Rachel Martinez

Last updated: 31 Dec, 2025

Hi Rachel! 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?

The breastfeeding journey can be absolutely incredible and empowering when it is going well. It can also feel very lonely and fragile when it isn’t. It may even feel like our bodies are failing us. Everyone deserves support when it comes to feeding their babies, regardless of what feeding goals they have. This is the why for me.

Q: How many years have you been practicing?

I have been providing breastfeeding education and support since 2013. I opened up my private practice in 2015.

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

I was a high school foreign language teacher!

Q: What is your philosophy of care?

I am committed to provide expert care that is unbiased and patient-centered. My first two goals are always to keep babies healthy and growing and to keep parents 100% informed and supported.

Q: What is your favorite aspect of your job?

I absolutely adore watching parents know their babies. I’ve totally got you covered with feeding and supply, but you KNOW your baby. I love a baby looking up at their whole entire world and watching mom respond. It’s incredible.

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

Expert level 100. Not only have I completed clinical competencies and additional training in these areas, I also have more than a decade of personal experience along with helping hundreds (thousands?) of families make plans that work for bottle feeding and/or supplementing.

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

Pacifiers can be a useful tool, especially for parents who plan to return to work. I often counsel families on pacifier use so that it can be introduced (if needed) in a way that works for the parent and baby and protects their feeding goals.

Q: What are your personal experiences with breastfeeding?

Oh gosh, so many things! I have been breastfeeding almost continuously since 2008. I was expecting the norm when I began, but I got something completely different with my first child who has anaphylactic allergies to several foods. This presented itself during breastfeeding which meant I had to closely monitor my own diet as well. My first year of breastfeeding was emotionally painful. There were so many questions and so many tears and wondering just HOW I could help my son to feel better, and I felt so lost in the process. Several years and children later, I have experienced pretty much all of the highs and lows any mom can imagine during breastfeeding - clogs, mastitis, oversupply and undersupply, return to work, pumping, breastfeeding through pregnancy and tandem feeding - all of it! I am currently wrapping up breastfeeding with my last nursling who will be 4 in March. It is very bittersweet!

Q: How long is a consultation with you? A follow-up visit?

Initial consults run between 90 -120 minutes. Follow-up visits tend to last between 60-90 minutes.

Q: Where will you see me? In my home? At your office? Do you offer virtual options?

I am currently seeing clients both in their home and virtually. I run in-person support groups as well, but those have been put on hold over the past year.

Q: What does each visit include?

Each visit includes a parent and baby health history. During the appointment, we discuss feeding concerns as well as feeding goals. After completing a feeding assessment, I discuss my findings with the parent, and we come up with a feeding plan that works for their particular situation.

Q: How much is an initial visit with you? Is any of this covered by insurance?

Initial visits should be covered by most insurances. Some insurances will cover the cost up front. For self-pay clients, my fee is $150.00 for an initial consult. I also offer a sliding scale in certain circumstances. Insurance is sometimes complicated, but you can email me anytime for insurance questions or details.

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

During a consult, I provide education to the client based on my observations, so there is no limit to resources or to what may be taught during a consult. This may include latch and positioning resources, pumping/flange fit education, dealing with ties, etc. Following our visit, clients also receive a care plan so that they have a copy of everything we discussed.

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

I value a team approach when it comes to infant feeding, and I have a complete resource list/work with pediatricians, bodyworkers, and specialists that your child may need, including excellent providers who work with babies who are tongue/lip/cheek tied.

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

Absolutely! I love prenatal consults for anyone who has questions about breastfeeding before the baby arrives. You can also schedule a consult around your due date to be sure you have an appointment on my calendar.

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

Education and expert support! In my breastfeeding education classes, I always educate on what is normal during breastfeeding and when to ask for help. If you know these two things, you can get help right when you need it. Additionally, having expert support in place BEFORE your baby arrives means that you know exactly who to contact if and when you have any questions.

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

I offer group prenatal breastfeeding classes, private prenatal consults, and lactation consults. Lactation consults cover a wide variety of breastfeeding issues - everything from first week checks to make sure feeding is going well all the way through weaning. You can request insurance-covered consults and schedule an appointment.