Breastfeeding & Lactation FAQ

Answers from Natural Beginnings Lactation, a private-practice team of board-certified lactation consultants (IBCLCs) serving Dallas-area families since 1997. Can't find your question? Call or text 972-302-9313. When a situation is complex, our team works together so you get the right expert.

Reviewed by Sharon Mattes, IBCLC, and Diana Chavez-Gifford, IBCLC. Last updated November 2026.

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Getting care

1. What does an IBCLC do?
2. What's the difference between an IBCLC and a CLC?
3. Can I hire a private lactation consultant in Dallas, or are they only in hospitals?
4. When should I see a lactation consultant?
5. Can I see a lactation consultant before my baby is born?
6. How quickly can I be seen?
7. How do I book a lactation visit?
8. Do I need a referral from my doctor?
9. Do you offer in-home lactation visits in Dallas?
10. Do you offer virtual lactation visits?
11. Do you offer lactation visits in Spanish? / ¿Ofrecen consultas de lactancia en español?
12. Where are your offices?
13. What areas do you serve?

Insurance and cost

14. Does insurance cover a lactation consultant?
15. Which insurance plans do you accept?
16. How do I find out if my insurance covers my visit?
17. Do you take Medicaid?
18. How much does a lactation consultant cost without insurance?
19. What payment methods do you accept? Can I use my HSA or FSA?
20. Will I owe a copay if I use insurance?
21. Can I pay and file with my insurance myself?
22. What is concierge lactation care?
23. Can I use insurance with a concierge package?
24. Is the discovery call free?

Your visit

25. What happens at a lactation consultant visit?
26. How long is a lactation visit?
27. Can my partner or family come to the visit?
28. Will my doctor get a report?
29. Will I need a follow-up visit?
30. What is your cancellation policy?
31. Can I text my lactation consultant between visits?

Breastfeeding concerns we help with

32. Can an IBCLC visit help with low milk supply?
33. Can a lactation consultant help with oversupply?
34. Why does breastfeeding hurt, and can a lactation consultant help?
35. Can a lactation consultant fix a bad latch, or help a baby who won't latch?
36. Can an IBCLC help with clogged ducts?
37. Can a lactation consultant help with mastitis?
38. Can a lactation consultant help if my baby isn't gaining enough weight?
39. Do you offer baby weight checks?
40. Can an IBCLC screen my baby for tongue tie?
41. Can an IBCLC diagnose tongue tie?
42. Do you help with breastfeeding after a tongue-tie or lip-tie release?
43. Can a lactation consultant help with pumping and flange sizing?
44. Do you help families who exclusively pump or combination feed?
45. Can you help me keep breastfeeding when I go back to work?
46. Do you help NICU babies and premature babies?
47. Can you help with breastfeeding twins?
48. Can a lactation consultant help me relactate or induce lactation?
49. Can you help with weaning or starting solids?
50. Do you have a dietitian on your team?
51. I had a hard time breastfeeding my first baby. Can you help me prepare this time?
52. How do I know if breastfeeding is going well?

About our team

53. How long has Natural Beginnings been helping families?
54. How many families have you helped?
55. Who are your lactation consultants?
56. How experienced is your team?
57. What if my situation is complicated?
58. Do you have free breastfeeding support groups?
59. Do you offer childbirth and newborn classes?
60. Do you have doulas?
61. Do you rent breast pumps and baby scales?

Getting care

1. What does an IBCLC do?

An IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) is a specialist in breastfeeding and infant feeding. At Natural Beginnings, our IBCLCs assess you and your baby, watch a feeding, find what's getting in the way, and make a care plan that fits your family.

2. What's the difference between an IBCLC and a CLC?

The IBCLC is the highest credential in lactation care, for complex feeding problems. A Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) supports common breastfeeding concerns. Our team has both, and our CLC visits are a lower-cost option for families without insurance.

3. Can I hire a private lactation consultant in Dallas, or are they only in hospitals?

Yes, you can hire one privately. Many families don't know this. Natural Beginnings is a private lactation practice that has served Dallas-area families since 1997, with visits at home, in our offices or by video.

4. When should I see a lactation consultant?

Anytime feeding feels painful, hard or confusing, or you just want reassurance. The sooner you're seen, the easier most problems are to solve. Many families also meet us during pregnancy so they have a plan before baby arrives.

5. Can I see a lactation consultant before my baby is born?

Yes. Most prenatal visits are virtual. If you'd like more support after that, we can book an in-person office visit. Families with a concierge package can choose to have their prenatal visit at home.

6. How quickly can I be seen?

We work to see every family as fast as possible, same day when our schedule allows. Pediatricians often tell families to call us because we get them in quickly.

7. How do I book a lactation visit?

Call or text 972-302-9313, fill out our insurance form, or book online at naturalbeginnings.as.me. If you're using insurance, we check your coverage for you first.

8. Do I need a referral from my doctor?

Most families don't. If you have an HMO plan, you'll need a referral from your doctor. Text us first and we'll send you what your doctor needs, since each provider needs their own referral with their NPI number.

9. Do you offer in-home lactation visits in Dallas?

Yes. Home visits are available with self-pay visits and concierge packages across Dallas, Collin and Rockwall counties and parts of Hunt County.

10. Do you offer virtual lactation visits?

Yes. Virtual visits work well for follow-ups, pumping questions, prenatal planning and families outside our area. A one-hour virtual visit is $300 and a 30-minute visit is $150.

11. Do you offer lactation visits in Spanish? / ¿Ofrecen consultas de lactancia en español?

Yes. Diana Chavez-Gifford, IBCLC, is fluent in Spanish and offers full visits in Spanish. Sí. Diana Chavez-Gifford, IBCLC, habla español con fluidez y ofrece consultas completas en español.

12. Where are your offices?

East Dallas office: 3218 I-30 Frontage Rd, Seville III Bldg, Suite 115, Mesquite, TX 75150, inside Sage Path Clinic. Garland office: 1526 Archery Lane, Garland, TX 75044. Plano office: 8105 Rasor Blvd, Suite 261, Plano, TX 75024, inside the Caddo building (look for Baby Latch Love on the marquee).

13. What areas do you serve?

We serve families across Dallas, Collin and Rockwall counties and parts of Hunt County. In Dallas, that includes neighborhoods like Lakewood, Oak Cliff, Uptown, Old East Dallas, White Rock and Lake Highlands, plus University Park. Nearby, we see families in Garland, Mesquite, Richardson, Rowlett, Rockwall, Wylie, Murphy, Sachse, Plano and many surrounding areas. Not sure if you're in our area? Text us.

Insurance and cost

14. Does insurance cover a lactation consultant?

Often, yes. Many health plans cover lactation visits with an IBCLC. We check your coverage for you before your visit, so you know what to expect.

15. Which insurance plans do you accept?

We accept most insurance plans, including Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), Cigna, Curative, TRICARE and UnitedHealthcare (UHC), plus some smaller plans.

16. How do I find out if my insurance covers my visit?

Fill out our short insurance form or text 972-302-9313 with your name and insurance. We help you check your benefits. Depending on your plan, approval usually takes a few hours to a few days.

17. Do you take Medicaid?

We don't formally accept Medicaid, but we do offer lower-cost visits with our Certified Lactation Counselors (CLCs).

18. How much does a lactation consultant cost without insurance?

Visit with a Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC): $185. IBCLC home visit: $300. Virtual visit: $300 for 1 hour or $150 for 30 minutes. Twins visit: $380. Weight check: $50. Urgent, weekend or after-hours visit: add $100.

19. What payment methods do you accept? Can I use my HSA or FSA?

We accept credit and debit cards, cash, check and Zelle. You can also use your HSA or FSA to pay for lactation visits.

20. Will I owe a copay if I use insurance?

We never collect copays at your visit. The billing company processes the claim, and if you owe a copay or coinsurance, they'll send you a bill a few weeks later.

21. Can I pay and file with my insurance myself?

Yes. If your plan isn't pre-approved, you can pay at your visit and we'll give you a receipt to submit to your insurance.

22. What is concierge lactation care?

Concierge care keeps your lactation consultant close through the early weeks. Our four packages (Full Bloom, Flourish, Rooted Rescue and Seedling Pair) include home visits, messaging support between visits and priority scheduling.

23. Can I use insurance with a concierge package?

In many cases, insurance can help offset the cost of a concierge package. Coverage varies by plan, so we'll go over your options with you.

24. Is the discovery call free?

Yes. Discovery calls are always free. It's a chance to learn about our services and see if we're a good fit for your family. Book at naturalbeginnings.as.me/Discovery.

Your visit

25. What happens at a lactation consultant visit?

Your IBCLC takes your birth and health history, examines you and your baby, weighs baby before and after a feeding, and watches a feeding. Together you make a personal care plan, and we refer you to trusted local providers if you need another specialist.

26. How long is a lactation visit?

Most visits last about an hour. First visits usually take 60 to 90 minutes, and follow-ups about 45 minutes. Office visits keep a closer schedule: 60 minutes for a first visit and 45 minutes for a follow-up. Home visits can run a little longer because we need time to set up and wash our hands. For home visits, please allow a 10 to 15 minute buffer around feeding time, since traffic can make us a few minutes late.

27. Can my partner or family come to the visit?

Yes. Anyone you'd like to bring is welcome: partners, support people, grandparents and other children. We want you to feel comfortable.

28. Will my doctor get a report?

Yes. We send your care plan to you within 24 hours and a report to your baby's doctor or your provider, so your whole care team is on the same page.

29. Will I need a follow-up visit?

We like to book a short virtual follow-up about two days after your in-person visit to go over your care plan and any new questions. More visits are booked as needed.

30. What is your cancellation policy?

For self-pay and package visits, there's a $100 fee for cancellations within 48 hours. We may waive it for emergencies.

31. Can I text my lactation consultant between visits?

Concierge families get messaging support with their IBCLC between visits. Anyone can call or text our office line at 972-302-9313, and we'll help you get an appointment for clinical questions.

Breastfeeding concerns we help with

32. Can an IBCLC visit help with low milk supply?

Yes. Milk supply is one of Sharon Mattes and Diana Chavez-Gifford's specialties. We look at how baby is feeding, your pumping and your health history, then build a realistic plan to protect and grow your supply.

33. Can a lactation consultant help with oversupply?

Yes. We help you understand what's happening and make a plan to bring things into balance.

34. Why does breastfeeding hurt, and can a lactation consultant help?

Yes, we can help. Your IBCLC watches a feeding, finds the cause and shows you changes that make feeding more comfortable.

35. Can a lactation consultant fix a bad latch, or help a baby who won't latch?

Yes. Latch problems are one of the main things we help with. We work hands-on with you and your baby, at home or in our office, to find positions and techniques that work for both of you.

36. Can an IBCLC help with clogged ducts?

Yes. We help you understand why clogs happen and how to care for them. Diana wrote about a fresh way to think about clogged ducts on our blog.

37. Can a lactation consultant help with mastitis?

Yes. We provide comprehensive mastitis evaluation and care, and your comfort is a priority. We follow the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine's (ABM) current guidance on mastitis, and we'll send your doctor our notes when needed.

38. Can a lactation consultant help if my baby isn't gaining enough weight?

Yes. We weigh baby before and after a feeding to see how much milk baby takes in, then make a feeding plan with you and keep baby's doctor informed.

39. Do you offer baby weight checks?

Yes. A weight check is $50, and every full visit includes weighing baby before and after a feeding. We also rent BabyWeigh II scales for home use.

40. Can an IBCLC screen my baby for tongue tie?

Yes. Our IBCLCs use a range of screening tools to assess how your baby's mouth and tongue work during feeding. If we see signs of an oral function issue, whether it's a tongue tie, low muscle tone or something else, we refer you to the right providers and support feeding every step of the way.

41. Can an IBCLC diagnose tongue tie?

No. Tongue tie is diagnosed by providers such as pediatric dentists and ENTs. Our role is to assess feeding, screen for signs and help get you to the right provider. We also support feeding before and after any release.

42. Do you help with breastfeeding after a tongue-tie or lip-tie release?

Yes. Post-frenectomy care is one of our services. We help your baby relearn feeding and support you through recovery.

43. Can a lactation consultant help with pumping and flange sizing?

Yes. We help with flange sizing, setting up and using your pump, and building a pumping plan.

44. Do you help families who exclusively pump or combination feed?

Yes. We support every family's feeding goals, including exclusive pumping, combination feeding and bottle-feeding.

45. Can you help me keep breastfeeding when I go back to work?

Yes. We help you plan pumping at work, build a milk stash and keep your supply steady.

46. Do you help NICU babies and premature babies?

Yes. We support NICU graduates and premature babies after they come home, including pumping, transitioning to the breast and tracking weight.

47. Can you help with breastfeeding twins?

Yes. We offer twins visits ($380 self-pay) to help with positioning, supply and feeding two babies.

48. Can a lactation consultant help me relactate or induce lactation?

Yes. We support relactation (bringing milk back) and induced lactation (for example, for adoptive or intended parents), with a plan made for your situation.

49. Can you help with weaning or starting solids?

Yes. We support every stage, including starting solids and weaning when your family is ready. Thelma Tun-Thein, RDN, IBCLC, is our on-staff dietitian.

50. Do you have a dietitian on your team?

Yes. Thelma Tun-Thein is both a registered dietitian (RDN) and an IBCLC, so she can help with nutrition for you and your baby along with feeding.

51. I had a hard time breastfeeding my first baby. Can you help me prepare this time?

Yes. This is one of the best reasons to meet us during pregnancy. We go over what happened before and make a plan so help is ready the moment you need it.

52. How do I know if breastfeeding is going well?

If you're unsure, a visit can give you clear answers. We check baby's weight and watch a feeding, so you leave knowing what's going well and what to adjust.

About our team

53. How long has Natural Beginnings been helping families?

Since 1997. Natural Beginnings was founded by Linda Worzer, IBCLC, and is owned today by Sharon Mattes, IBCLC, and Diana Chavez-Gifford, IBCLC.

54. How many families have you helped?

Thousands. Our scheduling system shows more than 5,800 appointments since 2019 alone, and the practice was supporting Dallas families for more than 20 years before that. We're busy enough to have seen almost every feeding challenge, and we still get to know every family we care for.

55. Who are your lactation consultants?

Diana Chavez-Gifford, IBCLC (co-owner); Sharon Mattes, IBCLC (co-owner); Abi Hoffman, RN, IBCLC; Thelma Tun-Thein, RDN, IBCLC; Thiriloshini (Loshi) Thoppe Krishnakumar, CLC; and Karin Tang, CLC.

56. How experienced is your team?

Very. Sharon Mattes has been an IBCLC for more than 38 years. Diana Chavez-Gifford has supported Dallas families since 2004 and has been an IBCLC since 2011. Abi Hoffman has been a registered nurse since 2002, with labor and delivery and mother-baby experience, and Thelma Tun-Thein is also a registered dietitian. Between us, we've seen almost every feeding challenge.

57. What if my situation is complicated?

You get a whole team, not one person. If your lactation consultant is stumped, she brings in another provider on our team for a second set of eyes. This works well and gets families the help they need, and we refer to trusted local specialists when something is outside lactation care.

58. Do you have free breastfeeding support groups?

Yes. There's a free group somewhere in our area every week of the month, and all of them start at 10 am. 1st Thursday: Oak Cliff Nips & Sips at Kuluntu Bakery, Oak Cliff. 2nd Thursday: La Leche League of Garland at 1418 Coffee, Garland. 3rd Tuesday: East Dallas Nips & Sips at Black Sheep Coffee, East Dallas. 4th Tuesday: Plano Milk & Mingle at Local Good Coffee, Plano. Holiday schedule for Plano Milk & Mingle: Tuesday, November 17 and Tuesday, December 15, 2026. It moves to the 4th Tuesday of each month starting January 2027. La Leche League of Garland is a La Leche League group led by Diana Chavez-Gifford, IBCLC, as a volunteer Leader.

59. Do you offer childbirth and newborn classes?

Yes. Sharon Mattes, IBCLC, teaches Bradley Method childbirth classes, prenatal classes and newborn classes.

60. Do you have doulas?

Yes. Our doula page includes a short video on what a doula does.

61. Do you rent breast pumps and baby scales?

Yes. We rent Medela Symphony and Medela Lactina breast pumps and BabyWeigh II baby scales. Rental equipment is included with our top-tier concierge packages.