Frequently Asked Questions

Prenatal support is always the best place to start. Meeting before your baby arrives gives you the chance to learn what to expect, build confidence, and get ahead of common challenges- so feeding can feel smoother and less stressful from the beginning. Check out our Leading the Latch support bundle! That said, it’s never too early or too late to reach out. Some families book in the first few days after birth, in the hospital, or months before their due date. Others come weeks or months later when new questions or challenges come up. Wherever you are in your journey, support can make a meaningful difference.

We provide personalized breastfeeding and infant feeding support for a wide range of concerns, including: Nipple pain and damage Latching and positioning challenges Baby’s weight gain concerns Low or insufficient milk supply Pumping (by necessity or by choice) Formula feeding or combination feeding support Suspected tongue or lip ties Bottle refusal Weaning and starting solids Plugged ducts and mastitis Extreme fussiness or gas Prenatal consultations to help you feel prepared before baby arrives Every visit is tailored to your unique situation, with compassionate, judgment-free support no matter where you are in your feeding journey.

Each visit is guided by you and your baby. When someone from our team arrives, we get settled in and we’ll start wherever it makes the most sense- whether that’s talking through your concerns or jumping right into a feeding. ​ Ideally during your visit we are able to observe a feeding. To best prepare for your visit, we recommend you feed your baby about 2 hours before the visit time. We never want you to withhold feeding your baby but also don't want your baby to have a full feeding right before the visit time.  ​ Once your baby is ready to eat, we’ll use that time to observe what’s happening in real time. We'll watch how your baby latches and feeds, offering gentle suggestions to improve comfort, positioning, and milk transfer as needed. We will also assess your baby’s oral function to identify anything that could be impacting feeding, such as tension or structural differences. Throughout the visit, we’ll keep things flexible and focused on what feels most helpful to you- not a rigid agenda. ​ By the end of our time together, we’ll talk through what we’re seeing and build a plan that supports your goals and fits your day to day life. There’s no one-size fits all approach here- everything is adaptable, and we’ll adjust as needed. ​ After the visit, we;ll send you a written summary with clear next steps and supportive resources so you feel confident moving forward. Ongoing support is available, so you’re not left figuring things out on your own. ​

Absolutely not! We love working with families who are formula feeding by choice or by necessity. We feel passionately about you enjoying this special time with your baby no matter what that looks like.

Leading the Latch is in network with Aetna, Cigna, and as of 4/7/26, United Health Care.  For all other insurance please reach out to your insurance company directly. For all other insurances, we take payment directly for all visits and will send you a superbill for you to submit to your insurance for reimbursement. It is not guaranteed you will be reimbursed. If you have BCBS of MA, MGB, Tufts, or Harvard Pilgrim, I will help you submit your claim to your insurance payer at the end of our visit as a courtesy. I want you to get fully reimbursed! ​ Aetna families, please review this document so you are familiar with billing practices.

You can book directly on our booking calendar or submit an inquiry through our website. If you do not see anything available, call, text, or email Leading the Latch to set up an appointment. The fastest way to get in touch is to text 617-257-6836 include your name, where you live, your insurance, and what your primary issue is that you need help with.

I support families throughout the North Shore, including: Amesbury, Andover, Beverly, Boxford, Danvers, Essex, Georgetown, Gloucester, Groveland, Hamilton, Haverhill, Ipswich, Lawrence, Lynn, Lynnfield, Manchester, Marblehead, Melrose, Medford, Merrimac, Methuen, Middleton, Newbury, Newburyport, North Andover, North Reading, Peabody, Reading, Rockport, Rowley, Salem, Salisbury, Saugus, Stoneham, Swampscott, Topsfield, Wenham, and West Newbury.

Yes! Pets are part of the family. As long as they are safe and manageable, I’m happy to work in a home with animals.

Not at all. There’s no need to prepare your home for me. In fact, I'm more concerned if your house is immaculate. I expect real life, not perfection. I’m there to support you and your baby as things are, without any pressure to tidy up beforehand.

Virtual consultations follow a similar structure. We’ll talk through your concerns, observe a feeding, and create a personalized plan. While I’m not able to weigh your baby or perform a hands on oral assessment, I may guide you through what to look for or ask you to share photos or videos if helpful. I do virtual consultations all over the world!

Not at all. You don’t need a plan or all the answers—that’s what I’m here for. Whether you’re preparing ahead or reaching out in the moment, you’ll be supported every step of the way.

Never. This is a completely judgment-free space. My role is to support, educate, and empower you- not to pressure you into any specific path.

Absolutely. Many families reach out because things feel challenging or different than they hoped. I provide gentle, practical support to help you work toward your goals—whatever they may be.

Yes, we specialize in flange sizing and bottle feeding as well. We can help you create a pumping plan, go over flange sizing and comfort, build a milk stash, and make a realistic plan for returning to work or being away from your baby.

Absolutely. Partners, family members, doulas, and other support people are always welcome and encouraged to be part of the visit. Feeding support works best when everyone feels informed and included.

Most visits last about 1.5–2 hours. This gives us enough time to talk through your concerns, observe a feeding, and create a plan without feeling rushed.

Absolutely. Feeding your baby is what matters most, no matter the method. Whether you’re using formula exclusively or combining it with breastfeeding, I provide guidance on safe preparation, paced feeding techniques, and strategies to support your baby’s growth and comfort—always in a supportive, judgment-free way.

Absolutely. Whether you’re introducing a bottle, navigating bottle refusal, or looking for strategies to make feeding smoother, I can guide you. We’ll explore bottle types and techniques that help your baby accept the bottle while keeping feeding comfortable and stress free.

Yes! If you’re pumping exclusively by necessity or by choice, I can help you optimize your routine, choose the right equipment, maintain or increase supply, and build a sustainable milk stash. We’ll create a plan that fits your schedule and your baby’s needs, while keeping your comfort and well-being a priority.

Yes! I host a free breastfeeding support group every Wednesday from 10:00–11:30am at Stork Ready in North Reading. This is a welcoming, judgment-free space where you can get feeding support, connect with other parents, ask questions, or simply get out of the house and be around community. All feeding journeys are welcome.

We are a team of experienced RNs and IBCLCs, all specially trained to support families with breastfeeding, pumping, and feeding challenges. When you book, you’ll know exactly who you’ll be meeting, and you can choose the provider you feel most comfortable with. If you schedule multiple visits, you will continue working with the same lactation consultant so you won’t have to meet a new provider each time. This continuity ensures personalized support, consistency, and a strong partnership as you navigate your feeding journey.