IBCLC Lactation Consultant · San Francisco Bay Area

Breastfeeding help that comes to you, in-home or virtual

Evidence-based support for painful latch, low supply, weight worries, pumping and more, from an IBCLC with 10+ years of clinical experience.

You may qualify for $0 out of pocket. Check insurance eligibility →

Rated 5.0 on Google · 11 reviewsIBCLC Certified10+ Years ExperienceIn-Home & VirtualEnglish & Português

Your Breastfeeding Journey

Expert Support for Every Milestone

I come to you! I provide one-on-one consultations in the comfort of your home or via telehealth. Free travel in select areas. Each session includes a thorough review of your medical history, pregnancy, birth, and your baby's weight records. With your permission, I may assess breast anatomy and your baby's oral function when helpful, observe a feeding, and create a personalized step-by-step care plan.

I help with...

Prenatal Preparation (Before Baby Arrives)

Prenatal Consultation

Prepare for your breastfeeding journey before baby arrives with comprehensive education and planning.

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The Early Days (Birth to 2 Weeks)

Premature Infant Feeding

Specialized support for feeding premature babies with gentle, effective techniques.

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Positioning & Latch

Expert guidance on comfortable positions and achieving a proper latch for successful nursing.

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Multiples

Specialized support for breastfeeding twins or multiples.

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Overcoming Challenges (2 Weeks to 2 Months)

Pain & Engorgement

Relief and management for engorgement, mastitis, and plugged ducts.

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Tongue-Tie Assessment

Expert assessment of infant oral function, tongue mobility, and feeding mechanics.

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Poor Weight Gain

Assessment and strategies to ensure your baby is getting adequate nutrition.

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Milk Supply Issues

Support for low milk supply or oversupply with evidence-based strategies.

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Transitions & Growth (3 Months and Beyond)

Bottle Refusal

Specialized support when your baby refuses the bottle.

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Returning to Work

Planning and support for maintaining breastfeeding while returning to work.

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Pumping Optimization

Proper flange sizing, pump settings, and techniques.

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Starting Solids

Guidance on introducing solids while protecting breastfeeding.

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Book Your Consultation

Choose your visit type to see real-time availability

  • Real-time availability
  • Monday-Friday, 8 AM-5 PM PT
  • Pay online or at your visit

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Your Privacy Matters

Your booking and consultation information is handled through secure healthcare systems and privacy-focused practices. Please use the secure client portal, rather than standard SMS, when sharing sensitive health details.

View Notice of Privacy Practices

What Families Say

Real stories from parents I've supported on their breastfeeding journey.

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Insurance & Payment

Making Lactation Support Accessible

$0 Out of Pocket Option

Check Insurance Eligibility

See if your plan covers 100% of the cost. We use The Lactation Network to process claims for plans including: Cigna, HealthPartners, MultiPlan, MVP Health Care, Oscar Health (specific Cigna-partnered plans), Oxford/UnitedHealthcare, PNOA, Priority Health, TriWest, UMR, UnitedHealthcare, and VA Community Care Network (VA CCN).

Travel fees may apply for some home visit locations.

Insurance Reimbursement

A superbill can be provided upon request for any consultation type to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.

Important: Reimbursement is not guaranteed, but many families receive partial to full reimbursement. Please contact your insurance company directly before booking to discuss your current insurance plan and coverage for lactation services under the Affordable Care Act.

Travel fees are not reimbursed by insurance.

Pricing

Transparent Pricing for Quality Care

All prices in USD

I come to you! In-person consultations in the comfort of your home across much of the Bay Area. Free travel in select areas. Includes a history review, feeding observation, a breast assessment when helpful and with your permission, and a personalized care plan.

Prenatal Consultation

$240

60 minutes

  • Breastfeeding education
  • What to expect guidance
  • Preparation planning

Follow-up Visit

$190

60-90 minutes

  • Progress assessment
  • Plan adjustments
  • Ongoing support

Multiples First Consultation

$340

60-120 minutes

  • Specialized for multiples
  • Tandem feeding support
  • Follow-up Multiples: $240

Additional Fees for Home Visits

  • Travel Fee: FREE in select areas! $50 travel fee in other areas.
  • Parking fees if applicable

Included With Every Consultation

One complimentary 15-minute phone follow-up after your initial consultation for questions and clarifications, plus follow-up support via email and SMS for two weeks.

Important Policies

Payment

Pay online before your visit, or in person on the day of the appointment, whichever you prefer. You will receive an itemized receipt ("superbill") for insurance submission.

Cancellation

Please notify at least 24 hours in advance. A $75 late cancellation fee applies for notifications less than 24 hours before the appointment.

Illness Policy

Please monitor your health and reschedule if feeling unwell with 24 hours advance notice. I will do the same.

About Me

Your Partner in Breastfeeding Success

Hello, I'm Rafaela

I am an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). With over 10 years of clinical experience dedicated to maternal and infant health, I bring a unique perspective that combines expertise in infant oral motor function with compassionate, evidence-based care.

My journey in lactation began with my passion for helping families navigate the beautiful yet sometimes challenging experience of breastfeeding. I understand that every family's journey is unique, and I'm committed to providing personalized support tailored to your specific needs.

Whether you're preparing for your baby's arrival, working through feeding challenges, or planning your return to work, I'm here to guide you and your support person every step of the way.

IBCLC Certified
Residency - Maternal & Child Health
Certified Breastfeeding Specialist
BLS - American Heart Association

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions About Lactation Consultations

What is an IBCLC?

IBCLC stands for International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, the highest internationally recognized credential in lactation care. IBCLCs complete extensive education (90+ hours of lactation-specific training), 300-1,000 hours of clinical experience, and pass a rigorous board exam. We must recertify every 5 years. Unlike general lactation counselors, IBCLCs provide clinical management for complex breastfeeding challenges and work as part of your healthcare team.

How long does a consultation last?

Initial consultations typically last 90 minutes to 2 hours, allowing ample time for a thorough assessment, feeding observation, and personalized guidance. Follow-up visits are usually 60-90 minutes.

Do you accept insurance?

I work with The Lactation Network, which handles insurance billing for many plans. You can also request a superbill for out-of-network reimbursement. Many families find that lactation consultations are covered by their insurance.

What areas do you serve?

I provide in-home consultations across the South Bay, Peninsula, and select Bay Area cities. Free travel in select areas, and a $50 travel fee for other nearby cities. I also offer virtual consultations for families anywhere in the world.

When should I schedule a consultation?

You can schedule a prenatal consultation during pregnancy to prepare for breastfeeding, or book a postpartum visit as soon as you have questions or concerns. Early support often leads to better outcomes.

What should I prepare for the visit?

Have your baby's weight records handy, wear comfortable clothing for nursing, and prepare any questions you'd like to ask. For virtual visits, ensure good lighting and a stable internet connection. View our complete preparation guide →

Do you offer virtual consultations?

Yes! I offer telehealth consultations via secure video call. Virtual visits are perfect for follow-ups, pumping guidance, return-to-work planning, and families outside my in-home service area.

Why is the first consultation more expensive than follow-ups?

The initial consultation is a comprehensive 90-120 minute assessment (vs. 45-60 minutes for follow-ups). It includes a full medical and birth history, feeding observation, physical assessment when helpful and with your permission, and a personalized care plan.

Do I have to pay online when booking?

No! Online payment is completely optional. You can pay when scheduling your appointment for convenience, or pay in person on the day of your visit, whichever you prefer.

Get in Touch

I'm Here to Help

Prefer to call or text?

For quick scheduling questions, call or text directly. Please use the secure client portal for sensitive health details.

Privacy Notice: This form and standard SMS are for general or scheduling questions only. Please do not include sensitive health information. After booking, use the secure client portal to share medical details.

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