The Breast Works
Lactation Support
Annamarie Faro
Lactation Consultant, RN, BSN, IBCLC
Offering in-home and on-line lactation support to families in the greater San Francisco Bay Area.
While breastfeeding is natural, it doesn’t always come naturally.
Whether this is your first child, or your fourth, every baby, mom, and family is unique - and so are their needs. Getting support and guidance at this exciting and exhausting time can set the foundation for successfully breastfeeding your child.
My goal is to provide practical guidance centered around empowering you in order to improve the process and outcome of breastfeeding for you and your baby.
About Me
I’m a RN (registered nurse), an IBCLC (Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant), and mom to three breastfed boys, two of whom are twins, and who are now all young men! I’ve worked with thousands of families in the hospital setting, outpatient clinic, and neonatal intensive care unit, helping them identify and resolve feeding issues with their babies.
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Breastfeeding and transitioning to parenthood can be a challenging time in any family’s life. Becoming a parent was a huge adjustment for me. When my first son was born I wanted to breastfeed him, but I found it painful and difficult. I was exhausted and I struggled until a lactation nurse came to our home and showed me techniques that made breastfeeding easier and more successful. Her guidance changed breastfeeding from being a burden to a pleasure.
My personal experience, as well as my clinical expertise
as a nurse and a lactation specialist, is the foundation of
my practice.
My Approach
I take “a whole-family” approach in my practice. While mom and baby are naturally the focus of breastfeeding, I welcome and encourage the inclusion of partners whenever possible. Extended family can also be a great source of support.
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Every family has its own dynamic. My intent is to work with you and your family keeping in mind your cultural and familial background in a sensitive, positive, and supportive manner. I have experience with families of all types - and families formed in many different ways - but all of whom simply want to do the very best they can to successfully feed the new little person in their life.
Regardless of the issue, there is always a solution and together we can develop a customized plan that works for you!
Things I can help with:
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Position & latch
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Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding
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Milk production (not enough/too much)
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Assessing milk transfer
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Assessment for tongue tie (oral anatomy)
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Breast assessment
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Weight gain/loss
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Pre-term infants and breastfeeding
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Pumping
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Supplementing
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Formula use
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Bottle feeding
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Concerns with breast augmentation or reduction
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And more.....
Services
Postpartum Lactation Consultation Home Visit
1.5 hours - in home • $295
Our first meeting is comprehensive. You’ll fill out an intake document in advance of the consultation. When we meet, I’ll do a breast and baby assessment. We’ll discuss your concerns and find solutions. Often, a pre and post feeding weight of your baby will be done and with this information we’ll develop a plan. A lot can be accomplished when your mind (and body) are at ease in the comfort of your own home. I will be available to support you with questions or concerns that may come up while implementing our plan.
Postpartum Follow-up
1 hour - in home • $195
Follow-up visits can be very helpful after the initial postpartum consultation. We will evaluate how the feeding plan is working for you and baby, and then assess if there are any adjustments that need to be made.
Twins Postpartum Lactation Consultation Home Visit
2 - 2.5 hours - in home • $395
Breastfeeding twins is a big job, but with planning, structure and flexibility, you can do it. As with all consults, assessment of mom and baby will be done. We will discuss what you envision for feeding your children, and develop a plan for how to achieve those goals. Each baby will be assessed for their unique needs. Pre and post feeding weights will be taken. A care plan will be developed and provided, and I will be available to support you with any questions or concerns that come up when implementing the plan.
Virtual Consults
Virtual Lactation consultation
1.5 hours - virtual • $220
Some issues or concerns can be solved with a virtual visit. The discussions and the areas covered are often the same as with an in-home visit, but without the benefit of the hands-on training. If you believe things are generally going well, but you’d like some pointers and assistance in a virtual setting, then this type of appointment may be all you need to identify challenges and find solutions.
Virtual follow-up
1 hour - virtual • $175
After an initial consultation, a virtual follow-up may be helpful for evaluating how progress is being made. The care plan can be revised if needed, and we resolve questions and concerns.
Prenatal consultation
1 hour • In home $225 • Virtual $195
Preparation for breastfeeding can be very helpful before your newborn arrives. We will discuss what to expect in the early days of life, how to manage the first few weeks, and what to expect as your child grows. This can lower anxiety and help you prepare for this life changing transition. It's a great opportunity before baby arrives to address questions and concerns.
Back to work
1 hour • In home $225 • Virtual $195
Going back to work while breastfeeding can be challenging. There are many options for how you can approach this transition. This visit may include pumping techniques, how to give a bottle to a breastfed baby, and milk storage guidelines. Together we will develop a plan that is customized for your unique situation.
Insurance
Currently, I do not accept insurance. Payment is due at the time you book your appointment. FSA and HSA’s are acceptable forms of payment. Although I cannot guarantee reimbursement by your insurance company for our consult, I can provide you with an invoice or “super bill” which you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. Many policies cover claims for lactation visits, but I suggest you contact your insurance company prior to our visit to confirm coverage.
Testimonials
Contact Me
If you'd like to book an appointment, please email or call me.
I look forward to speaking with you!