Breastfeeding support for mom with postpartum anxiety and DMER

What is a breastfeeding medicine physician?

Breastfeeding medicine physicians often work alongside lactation consultants and other professionals in the community who provide support and care for breastfeeding and lactating families.

Breastfeeding medicine physicians are physicians who have completed additional physician-level training or coursework in breastfeeding and lactation. They are able to provide breastfeeding education and support and can also evaluate, diagnose and treat complex medical problems that may arise. They provide evidenced-based care and can also order labs and imaging and prescribe medications, supplements, and treatments if necessary.

Why would I need to see a breastfeeding medicine physician?

Some lactating families may require physician-level care and guidance if there are complex medical issues that impact feeding. This may include but is not limited to low milk production, hyperlactation, breast masses, thyroid disease, PCOS, insulin resistance, etc. It is also important to understand that in some cases, breastfeeding and lactation problems may be linked to underlying health concerns in the lactating parent, infant health concerns, or mental health issues. Seeing a breastfeeding medicine physician in these cases can be important not only for the breastfeeding relationship but for the breastfeeding or lactating parent’s overall health.

What is the difference between a lactation consultant and a breastfeeding medicine physician?

Lactation consultants (IBCLCs) provide essential, non-medical breastfeeding support — including guidance on latch, positioning, and feeding plans. Breastfeeding medicine physicians, like Dr. Martinkus, are licensed medical doctors with additional lactation training. They can diagnose and treat medical conditions that impact lactation, order labs and imaging, and prescribe medications or supplements. In many cases, both types of professionals work together to support families.

What are Dr. Kelly Marinkus' scope of practice and credentials?

Dr. Kelly Martinkus is uniquely qualified to care for breastfeeding families as both a lactation consultant (IBCLC) and physician (MD) who also practices breastfeeding medicine. She draws on her experience as a primary care physician as well her training, experience, and expertise in lactation in order to provide comprehensive care to lactating families.

Contact Dr. Kelly Martinkus if you are experiencing barriers in your lactation journey and are in need of help.

Please refer to Common Reasons for Consultations for a list of conditions that she commonly treats. Please note that this list is not exhaustive.

Can Dr. Martinkus prescribe medications or order lab tests if needed?

Yes. As a licensed physician practicing breastfeeding medicine, Dr. Martinkus can evaluate, diagnose, and prescribe medications or supplements, and she can order laboratory tests or imaging when appropriate. This is a key difference between breastfeeding medicine and traditional lactation consulting.

Can I see Dr. Martinkus if I’m not currently breastfeeding?

Yes. Whether you’re planning to induce lactation, have recently weaned and are experiencing symptoms, or are preparing for a future breastfeeding journey (such as adoption or surrogacy), Dr. Martinkus can help. Consults are available for inducing lactation, re-lactation, rapid weaning for medical reasons, and pre-surgical planning while lactating.
Mom enjoying baby after breastfeeding

What is an IBCLC?

An International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC) is an expert in providing breastfeeding support. They complete comprehensive lactation education, complete clinical hours of training, and pass a rigorous written examination. Lactation consultants are an invaluable part of the healthcare team and provide lactation education and support prenatally through weaning. They can assess and address a variety of lactation concerns. They can assist with latch and positioning, evaluate milk transfer, and can counsel on feeding and/or milk expression, milk storage, and weening, among others. Lactation consultants are not able to diagnose or prescribe.

Can I schedule an appointment for a lactation consultation even if I do not have a complex medical issue impacting lactation?

Absolutely! Dr. Kelly Martinkus believes that physician-level lactation care should be available to any breastfeeding or lactating family who desires it. General lactation care visits are always welcome!

What if I am already working with a lactation professional but am in need of a breastfeeding and lactation medicine consultation?

Dr. Martinkus will gladly collaborate with your lactation professional, if desired, should you wish to remain under their care but wish to be seen for medical evaluation of a complex breastfeeding issue.

Do my baby and I still need a primary care provider?

Yes! Both you and your baby should have a primary care provider.

At this time, Dr. Martinkus is only seeing patients for lactation-related primary care services.

Do you accept insurance?

Dr. Martinkus is not contracted as an in-network provider with any insurance company.

We do, however, partner with The Lactation Network. If your insurance authorizes a visit, it will cover a portion of your consultation fee depending on the care that you need.

We will gladly provide a Superbill or itemized receipt should you wish to request possible reimbursement from your health insurance company.

How do I pay?

Preferred forms of payment: cash, debit (with pin)

Also accepted: HSA/FSA, Visa, and Mastercard.

Payment is due at the time of service.