- Ann Conlon-Smith, IBCLC, RLC has seen over 900+ families virtually (telemed) which works quite well. Ann has worked with literally thousands in person. In person office visit is NOW available..
- Full history is taken of mother and baby
- Typical consultation takes approximately one hour and includes observations, encouragement, assistance, referrals, and reassurance in feeding your baby
- After meeting to assess feeding and concerns, helpful recommendations are offered in a full care plan/report which is submitted to family and health care provider before the end of day.
- Some follow up phone calls, texts, or emails are usually included, but often a follow up visit may work better at some point.
- Board certified since 1996 and has been helping thousands of families feed their newborns since then
- Lactation consultants are members of the allied medical team and are board certified by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners.
- Ann speaks at professional conferences
Maybe you did take the breastfeeding class or maybe you didn’t. You read some of the recommended books and checked with your friends, but now that your baby is here, you’re feeling somewhat overwhelmed or uncomfortable. You may feel unsure of whether things are going well or not. New families are bombarded with confusing information on how to feed their babies. Often, they have had little or no exposure to breastfeeding prior to the birth of their own baby. There are helpful lactation consultants in many hospitals and birth centers for the first 48 hours, but sometimes as the new family arrives home, medications have worn off, fatigue and hunger have set in, and questions and concerns increase.
Most Aetna, Aetna Duke Select, Blue Cross Blue Shield, UHC, and some Cigna are covered. For some UHC plans, prepayment is required with a Super Bill for you to submit for reimbursement. For all plans other than Aetna, please submit to The Lactation Network to determine eligibility BEFORE we meet.
Out of network Claim Form provided for client to submit to other insurance companies. For BCBS, UHC, or Cigna Coverage submit insurance info to: https://go.lactationetwork.com/trianglelactation
Appointments
Appointments for In person, Telemed/virtual consultation can be made by calling or texting 919-389-1599 or by email at aconsmith@gmail.com
Once appointment is made, the following is needed before meeting
INSURANCE
1-I am in network with Aetna and Duke Aetna Select. Enter your insurance info on history form.
For BCBS, UHC or Cigna email: https://go.lactationnetwork.com/TriangleLactation You will get a quick response for coverage of our consultation.
2 -Complete intake form as soon as you can. Once received, I can confirm our appointment.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1JXMnxnSi1e9LDhCgqJtvL9ec7L5WRvtDmeF_eOL8OYM/edit
3 –FOR TELEMED VISITS Phone clip Video of baby latching and nursing (send to my phone or What’s App) (please no special programs) (919-389-1599). If baby is bottle fed, please send a clip of that too
4 –If at all possible, it is very helpful to see under baby’s tongue. Video is important so I can see movement and range. Sometimes, when baby is crying and you catch that, I can see under tongue that way with good light. Try to hold baby’s head still for a clearer view.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/h_t3Iv-VCh0
4 -Phone clip video of pumping (if you do pump) so I can check flange fit. This is best if you film after you’ve been pumping for a minute or two for me to assess size more accurately. I am unable to assess wearable pump flanges. Do NOT wear pumping bra so that I can see better
Please submit videos well before we meet. You will receive an email notice of Virtual appointment with link. USING PHONE IS challenging. PLEASE TRY TO USE LAPTOP OR TABLET with good lighting. Having someone in room with you to move camera is also beneficial. Baby needs to be fed during our consult, but it is helpful to have some time to chat first. Please have all items you use nearby.
What to have ready for consultation
- Your baby ready to eat (not necessarily famished, but ready and willing) It is helpful for us to be able to chat a bit first if possible.
- Dress baby in something easy to get off if skin to skin helps.
- Have ANYTHING and EVERYTHING you might be using for feeding, including nipple shield, tubing, syringes, bottles, etc. I’d like to see it all.
- I will have observed fit of pump flanges by video before meeting.
- Some milk — A couple of ounces of your own milk, donor milk or formula We may not need it at all, but just in case..
LOCATED IN RALEIGH, NC
“It’s been almost 8 months. It’s hard, it’s a commitment, it’s a sacrifice. I’ve been frustrated, I’ve wanted to give up. I’ve been told I can’t do it. I’ve been asked why I don’t just give bottles. But I’ve gained more than I’ve given. I’ve gained one on one time I wouldn’t have otherwise gotten. I’ve given them the best I could. I’ve learned how strong I am. I debated sharing this photo, but this is my life. This isn’t vulgar, this isn’t sexualized. This is hard work, dedication. Lets normalize breastfeeding!
A huge thank you to Babymonster Photography for capturing this for me.”