“IT TAKES A VILLAGE TO RAISE A CHILD.”
AFRICAN PROVERB
Hello and Welcome! I’m so happy you’re interested in working with me on your lactation journey! I serve families from all over Central NY and the Mohawk Valley Area. This Mama understands the challenges and importance of having the proper support not only through your breastfeeding journey but also with parenthood.
You deserve a kind and compassionate professional in your corner, supporting YOUR lactation goals and meeting you right where you are. That’s the kind of care you will receive with me. I will never push you to do something you’re not comfortable with or make you feel guilty in the choices you make for your family. Every feeding journey looks different. This is the beauty of it all. We all just want to do our best and I will always remind you that YOU know what’s best. Always.
Let’s Work On This Together - Cat Xx
The Good Latch Cat works with a Lactation Billing Agency called The Lactation Network.
The current in network insurances are:
Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO, Cigna, Anthem PPO, Humana PPO, United PPO and UHC.
Before booking with Cat you’ll need to first verify your insurance coverage through the TLN or Wildflower links below:
Request A Lactation Consultation | - The Lactation Network (mytln.care)
CIGNA insurance verification: Wildflower Health
If you’re out of network, The Good Latch Cat will provide a medical receipt aka a “superbill” for you to submit on your own for possible reimbursement.
As a traveling IBCLC, please expect a travel fee.
~Cat Xx
Which Service Would Best Support You?
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Initial Consultation
Are you currently in need of feeding support or would you like to create a plan ahead of time and address any of your questions and concerns? This may be for you!
1 1/2-2 hours
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THE *POP* PACKAGE
This Package includes at least 3 visits and is ideal for the expectant parents who are planning ahead.
This includes lactation education prenatally and on going care postnatally so you can relax knowing you are and will be taken care of.
Pre-*POP* We'll meet up prenatally and go over all of your feeding goals as well as how to get Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding/Pumping off to a good start. 60-90 minutes.
Post-*POP* I come to you when you finally have your little one! I do a full feeding assessment, provide a personalized care plan and a list of referrals if necessary. 2 hours.
Follow- *POP* This is my check in with you! We go over how things are going and whatever questions/concerns you may have. 90 minutes.
There it is. The POP Package. 3 appointments, 5 hours of support. Bundled up just for you!
When you schedule an appointment, you’ll also be asked to schedule a 2nd appointment. You can either choose to “schedule at a later date” or choose a date (preferably after your due date. We can always change this afterwards.)
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Follow-Up
This visit is for all current clients who want a check in and/or just need extra support.
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Email Consultation
Do you have general breast/chestfeeding questions? Are you going back to work or experiencing discomfort while pumping? I’ll answer whatever questions you may have and provide helpful resources for you to refer too.
15 minutes.
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Virtual Consultation
Would meeting virtually work best for you? We’ll meet over a HIPAA compliant TeleHealth platform.
During a Consult with Catherine (Cat!) McMullen, IBCLC:
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After you’ve scheduled a visit, you’ll receive a health history/feeding questionnaire and travel invoice. Please complete this prior to our appointment together.
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I will always wash my hands first and then we will go over your chart and discuss exactly is going on, yours and baby’s health history, all about your labor + delivery, and your concerns.
As soon as baby is ready to nurse, I’ll observe and do a full feeding assessment, breast and oral motor function exam.
I’ll weigh the baby before and after a feed to see how much milk has been transferred. I may also lay your baby on a flat surface to do a full body assessment on structure and function as there are many factors that affect a baby’s ability to successfully nurse.
*PRENATAL VISITS* : These are wonderful and really prepare you to have THE BEST start for your breastfeeding journey! We’ll discuss your feeding plans and I’ll provide lactation education from optimal positions for latch, your milk supply, what to expect once baby has arrived Earthside, feeding cues, how to know your baby is getting enough and more! The best part is we go over your health chart AND birth plans! There is nothing better than this personalized prenatal lactation visit as we’re focusing on you, your needs and your goals! At the end of these prenatal visits, you’ll not only feel confident with breastfeeding/pumping but also on what to expect and have a plan to help overcome any obstacles!
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After every visit you will receive a detailed care plan and any referrals.
Upon request, I can fax over a Physicians Report to your child’s Pediatrician and any other relevant medical providers.
You will also have unlimited follow ups via text, phone or email with me for 2 weeks.
If you need a follow up visit, this will be at a discounted rate and will extend your 2 week follow up support via secure messaging.
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No matter what, I will always be in your corner and fully supporting YOUR goals. And I’ll provide lots of evidence-based-support to help you meet them. That’s why we have 2 weeks to go over your care plan together, we’ll be able to tweak and make changes if necessary.
If I do not hear back from you, I will assume everything is going well.
When parents reach out to me it’s usually because something is not going right on their lactation journey. There may have been lack of support in hospital and now you’re home wondering how to fix this. That’s where I come in. To help get things back on track, find solutions and fully support you through it all. I do believe that many common challenges can be avoided with education before baby arrives. I highly recommend preparing yourself prenatally so that you can go into your lactation journey feeling empowered and prepared!
The Good Latch Cat serves families in the Central NY and Mohawk Valley Area! I’ve worked with many families who have delivered at these hospitals in Oneida County, Herkimer County and Madison County:
Wynn Hospital in Utica, NY
Faxton/St. Luke’s Hospital in Utica, NY
St. Joseph’s Hospital in Syracuse, NY
Crouse Hospital in Syracuse, NY
Rome Hospital in Rome, NY
Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown, NY
Oneida Health Hospital in Oneida, NY
Nathan Littauer Hospital in Gloversville, NY
St. Mary’s Hospital in Amsterdam, NY
FAQ:
Do I choose Self Pay or Insurance When Booking?
If you have any of the following insurances (Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO, Anthem, Cigna PPO, United PPO, UHC and Humana PPO) you will first check here to verify your coverage or here for CIGNA insurance verification. Once you’ve confirmed your coverage, you will then choose Insurance. If not, no worries. You will choose Self-Pay when scheduling a visit.
Do I have to come to you?
No! I offer both in-home visits as well as virtual telehealth consults. If you live in the Mohawk Valley area, I can come to you! My clients are typically from Oneida County, Herkimer County and Madison County but I have traveled farther! I would be happy to discuss meeting you wherever you are and my travel fees.
Do you accept HSA or FSA as payment?
Absolutely!
Please note, insurance covers lactation services ONLY and do NOT cover any home travel expenses.
Please reach out and message me if you have any questions.
Sliding Scale for self pay clients may be available if you meet one of these qualifications:
on WIC
on Medicaid
Please message me to request a sliding scale fee when booking.
I am an in-network provider with: Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO, Anthem, Cigna PPO, United PPO, and Humana PPO. Please note if you have any of these insurances, you may be covered for unlimited visits!