Essential Lactation
Infant feeding support, holistic sleep support, and new parent education - Serving Whatcom and Skagit counties
Family-centered support
Whether you are seeking support on your lactation and infant feeding journey, you are looking for guidance with your baby or child’s sleep, or maybe a little of both, I would love to support you and your family. I encourage you to have as many family members and support people present at our visits as you’d like. Everyone has a role to fill and I would be honored to support you and your family to meet your goals while helping you curate your own support network.
The decisions that you make as a parent can feel overwhelming at times and I firmly believe we aren’t meant to parent our children alone. Guiding and supporting families in the early weeks and months all the way through weaning and beyond is my favorite!
Does this resonate with you? Send me a message today and let’s connect!
Lactation Consultations
Visits are in your own home, my office in the Bellingham Towers, or virtually through a secure platform. I am current on all required vaccines including flu and Covid vaccine boosters. Currently, I wear a mask 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
Holistic Sleep Support
Visits are in my office in the Bellingham Towers or virtually through a secure platform. I am current on all required vaccines including flu and Covid vaccine boosters. Currently, I wear a mask for in person appointments. Masking optional for families.
Update:
Carolyn has retired! Read more here!
Find out about me and my dedication to serving the families of Whatcom and Skagit counties
Sara Manske RN BSN IBCLC
Insurance Accepted for Lactation Visits
Essential Lactation is in network with Aetna and Tricare and submits 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), 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. If payment is a hardship, please reach out by email and let’s connect. I strongly believe everyone should have access to in home lactation care.
Please go to the Payment tab for more information.
All Families Welcome Here
*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, appearance, 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 or breastfeeding. Families, parents, and caregivers identify and present in so many different and beautiful ways-so thank you for the trust you grant in working with me.
*Prioritizing continuing education on cultural competency, inclusivity, racial inequities, and LGBTQIA concerns in order to provide the best possible care to all families is at the core of my practice. If Essential Lactation is not the right fit for you, please get in touch so I can help you get connected with the right support for you! Your comfort and safety always comes first.
Please consider donating to the Essential Lactation Community Support Fund if you are financially able and would like to. Your donation helps support families in our community to receive lactation & sleep support they may not be able to on their own. Priority funding given to low-income families, those with disabilities and/or chronic illness, LGBTQIA+ families, BIPOC families, single parents, and those with insurance that does not adequately cover care. By donating, you are positively contributing to our local community. Any amount is so appreciated.