC, they provide them for free!

jetgrrrl

My LC cost $150 for the first visit and $75 for subsequent visits, plus free unlimited phone consultations. She was SO worth it. I took a class but there is no way I would have made it without her. If you are having twins I would totally meet with an LC beforehand - you are going to need her on your team!

TarheelsInNJ

beckytr:

I had to pay $150 for the initial session and $95 after that - but I am in the NYC area so maybe it is more expensive here.  In my opinion, it was def. worth it though.

Wow, I'm in NYC too and mine was way more, it looks like. It was a flat fee of $450, which included the consultation (about 3 hours) and unlimited phone time. I ended up having her come back for another hour and a half, which was $300. Really expensive, but I'm hoping that it's worth it and that insurance might cover some of it.

GoBadgers

It totally varies based on how billing is done.  I would call various hospitals and get the best rate.  One hospital we went to was like 300 every visit.  Our home hospital has apts for free.  Totally varies.  Are you sure the birth center your delivering at doesn't bundle services?  I'm thinking that while your an inpatient the LC can't bill as it is all covered under the room charge.  At least when I see inpatients (I'm a genetic counselor) that are on the birth center I can't bill seperately, they just get the room charges and every service they need still happens.  Double check with how your  hospital bills.

 

I think a LC is worth it, we saw 9 different ones but also had alot of problems.  I plan to a deliver a future child at a specific hospital in a different city because of their LC.  That said, check with your local LLL first.

GoBadgers

One more thing.  Is your insurance through an employer?  I would complain to your HR department that this should be a covered benefit and that LCs can help patients breastfeed longer and breastfeeding reduces healthcare costs.  I can't believe an employer would choose an option that doesn't cover LC support.