Breastfeeding Support
Birthways is here to support you in determining your breastfeeding goals and relationship, whatever approach you decide.Our lactation specialists are available for prenatal classes, phone support, clinics, and in-home support. We support moms who are breastfeeding, pumping, formula-feeding, or are using a combination of approaches to nourish their babies.
Our unique model optimizes your care by drawing on the skills of the lactation consultant and the doula all within Birthways.
Breastfeeding Warmline
Staffed during regular business hours, our lactation experts are happy to answer your basic breastfeeding questions and make referrals where needed.
Doula Care
A Birthways postpartum doula helps get you off to a good start in the early days at home as well as later on in your breastfeeding relationship. Your doula is there during that important window when your mature milk comes in, support in establishing your supply and demand, and as you get the hang of nursing. She can also support with pumping routines and introducing bottles.
Support from a lactation consultant
Mothers with an existing health condition, known risk factors, or concerns about breastfeeding may benefit from a full prenatal evaluation with a clinical expert known as a Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). A Birthways’ IBCLC can meet with you in your home at a time that is convenient for you during your pregnancy. For those experiencing breastfeeding challenges or concerns, in-home consultations are also a valuable resource.
Preparation and Education
Group classes and private education for expectant moms and partners can help increase your success with breastfeeding.
Evidence shows that preparing for breastfeeding, together with follow up with a lactation expert, and encouragement from partners and family members greatly minimizes early cessation of breastfeeding.
Birthways Breastfeeding 101
Recommend for expectant moms and their partners to take during the 2nd or 3rd trimester. Evidence shows that preparing for breastfeeding, together with follow up with a lactation expert, and encouragement from partners and family members greatly minimizes early cessation of breastfeeding. Set yourself up for success!
This class is offered every 6-8 weeks on a Monday evening from 6pm – 8pm.
$50
More Details
Gain the knowledge and skills for breastfeeding to get off to a good start and to meet your long-term breastfeeding goals with the Breastfeeding 101 Class from Birthways.
This 2-hour class, led by a Board Certified Lactation Consultant or a Certified Lactation Educator, is designed to teach you about you and your baby’s anatomy, reflexes, and hard wiring, so that you can best support baby’s natural instincts to nurse.
Learn about the newborn’s first feeding, strategies for common challenges, and resources for extra help if you need it.
Registration closes at 12noon on the day of class. Price is per couple (mother and partner).
Birthways Breastfeeding Clinic
Our Breastfeeding Clinic is an affordable way to connect with our lactation consultants, obtain evidence-based information and reassurance, get a weight check for your baby, and meet other breastfeeding moms. Registration is Required, this is not a drop-in clinic.
Offered every Friday 10am – 12pm. Registration is Required.
$40
More Details
During your time at the clinic:
- Your pressing breastfeeding questions will be addressed
- You will have hands-on support with positioning and latch
- Your baby will be weighed with an accurate medical-grade scale
- You will receive reassurance that you and your baby are on track
- We will help with strategies for your return-to-work plan
Current Schedule: Every Friday, 10am – noon Please note: Registration closes on Thursday at 4:30p, preceding Clinic days. Call if you need support before the next Clinic date – 888.506.0607 x704.
Please note: You may be referred to an IBCLC for a full consultation if appropriate. Not sure if the clinic will meet your needs? Contact us and we’ll complete a quick assessment to see if the clinic or a full visit is more appropriate for you and your baby.
NEW BREASTFEEDING CLINIC DAYS AND LOCATIONS!
Tuesdays at Little Beans in Evanston. Learn more >
Health Insurance & Breastfeeding Support
You may be eligible for Free Home Consultations with a Birthways’ Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)
Birthways is proud to partner with The Lactation Network. If you have one of the following plans, then you are likely eligible for 1 initial consult + 1-2 follow ups consults for free:
- BCBS PPO
- Anthem BCBS PPO
- Cigna PPO
- United Health Care PPO
There are exceptions even within these plans, and The Lactation Network will find out if you are covered.
If you would like to get started:
1. Fill out this form as soon as possible to make sure we get everything processed before your appointment.
2. Answer the first question YES on our form.
3. When the text box appears type in Birthways.
4. Keep an eye on your e-mail after you submit the form for confirmation of coverage from The Lactation Network. Response times within business hours are usually within 90 minutes, outside of business hours response time may take a couple of hours. Their email will also provide details about next steps and will also be sent to us here at Birthways.
Once we receive your verification, one of our IBCLCs will call you to schedule your intial home visit!
What if I don’t have the listed plan?
If you do not have one of the insurance plans listed above, you are still able to schedule an in-home consultation.
Birthways in not in-network with any insurance companies. We recommend that you call to speak with your carrier, ask for a list of names for in-network IBCLCs or how they will reimburse you if you see someone out of network. We are able to provide you with a Superbill and receipt for Lactation Home Consultations that you can submit for reimbursement from your insurance. For additional information on insurance and lactation services, we encourage you to connect with Breastfeed Chicago. They are a great local resource supporting and advocating for breastfeeding families in Chicago.
Call us at 888.506.0607 x706 with questions or to get connected to an IBCLC.
She was so encouraging and helped me gain so much more confidence as a mom, validating my instincts when I felt unsure or judged by others. There were a lot of things that completely turned around very positively for us after our Doula came to us.
Get the Support, Comfort and Confidence You Deserve! Let's Explore How We Can Help.
For over 20 years, Birthways has provided expert support for Chicago-area families during the childbearing year with compassionate, knowledgeable, and affirming care. Founded by renowned postpartum expert Karen Laing, our doulas are carefully screened, trained, supported and experienced to meet your unique needs. With expertise ranging from education to lactation to sleep, Birthways is committed to providing compassionate, affirming support for expectant and new families.
3717 N. Ravenswood Ave. Suite 140 Chicago, IL 60613 888.506.0607