Ashley Lucas

Last updated: 21 Mar, 2021

Hi Ashley! Thank you so much for taking the time to answer some questions for the families in our community. We would love if you could start by telling us a little bit about you:

Q: What made you decide to become a lactation consultant?

My passion for lactation started before my kids where born. I would have patients tell me frequently in the hospital that I had a skill with helping babies latch and was so patient with them. They would joke with me saying, “Can we take you home with us?” That is when the idea of starting a in-home lactation practice started and I started doing in home on the side in 2014. But my own personal breastfeeding journey has made me the IBCLC I am today.

Q: How many years have you been practicing?

Since 2008, I have been helping moms and babies breastfeed working as a nurse in the NICU and Postpartum floor. 2014 I got my Certified Lactation Counselor(CLC) and 2018 I passed my International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC-highest level of lactation you can go)

Q: What did you do before you were a lactation consultant?

Registered Nurse and always have worked with moms and babies.

Q: What is your philosophy of care?

I am committed to providing you with personalized, comprehensive breastfeeding support throughout every phase of lactation. I believe that you deserve the highest quality of professional breastfeeding support. I believe in working collaboratively with providers to give my clients the best care they deserve to help meet their human milk feeding goals. Breastfeeding should be enjoyable and pain free. I work with your feeding goals wether or not is from a breast, chest, or from a bottle.

Q: What is your favorite aspect of your job?

Flexibility and relationships! I have met some amazing parents that have inspired me. I love being with people and I have created some lasting long connections and have been able to watch these families grow. In the hospital my relationship with a client ended at my shift. In private practice, I have been able to stay connected and love the pictures clients will send occasionally giving me updates along the way. It brings such joy to my life.

Q: What is your expertise in discussing bottle feeding and/or supplementation?

Some families decide that pumping and bottle feeding work best for them, sometimes bottle feeding is necessary for helping get babies back to growing well while working on increasing milk supply. I teach families how to pace bottle feed and when and how is the best time to incorporate bottles into their care plan.

Q: What are your thoughts on the use of pacifiers?

I am not against pacifiers. Studies are lacking on pacifiers and nipple confusion. It’s recommended to wait until breastfeeding is well established. My saying is “when mom is happy and baby is happy with breastfeeding, then it’s okay to introduce. I will use pacifiers at times for oral training but each case is very individualized.

Q: What are your personal experiences with breastfeeding?

I was able to breastfeed/combo feed with my first for 16 months and 2.5 years with my second child. I did not find lactation support and had to research on my own. I experienced postpartum depression, cracked and bleeding nipples, low milk supply, failure to thrive with both my babies, slow weight gains, clogged ducts, thrush for 3 months, tongue and lip ties, both kids had MSPI (milk,soy, protein intolerance), elimination diets, reflux, colic, my daughter was born with facial paralysis and latching issues, would not take a bottle, and nursing strikes.I can truly say that I understand what my clients are going through.

Q: How long is a consultation with you?

Usually 1.5-2 hours A follow-up visit? 1.5-2 hours. Office- 1 hr but depends on the complexity.

Q: Where will you see me?

I am mostly seeing clients in the comfort of their own home but opening up office space very soon. I will offer limited days and hours and It will be located in Ooltewah, TN on Main Street this will help families who can’t afford my in-home package but still be able to get the same great support they need by coming to me. I also offer Telehealth lactation visits which have been very beneficial for many families during the pandemic.

Q: What does each visit include?

• Up to 90 mins consultation
• Assessment of mom and baby
• Assessment of oral anatomy and provide oral exercises as needed.
• Assessment of latch & position
• Pre & post feed weights to check milk transfer
• How to use breast pump & flange sizing and observe pumping session
• How to bottle feed while breastfeeding
• Rhythmic movements and teach ways to have fun with your baby for play time.
• Customized care plan to help reach your breastfeeding goals
• Referrals & recommendations as needed.
• Includes two weeks of phone/text/email support

Q: How much is an initial visit with you?

Initial visit is $175. Initial office visit will be $100. WIC/TNcare call to discuss options. Followup in home $100 Payment options: Payment plans available, HSA/FSA, Credit Card, Check Card, Cash

Q: Is any of this covered by insurance?

Yes! I am contracted with Lactation Network and they take PPO plans of BCBS, Anthem BCBS, Cigna, and some United Health Care. $0 out of pocket! No co-pays! Covers Prenatal visits, in-home, office, and Telehealth.

Check to see if you qualify! To check your coverage:

1. Visit the Lactation Network. LactationNetwork.com
2. Answer “Yes” for, “Did a Lactation Consultant refer you?”
3. Enter “Ashley Lucas” For “Name of Lactation Consultant”.
4. Complete and submit the rest of the form. Should here something within 2 hrs during business hours.

Q: What resources or teaching materials will you provide me at our visit?

I have taken an IBCLC Masterclass with 33.75 instructional hours of working with babies with tongue, lip ties, and buccal ties which I have created care plan that is specialized and unique to your baby. It includes visuals, pictures, and will teach you hands on approach to help with your babies oral function.I provide links and personal written materials. I have a collaborative care team that I can refer out to providing you the best care.

Q: What other providers do you work with, or regularly send referrals?

I work with all providers including home birth Midwives, Certified Nursing Midwives, OBGYN’s, other IBCLC’s PT, OT, Massage therapist, Chiropratics, Dentists, Holistic Nutritionist, Pelvic floor therapist, Tongue and Lip tie providers, Acupuncturist, and Breast specialist. I will provide you with my preferred providers that I feel are the best for your care during our consult.

Q: Do you recommend scheduling a lactation visit during pregnancy to be prepared once the baby is here?

Yes! I provided a detailed 2 hr prenatal consult. I can do in-home but most my families have been loving my virtual Prenatal through Zoom. Getting breastfeeding off to the right start is key to successful breastfeeding. Insurance will usually cover this as preventive .I will provide you a super-bill or see if you are in-network with lactation network.

• Consultation up to 90 minutes
• Individualized care plan
• Health history
• Diet and nutrition
• Benefits of human milk
• What to expect in the first two weeks
• What to expect at the hospital or home birth
• Learn some basic breastfeeding holds and Latches
• How to hand express your colostrum
• Alternative ways of feeding
• Learn the benefits of skin to skin
• Safe sleep
• How to swaddle your baby
• Comfort measures & More
• And any questions and concerns you want to discuss

Q: What is the best way to prepare for meeting my breastfeeding goals?

1. Read books and recommended websites that come recommended by LLL, One of my personal favorites I recommend that is an easy read is “Breastfeeding Made Simple: Seven Natural Laws for Nursing Mothers”
2. Schedule a Prenatal consult with your Preferred IBCLC. I will have you fill out all the pre-paper work so once baby is here you can just enjoy snuggling your baby and I will come to you. One thing I learned when I was breastfeeding is to know who to reach out to when you are feeling overwhelmed and defeated.

Q: What kind of services do you offer currently, and how could someone get in touch with you?

I provide COVID safe protocols to make in-home and office space safe, and provide Telehealth. You can reach me by phone, text, or email. I also make scheduling easy by providing you my schedule and you can pick what dates and times work best for you. I am currently homeschooling my children so if you don’t see a time that works for you please reach out and I have flexibility to come to you when you need. My office days and times could change as I am sharing it with Chiropractic office in Ooltewah so please call if interested in a office visit and we will get you scheduled.