Breastfeeding Support
Birthways is here to support you in determining your feeding 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.
Lactation Warmline
Staffed during regular business hours, our lactation experts are happy to answer your basic feeding 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 individuals and couples 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.
Breastfeeding 101
Recommend for expectant individuals 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 or Tuesday evening from 6pm – 8pm.
*Prenatal education classes are not usually covered by Health Insurance, however they may be covered in an FSA. We encourage you to check your plans specifically and we are happy to provide itemized receipts upon request.
$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).
Warmline phone support
Schedule phone call for you to speak with an IBCLC to address:
- Immediate questions or concerns about breast/chest feeding and nursing
- Support for pumping: pump selection, fit and making pumping schedules to fit your needs
- Bottle feeding support – whether using formula or breast milk
- Determine if a Full Consultations is needed (via webcall or in-person)
- Discuss introducing solids, weaning, co-nursing and other topics related to feeding your child
Warmline phone support is offered in 30 minute increments at $30.
*Phone support is not usually covered by Health Insurance, however they may be covered in an FSA. We encourage you to check your plans specifically and we are happy to provide itemized receipts upon request.
$30
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.
Birthways has suspended clinic during the pandemic. Please call us for lactation support at 888.506.0607 x706.
$40
Birthways Lactation Consultation
Lactation Consulations are supposed to be covered under the Affordable Care Act. Birthways is not able to bill directly so we encourage you to look into your specific Health Insurance plan. Certain plans are covered for 2-3 in-person or virtual consultations through The Lactation Network:
- 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. To see if you are covered:
1. Fill out The Lactation Network Form.
2. Answer the first question “YES” – When the text box appears type in “Birthways”.
3. You will receive an email from The Lactation Network, usually within 90 minutes, that will either verify or decline your coverage. (This email is also sent to Birthways.)
Once we receive your verification, one of our IBCLCs will call you to schedule your initial visit!
What if I don’t have the listed plan?
If you do not have one of the insurance plans listed above, Birthways can still support you! You can pay out of pocket and we will provide you with a receipt of payment and Superbill to submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement.
Initial and Follow-Up Consultations are available and can usually be arranged within 24-48 hours.
$200-300
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!
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.
MEET BIRTHWAYS
3717 N. Ravenswood Ave. Suite 140 Chicago, IL 60613 888.506.0607