Maternally Yours Has Merged with Atracare

International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) Kim and Jenn from the renowned lactation consulting company Maternally Yours have joined forces with Atracare* to provide the same great support to even more families in and around Sussex County, Delaware.  This service is being operated at the Atracare Lewes location and via telehealth.

*You do not need to be an Atracare Pediatrics patient to benefit from seeing our IBCLCs.

You can benefit from a lactation consultation if:

  • You are pregnant.
  • Breastfeeding is painful, your baby is not latching, or is not gaining weight well.
  • You need help with pumping.
  • Your milk supply is either too low or too high.
  • Your baby is ill or premature.
  • You have multiples.
  • You are looking to wean or dry up your supply.
  • You just are looking to find out if you are doing things right. 

A New, Practical Philosophy on Breastfeeding

We believe that every woman should have the ability to feed her baby however she always dreamed she would… and that looks different for different women!   We work individually with mothers and babies to create a feeding plan that is custom for their needs and goals (and no one else’s!).   There isn’t a “one size fits all” plan as we are all unique in our needs; we will work with you to meet your goals, uniting your dream and reality to be achievable for your day-to-day life.   

-Jenn and Kim

Breastfeeding is a learned art and each breastfeeding family has its own unique goals that Kim and Jenn strive to identify & support.  

Request a Lactation Appointment

Our Consultants

Kim Emerick, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, FNP-C, IBCLC
Director of Lactation Consulting

Kim Emerick became passionate about helping new moms overcome their breastfeeding struggles after facing her own challenges with her daughter.  Her particular interest areas are helping to overcome breastfeeding difficulties with tongue and lip ties, improving a painful latch, and making mothers feel confident however they decide to feed their babies. 

Those who have worked with Kim in the past would describe her as patient, warm, and judgement-free in her approach, blending knowledge with practicality.

Jenn Blush, RN

Jenn Blush is a devoted wife and mother of 2. With years of experience as an IBCLC and as an experienced labor & delivery/postpartum RN, she is passionate about supporting families on their parenting journey.  As native to Delaware, she knows the importance of community.  The confidence she provides to parents is immeasurable.  Her knowledge and care help families navigate the challenges in the first few months of their newborn’s life.  As a mother herself, she understands the importance of judgment-free support.  She is excited to collaborate with Atracare. 

Why do you need an IBCLC?

The IBCLC distinction shows a commitment to those who have earned that credential and helping mothers breastfeed their children. Those who have IBCLC after their name have spent over 1,000 hours providing direct breastfeeding support to new mothers, have been required to answer help questions that new mothers will have, and have passed a vigorous exam about breastfeeding and maternal health. The IBCLC is a distinction of honor!

Hospital Lactation Consultants versus Atracare Lactation

Why should I come see you instead of a hospital lactation consultant?

We are realistic about expectations and want you to enjoy this experience.  It’s okay to have to supplement…it’s okay to give a bottle…it’s okay to give a pacifier…it’s also okay if you don’t want to!  We want to teach you how to succeed with a plan that works for you and not make you feel badly about whichever direction you want to take your journey.

Way back when she was breastfeeding, Kim remembers feeling like she had to hide her baby’s pacifier use from a lactation consultant; Jenn felt the same with formula… We don’t want you to ever feel this way!  When we say we are judgement-free, we mean it.

We are also conveniently located so you do not need to bring your new baby back into the hospital for a lactation visit.

In-Person Visit Types

Prenatal Consultation

If you are pregnant, meeting with a lactation consultant before the baby arrives will help set you up for success, even if you aren’t sure if breastfeeding is for you. 

A prenatal visit includes what to expect in the early days with a new baby and with feedings, supplementation volumes, normal baby behavior at the breast, how to handle unexpected situations, and a custom plan based on your goals, needs, and medical history.

Initial Postpartum Consultation

Kim and Jenn have created a welcoming atmosphere where you will feel comfortable to settle in and discuss your breastfeeding goals (and not everyone’s goals need to look the same).  All you need to do is bring in your baby; we will take care of the rest!  

If you are postpartum, a history and pertinent physical exams (i.e. an oral assessment on baby and of your breasts, as well as a weight of your baby) will be completed and then, depending on your goals, we will work on the area you need guidance with.  This time may be spent directly breastfeeding, working on latch and positioning, or on pumping.  Pre and post-feed weights will also be completed when breastfeeding so you have an idea of how much milk your baby is transferring.  Kim and Jenn will work to create a custom plan for you to work on when you go home.

Follow-Up Consultation

Kim and Jenn will provide a plethora of information at your first visit but, sometimes, some fine-tuning is needed.  Other times, moms are looking just for reassurance that their babies are transferring enough milk at the breast.  As time goes on, the introduction of pumping/bottle-feeding can be daunting.  Whatever the reason, follow up appointments are important to continue on the road to success.  Some moms may find frequent visits to be needed and others will call several months later, seeking more information.  Kim and Jenn are happy to provide support in both the short and long-term.

Virtual Visits

If you do not live nearby or you prefer a virtual option, Kim and Jenn have experience in providing support remotely.  Please reach out to discuss scheduling options.

The best way to reach us is by emailing lactation@atracare.com and we typically respond within 72 hours.

Insurance & Payment Options

Insurance

  • Atracare Lactation is now accepting multiple insurance plans.  We bill your insurance company directly (just as you would have done at your routine OB/GYN or pediatrician visits).

  • It is possible that you will have no out-of-pocket expenses for multiple visits with Atracare Lactation (both in the office and virtually).

  • Please contact us with any questions.

FAQs

This all sounds great… but how much does it cost?

Great question!  A visit to see us typically costs the same as a visit to your OBGYN/pediatrician as we will bill your insurance directly (your only out-of-pocket expense may be your copay if your plan requires one).  Please contact us with questions.

What do I need to do to set up a visit?

  • Reach out via the Request a Lactation Appointment page to request more information or ask a question.

  • Complete the intake form sent via email link prior to your visit.

  • Write down all your questions so you can remember them during your visit.

  • Try not to feed your baby for the hour before our visit so he or she is hungry for the visit.

  • Please try to bring available anything that you normally use for feedings (such as shields, bottles, pump setup, etc.).  We have a Boppy and My Breast Friend pillow available for your convenience.  If you have another pillow you prefer, please feel free to bring it.  Also, bring a small blanket that we may use  on our scale (babies hate the cold scale without a blanket) and to keep them warm while in our space.

I’m pregnant.  Why do I need to see a lactation consultant before the baby is even here?

Meeting with a lactation consultant before the baby arrives will help set you up for success, even if you aren’t sure if breastfeeding is for you.  A prenatal visit includes what to expect in the early days with a new baby and with feedings, supplementation volumes, normal baby behavior at the breast, how to handle unexpected situations, and a custom plan based on your goals, needs, and medical history.

This isn’t my first baby.  Would scheduling a visit be worth it?

We love first time moms and seasoned moms equally!  Each pregnancy and baby is different and your needs and wants may be different this time around.

Can I visit Atracare Lactation if I use a different pediatrician?

Absolutely!  We are happy to offer lactation services to all members of our community, regardless of who their provider is.  With your consent, we would love to share your visit notes with them so they are informed on your baby’s feeding plan and progress with us.

I am not interested in directly breastfeeding but I still want to provide my baby my milk.  Can you help me with that?

We would love to!  We recognize every woman has her own goals and we want you to meet yours as this is your journey and no one else’s.

What does the space at Atracare Lactation look like?

Kim and Jenn have worked hard to make this space comfy and cozy for you and your baby.  There is a changing table, diapers and wipes if you forget yours behind, a baby scale, a recliner chair, breastfeeding pillows, and a space for your stroller.  Traveling with a new baby isn’t always easy so we have made it as streamlined as possible, as your home-away-from-home for your visit.

Who do I bring?

Yourself, your (hungry) baby, and whoever is helping you in this journey.  We love when your support person comes along; we can help that person learn how they can best help at home.  Please also bring any feeding accessories you have been using (i.e. nipple shield, syringe, bottles, etc.) and a baby blanket.

I live far away.  Can I still see you virtually?

Yes!  We’ve worked with several families virtually and would love to help, regardless where you live (you don’t even need to be in Delaware!).

Covid-19 Precautions

  • You and your baby’s safety is our upmost priority while caring for you and your baby.

  • We will wear masks at all times during your visit.

  • We sanitize all of our equipment between uses.

  • Please note, due to the nature of our business, it is not possible to maintain social distancing while we are providing you with the quality lactation consultation that we provide.

  • If you or anyone that will be at your consultation has had had a fever, cough, sore throat, loss of taste or smell, or have been exposed to anyone with known or suspected of having Covid-19 in the past 14 days, we ask that you contact us as soon as possible prior to your visit. We will work with you to reschedule for a mutually agreeable date and time.

  • As an added precaution, Jenn and Kim have received both doses, as well as boosters, of the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine.