Advanced Lactation Care - Jennifer Gerard, FNP, IBCLC

Hey Colorado families! Excited to announce I now have APRN licensure in Colorado and can offer advanced services like low milk supply labs via telehealth! Your visit fee could be covered 100% with TLN pre-approval under PPO plans like Anthem, BCBS, Cigna, VA-CCN and more! Book online 24/7 and get help fast! www.advancedlactationcare.com

Excited to offer a new service in my home State!

Tag your favorite South Carolina IBCLC, CLC or health care professional and let's get the word out about virtual Low Milk Supply Consultations with no-hassle labs! I ❤️ to collaborate with other professionals to provide comprehensive lactation care and when we work together, families win!

How it works:
📱Schedule a virtual visit with me! (Nurse Practitioner/IBCLC)
📄Get a personalized list of labs based on your symptoms and concerns
🧑🏽‍⚕️Order labs through RUPA with physician sign off
🩸Schedule lab draw

Once labs are resulted, they'll be interpreted within optimal functional levels, we'll meet again to discuss and get a plan! Easy peasy!

Text 864-309-0223 or visit us online for more information!

Low Milk Supply Comprehensive Consult | Advanced Lactation Care Struggling with low milk supply? Book a comprehensive virtual visit to explore underlying conditions, lab order for further testing and personalized support!

🍃 Induced Lactation is a hormone driven process and you can make milk if you have a functioning pituitary and glandular breast tissue. You do not need a uterus or ovaries!

🍃 You can potentially induce lactation (or relactation) even if you've have a hysterectomy, oophorectomy or perimenopausal/post menopausal. Your body is amazing!

🍃 There are a variety of protocols that can be a great starting point and professional guidance from an experienced IBCLC is priceless!

🍃 In my opinion, the most successful plans utilize an individualized approach for your unique health status, timing and goals. There is no one size fits all approach.

Feel free to reach out if you'd like to learn more about inducing lactation or to schedule a telehealth appointment! Advanced services are available for prescription support and/or labwork.

🍃 Induced Lactation is a hormone driven process and you can make milk if you have a functioning pituitary and glandular breast tissue. You do not need a uterus or ovaries!

🍃 You can potentially induce lactation (or relactation) even if you've have a hysterectomy, oophorectomy or perimenopausal/post menopausal. Your body is amazing!

🍃 There are a variety of protocols that can be a great starting point and professional guidance from an experienced IBCLC is priceless!

🍃 In my opinion, the most successful plans utilize an individualized approach for your unique health status, timing and goals. There is no one size fits all approach.

Feel free to reach out if you'd like to learn more about inducing lactation or to schedule a telehealth appointment! Advanced services are available for prescription support and/or labwork.
https://www.advancedlactationcare.com/book-now

Lab work can be an important step in evaluation of primary causes for low milk supply. Interpretation can get tricky especially if you are not familiar with functional ranges in the context of lactation, you don't have experience with comprehensive lab interpretation or your scope of practice does not allow for diagnosis.

I am here to help whether you are parent or provider and have a variety of consultation services available!

⚕️For Health Care Providers: I can assist with interpretation and offer recommendations for management and/or suggestions for further testing. For an additional fee, a comprehensive written report will be provided with lab interpretation and suggested plan for management.

🤱🏻For Parents: I can interpret labs you have had done with another Provider (or pursued on your own). We will meet via telehealth to discuss and you will receive a comprehensive written report and suggestions based on the results.

Self scheduling available 24/7. Visits are self-pay or, if you are pre-approved through TLN, visit is covered 100%.

Available in Florida, Idaho, Iowa, Nebraska, New Mexico, South Carolina, Texas, Vermont and West Virginia.

https://www.advancedlactationcare.com/book-now

The lactation world has grown exponentially over the last decade or so and, personally, I cannot be "everything" to "everyone". Thankfully, we all have a unique set of skills and area of expertise that fuel our passion to support lactating families.

My niche is telehealth low milk supply evaluation and lactation medicine so I'm especially grateful for a robust network of lactation professionals in communities across the country.

If you're a healthcare or lactation professional, drop your area of expertise and location below. I am always looking to grow my referral network and always welcome collaboration! When we work together, families win!

Thinking about Fenugreek or Moringa to help boost supply? Check out our latest blog post for important safety considerations first!

Popular Galactagogues: Critical Considerations Before You Consume Galactagogues are foods or herbal supplements that can help increase milk supply. Evidence is mixed but many breastfeeding women report an increase in supply when galactagogues are used. They are generally easy to consume, often well tolerated, inexpensive and readily available. Galactagogues can be...

Great sun safety tips for you and your little one from the InfantRisk Center!

☀️ Hello, May! Let's Soak Up the Sun Safely ☀️

Breastfeeding parents, it's time to bask in those summer rays—but with peace of mind! Our latest article has your back with all you need to know about sun safety while breastfeeding.

Dive in for tips on safe sunscreen options, how to apply them effectively, and a few tips to keep you and your little one sunburn-free!

Read more here: https://www.infantrisk.com/content/sunscreen-smarts-breastfeeding-families

Most breastfeeding individuals do not need a galactagogue as part of maintaining lactation. But when supply is in doubt, the first step should be an evaluation with a lactation professional. Galactagogues may be helpful as part of your overall plan and are most effective when combined with effective milk removal and lactation best practices.

🎯Certain galactagogues work better in specific situations but not in others so you want to make sure you choose the correct herb to target the issue.
🎯If you don’t know what your underlying issue is, please consult your IBCLC or health care provider for evaluation.
🎯Often labs are helpful as part of low milk supply evaluation and those results can give vital information and guide galactagogue choice.
🎯Some galactagogues like fenugreek or moringa can actually DECREASE supply if there is underlying thyroid imbalance so professional guidance is critical.

Curious about Domperidone?

If you’re thinking about using Domperidone, or just want to learn more, check out our latest blog post for an important PSA on safety concerns. As always, your first step if concerned about low supply is to reach out to your IBCLC for evaluation. There is no magic pill. Domperidone (and other meds) are generally a “last resort” but not appropriate for everyone.

https://www.advancedlactationcare.com/post/domperidone-do-and-do-nots

Domperidone: Do and Do Nots As a provider who specializes in low milk supply, the topic of Domperidone comes up often during interactions with clients. Yes, you can always ask me about it and I will be frank. My job is to provide factual, evidence-based information on the use, potential effects on lactation and risks so you ca...

Did you know your visit fee could be covered 100% under many plans? Start pre-approval today for care when you need it without delay! $25 booking fee applies to initial visit only and all follow ups are $0 out of pocket!

https://www.advancedlactationcare.com/insurance-preapproval

Check out our first blog post in the Connect the Dots series to learn about the connection between low milk supply and insulin resistance. Diagnosis and early management efforts are key to improving milk production and reducing long term health risks.

Read it now at:
https://www.advancedlactationcare.com/post/connect-the-dots-low-milk-supply-and-insulin-resistance

Screening for insulin resistance is a critical component of comprehensive labs for low milk supply. Many providers will assess your A1C which gives a clue to your blood sugar levels over about a 3 month period. However, A1C is slower to change and is a late marker for impaired insulin sensitivity.

Fortunately, the HOMA-IR score can help determine your degree of insulin resistance AND predict progression to diabetes. The lower your score the better! You generally won’t see the HOMA-IR score listed on a lab report but it’s easily calculated using fasting glucose and fasting insulin.

Do you know your numbers? If so, you can plug them into a HOMA-IR calculator (such as the one on www.mdcalc.com) to see how you’re doing. If your result is >1, you have some degree of insulin resistance and actions to improve insulin sensitivity should be taken. Insulin Resistance not only affects milk supply but has overall long term health consequences including increased risk for diabetes.

If you haven’t had labs drawn and are experiencing low supply, you should reach out to your Provider or a Lactation Medicine specialist for evaluation. If you live in Florida, Idaho, Iowa, Nebraska, New Mexico, Vermont or West Virginia, we can help you get appropriate labs to discover the root causes of your low supply.

No matter where you live, I can work with you to investigate the root cause of your low supply and help get things back on track!

Nationwide: Virtual Low Milk Supply Consult
🌸You'll receive individualized recommendations based on your history for labwork to do with your usual provider or I'll guide you how to get labs on your own without an order.

Select States: Virtual Low Milk Supply Consult PLUS Lab Order
🌸You'll receive an order for a personalized lab panel to draw at the center of your choice. We'll review the results and you'll receive a comprehensive holistic plan for management.
🌸Available in: Florida, Idaho, Iowa, Nebraska, New Mexico, Vermont and West Virginia

Nationwide: Virtual Lab Results Consult
🌸For clients who pursued labs on their own (or with their usual provider) and would like to discuss the results. Includes individualized holistic plan for management based on the results.

Book online 24/7 or reach out anytime for questions!

https://www.advancedlactationcare.com/book-now

Big kudos to the amazing students from Auburn University College of Nursing for your dedication and ongoing efforts in support of lactating families with the Tiger Babies Breastfeeding Support Tent!

As as Auburn Mom and lactation professional, I 🧡 this so much! I spent the weekend in Auburn myself and it was bursting with young families!!! You are truly promoting health and wellness by protecting and supporting breastfeeding so keep up the good work!

Labwork is often a critical component in investigating the reason for chronic low milk supply but labs can get expensive! A little knowledge goes a long way in making the most of your healthcare dollars so check out our latest blog post to learn more!

How to Save Money on Laboratory Testing: Tips for Reducing Your Cost for Low Milk Supply Labs The cost of healthcare continues to sky-rocket and surprise bills are no fun! Unfortunately, the cost associated with bloodwork to run some tests can vary widely and insurance coverage is not consistent across the board. So, as a consumer, what can you do? First off, a little education goes a long w...

A good read for clients and clinicians on the emotional effects of low milk supply...

Key points
➡️Lactating people need regular, proactive, individualised and empathetic support and evidence-based information.

➡️Clinicians should be mindful that those with low supply want to be believed when they report low supply and informed about why they cannot make enough milk.

➡️Clinicians are often ill-equipped to provide women with the information they need and greater breastfeeding education for health professionals is needed

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877575624000089?via%3Dihub&fbclid=IwAR36_jtXVHI0mHTLbGX1mK3em2NLwJev7UJNTwHz_-Gj3jhMJVopVyffpXw

www.sciencedirect.com

Do you notice a dip in your supply around the time of your menstrual cycle? You're not alone and there are strategies to help manage this temporary drop! Read more in our latest blog post and, if you've tried any of these strategies (or others!), let us know what worked for you!

How to Increase Milk Supply During Your Menstrual Cycle: Tips and Tricks Has your cycle returned even though you're breastfeeding? Return of me**es varies greatly and is dependent on so many factors! In my experience, most new moms experience return of me**es somewhere between 6 and 12 months but it's not uncommon to have your first cycle postpartum even later if you're....

👩🏻‍⚕️ As an APRN/IBCLC who specializes in low milk supply investigation and treatment of medical conditions associated with lactation, I am available for telehealth support to families across the country!

📍 Nurse Practitioner licensed in Florida, Idaho, Iowa, Nebraska, New Mexico, Vermont, West Virginia + counseling/consulting in South Carolina and Texas!

🤱🏻 IBCLC services are available nationwide + in-home visits in the Greenville, SC area

📆 Online appointment requests make scheduling easy and I can often see you next day! I offer self-pay and insurance covered options to improve accessibility to everyone!

📲 Text or call 864-309-0223 anytime for assistance or questions or visit www.advancedlactationcare.com for more information!

Happy IBCLC Day to my fellow colleagues supporting breastfeeding and lactating families! It is such an honor to partner with new and growing families and I'm thankful every day to do the work I love! 💕💕💕

Join us for a free virtual lactation support group facilitated by a Nurse Practitioner/IBCLC! You’ll learn breastfeeding tips, strategies for challenges and get answers to your questions.

All are welcome and you do not need to be a current client. Free to attend and pre-registration is required.

RSVP here: https://www.advancedlactationcare.com/event-details/virtual-lactation-support-group-2024-03-07-10-00

Great info on migraine management during breastfeeding! I will add chiropractic care is another modality that can be so helpful breastfeeding or not!

🌟 New Guide Alert for Moms! 🌟

Struggling with migraines while breastfeeding? You’re not alone! We’ve put together a quick reference guide to help you manage migraines while ensuring safe breastfeeding practices. 🤱💆‍♀️

📌 Key Highlights:

• Safe medications for migraine relief with ratings
• Tips for natural migraine management

https://www.infantrisk.com/content/migraine-management-breastfeeding-quick-reference

Tag a mom who needs this and share the love! 💖

We are now able to offer select Lactation Medicine services via telehealth to residents of West Virginia! Our most popular service, Low Milk Supply Investigation with labwork, is now available in your State and we would be honored to join your medical team to support your lactation!

❤️Tag a lactation supporter in West Virginia to help get the word out!

medicine

If you have United Healthcare PPO insurance, your lactation visit fee could be covered at 100% for home visits in 49 States including my service area in South Carolina!

Pre-approval through TLN is required and you can start the process here:
https://www.advancedlactationcare.com/insurance-preapproval

Announcing our latest online class...Breastfeeding Basics! Join other expectant parents for a group class via Zoom to plan and prepare for successful breastfeeding! Class is interactive and led by a Family Nurse Practitioner/IBCLC. Offered at an introductory price of $40 and your partner is welcome to attend!

Registration available at: https://advancedlactationcare.com/classes-supportgroup -classes

Now offering online education and excited to announce our new course...Prenatal Breastfeeding Prep: Crash Course! Complete at your own pace from the comfort of home to plan and prepare for successful breastfeeding!

Register at: https://www.advancedlactationcare.com/classes

Join us for a free virtual lactation support group facilitated by a Nurse Practitioner/IBCLC! You’ll learn breastfeeding tips, strategies for challenges and get answers to your questions.

All are welcome and you do not need to be a current client. Free to attend and pre-registration is required.

RSVP here: https://www.advancedlactationcare.com/free-support-group

Help me help you faster! If you are a potential client and interested in a future lactation consultation, please go ahead and start the insurance pre-approval process. Even if you haven’t delivered. Even if you’re not sure you’ll need a visit. Even if you’re not having issues right now…

Here’s the deal…In the recent past, insurance pre-approvals through The Lactation Network (TLN) often happened same day and I could get you scheduled super fast! Unfortunately, the process has changed and now it can take up to 5-7 days. This is not OK when you need support sooner rather than later! So, my best advice is to go ahead and get the process started! Once pre-approved, you are under no obligation to make an appointment. However, if you do decide to schedule, I can often see you via telehealth same-day/next-day or a home visit within 1-2 days!

You can start the process here: https://www.advancedlactationcare.com/insurance-preapproval

In general, under the following PPO plans, your visit fee for lactation support could be covered 100%: Anthem PPO, BCBS PPO, some Cigna PPO, PPO plans with “MultiPlan” or “PNOA” on card and VA-CCN.

Self-pay visits are always available but it sure is nice to use those insurance benefits if you have coverage!

Insurance Covered Visits | Advanced Lactation Care You could qualify for 6 (or more!) insurance-covered lactation consultations! Get started today and get pre-approved for care when you need it!