Essential Lactation
Infant feeding support and education
Lactation support
The decision of how to feed your baby is one of the most important choices you will make as a parent. I recognize the commitment many parents make to offer this essential nutrition to their babies. I also know that breast/chestfeeding can be very challenging. This combination of commitment and challenge can create a great deal of stress in the early days and weeks postpartum. I offer gentle, non-judgmental, and compassionate care that helps you gain confidence while feeding your baby. Individualized, and comprehensive plans help you understand and encourage you to trust your body and your baby, as you learn your nursing dance together. It is never too early or too late to get support. You deserve it.
Lactation consultations
Visits are in your own home or virtually through a secure platform. Sara is current on all required vaccines including flu and Covid vaccine boosters. Currently, Sara is masking in client homes as an extra precaution, families are not required to do so but are welcome to wear a mask.
Prenatal, Postpartum, & Pumping Visits
Update:
Carolyn has retired! Read more here!
Find out about Sara and her dedication to serving the families of Whatcom and Skagit counties
Sara Manske RN BSN IBCLC
Insurance Accepted
Sara is in network with Aetna, so she is able to submit claims directly to them on your behalf. Benefits will depend on your particular insurance policy.
For those with BCBS PPO (and subsidiaries such as Anthem BCBS PPO, some Regence and Premera plans), some Cigna PPO, Multiplan, & now United Healthcare (UHC), Essential Lactation is partnered with Lactation Network. These plans need prior approval for billing. If your plan qualifies, they will bill your insurance for your lactation services. Go to Lactation Network to see if you qualify.
For all others (Kaiser, Molina etc), there is a cash-pay rate.
Please go to the Insurance/Payment tab for more information.
We welcome everyone
*Essential Lactation does not discriminate against employees, business associates, or clients on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, creed, citizenship status, sex, gender identity, sexuality, sexual orientation, gender expression, religion, physical ability, age, family status, or marital status.
*Essential Lactation is an inclusive practice and acknowledges that not all lactating persons identify as female or use the word mother.
*Essential Lactation seeks continuing education on cultural competency, inclusivity, racial inequities, and LGBTQIA concerns in order to provide the best possible care to all families.