The International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) credential identifies a knowledgeable and experienced member of the maternal-child healthcare team who has specialized skills in breastfeeding management and care.   Research has shown improved breastfeeding outcomes when mothers and infants receive the services of IBCLC's.  There may be many sources of support in the community for basic breastfeeding issues and information.  However, if you require more than basic breastfeeding support an IBCLC brings a unique set of skills and experience to meet the specific needs of each individual mother and child.  A visit to a Lactation Consultant is generally cheaper than the cost of one month of formula.  It is well worth the investment to seek the help that will allow you to continue to breastfeed.  Not only to save the cost of formula, but also for the money you will save in doctor visits, medications and the priceless emotional and psychological advantages of breastfeeding for both mom and baby.

Yes. Partners play a critical role in a successful breastfeeding relationship through being supportive and encouraging.  Having a supportive partner is correlated with higher breastfeeding rates.  A new mother, regardless of her feeding choice, can not have too many positive support persons during this critical season in her life. It has been said, "it takes a village" and hopefully each mother's "village" consists of many positive members. 

Typically, Maranda will review your medical history, observe feedings, assess latching and milk transfer, and evaluate for physical concerns such as tongue and lip ties. She will then create a personalized care plan tailored to your needs.

Maranda provides in-person consultations at two convenient locations:

• Pass Christian Office: 6340 Kiln Delisle Rd, Unit C, Pass Christian, MS 39571 (Primary location)

• Hattiesburg Office: 11 Woodstone Plaza, Hattiesburg, MS 39402 (Available on Tuesdays only)

Virtual consultations are also available for moms who prefer support from the comfort of their home. See FAQ above for more information on virtual consulations.

It’s best to schedule a consultation as soon as you encounter challenges or concerns. Early intervention can address issues like latching, milk supply, and discomfort, helping you and your baby establish a positive breastfeeding experience.

Yes! Maranda provides virtual consultations to ensure you can access support from the comfort of your home, especially if visiting in person isn’t possible.

While virtual consultations provide valuable support and guidance, they may have some limitations compared to in-person visits. For example:

• Maranda cannot perform hands-on assessments, such as evaluating physical concerns like tongue or lip ties.

• Certain feeding behaviors may be harder to observe in detail through video.

• Accurate baby weight checks are not possible unless you have access to a reliable infant scale.

Despite these limitations, virtual consultations are an excellent option for addressing common breastfeeding challenges and creating a personalized care plan. If your situation requires an in-person assessment, Maranda will discuss the next steps with you.

Maranda is here to help. She will assess your situation and offer evidence-based strategies to boost milk supply, such as optimizing feeding techniques, discussing nutrition and hydration, and addressing potential medical factors.

Yes! Maranda partners with The Lactation Network (TLN) to provide accessible, expert care. TLN guarantees approved mothers three 90-minute lactation consultations with a registered IBCLC at no out-of-pocket cost. They also cover our 6-week Childbirth Class series for mothers with Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO or UnitedHealthcare PPO. TLN handles all paperwork and bills your insurance directly.

Which insurance plans are eligible through The Lactation Network?

The following plans may be covered:

• Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO

• Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO

• Cigna PPO

• UnitedHealthcare PPO *In-network through TLN for Commercial members with UnitedHealthCare in 49 states (Hawaii pending) for in person consultations.

  Not every policy within these groups is eligible. To confirm your coverage and get your visit approved, complete the request form on The Lactation Network’s website.

  What if I have Tricare?

  Maranda accepts Tricare, though they do not cover prenatal lactation consultations at this time.

  What if I have Medicaid?

  For those with Medicaid, Maranda offers a sliding scale fee to ensure that all mothers can access the support they need.

  How can I learn more and schedule a consultation?

  Schedule a consultation with Maranda and visit The Lactation Network to verify your insurance. Be sure to select Gulf Coast Breastfeeding Center, LLC as your referring provider.

Definitely! A prenatal breastfeeding consultation helps you prepare with confidence. Maranda will review your goals, address questions, and provide tips to get you ready for breastfeeding before your baby arrives.

Maranda supports a wide range of issues, including latching difficulties, low milk supply, painful nursing, mastitis, pumping concerns, and assessing physical barriers such as tongue and lip ties.

Initial consultations usually last 90 minutes to ensure there’s enough time to assess and address your needs. Follow-ups are typically one hour.

Please bring your baby, any breastfeeding supplies (like nursing pillows or pumps), and a list of questions or concerns. If you’ve kept a feeding log, that can also be helpful.

Yes, children are welcome if necessary. However, arranging childcare can make the session calmer and more focused, allowing Maranda to address your needs more efficiently.

This is a common issue, and Maranda is here to help. During your consultation, she’ll assess feeding behavior, explore possible causes, and provide techniques to encourage successful latching.

Not at all! Maranda supports mothers at all stages of their breastfeeding journey, whether you’re nursing a newborn, tandem feeding, or exploring weaning options.

Maranda respects every mother’s unique journey. If breastfeeding isn’t the right fit, she’ll help you explore alternatives like pumping, formula feeding, or a combination—always without judgment.