Caring and unbiased breastfeeding support for modern moms.
Vanessa Prinz, IBCLC, RLC
Lactation Consultant
Caring and unbiased breastfeeding support for modern moms.
Initial visit (90 mins)
Baby is weighed initially to assess growth pattern and throughout feeding to determine milk transfer. Baby’s oral anatomy and mother’s breasts are examined for abnormalities. Feeding is observed; positioning and baby’s latch and suck are assessed and adjusted as needed. Pumping and bottle-feeding instructions are given if needed. Client’s questions and concerns are addressed. Client receives a comprehensive plan. A detailed report is sent to the physicians of mother and baby. Client receives a follow-up communication within 2-3 days to address any further concerns.
Follow-up visit (60-90 mins)
Check progress on the plan established in the Initial Home Visit. Discuss any new or changed goals. Client receives a comprehensive plan. A detailed report is sent to the physicians of mother and baby. Client receives a follow-up communication within 2-3 days to address any further concerns.
Office weight check (15 mins)
Baby is weighed in a dry diaper before feeding. Recommendation for any modification of plan is provided. Client receives an email following the visit including baby’s weight and any relevant notes from discussion.
Back-to-work consult (90 mins)
Visit is scheduled ideally four to eight weeks before mother returns to work. Client is given step-by-step instructions (in chronological order) for making a smooth transition back to work while continuing to breastfeed. Topics covered include: how much milk to store/offer per day; planning with your employer (and your legal rights); pumping equipment, fit, techniques and frequency; hand expression; bottle introduction and feeding techniques; breast milk management/storage; caregiver training; anticipating and addressing potential challenges; and supply concerns.
Home visits
Beyond offering convenience during what may be a very stressful time for parents of newborns, home consultations provide the ideal setting for us to observe your baby’s natural breastfeeding patterns so we can identify and address your unique challenges. It also allows us to involve and engage your partner in our session (if you choose) so that you feel supported and empowered. It is truly a team effort!
Office visits
Because we understand that home consultations may not always be possible or preferred in certain situations, and to be able to offer earlier availability in many cases, we are also available for office consultations. We always do our best to ensure that you and your little one are as comfortable as possible while in this new setting.
Our office is located in the lower level of Rooted Chiropractic at 140 Burlington Avenue, Clarendon Hills, IL. Vanessa also sees patients occasionally in her home office located in La Grange, IL.
Virtual visits
When meeting in person is not possible or preferred, we are available for virtual telehealth visits. Virtual visits are conducted over secure, HIPAA compliant video conferencing.
Join us and a welcoming group of other expectant and breastfeeding moms for this monthly support group. Ask your questions, and get assistance and support. No fee; register below.
The group meets the 1st Thursday of every month, and is hosted in partnership with the La Grange Public Library.
Topics covered include:
How much milk to store/offer per day
Planning with your employer (and your legal rights)
Pumping equipment, fit, techniques and frequency
Hand expression
Bottle introduction and feeding techniques
Breast milk management/storage
Caregiver training
Anticipating and addressing potential challenges
Supply concerns
We are contracted with The Lactation Network and bill as an in-network provider for many insurance plans through which the visit would be covered in full, including plans offered by:
ANTHEM PPO, BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD PPO, CIGNA PPO, HUMANA PPO/POS, UNITED HEALTHCARE PPO/HMO, MULTIPLAN, PN+A
Click here to verify coverage.
Hi! I’m Vanessa Prinz, an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and owner of VP Lactation Consulting based in the western suburbs of Chicago. As a former IBCLC at a local hospital, I have experience providing both inpatient and outpatient breastfeeding support. In private practice, I have worked with hundreds of families throughout Chicagoland and beyond in the form of in-home, in-office and virtual consultations in addition to teaching breastfeeding classes and facilitating support groups.
I regularly attend professional breastfeeding conferences and complete ongoing training to keep up with the latest medical research and advances. Additionally, I hold a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; I graduated summa cum laude in 2000. Since I began my career in lactation consulting in 2010, I have cultivated my own network of knowledgeable and experienced medical professionals in various specialties related to breastfeeding. In addition to offering you my own vast experience and resources as an IBCLC, I coordinate with these specialists to ensure that you receive comprehensive care when you need it most. As a mother of four, I understand how important it is to have a village.
I’ve learned that breastfeeding comes more easily to some mothers and babies than others. And most of us need help at some point or another. Just like walking, breastfeeding is instinctive and natural, but getting it right requires patience, practice and perseverance, along with some support and TLC.
I address the individual needs of both mother and baby. I am committed to providing warm, caring and unbiased support to help you reach your breastfeeding goals and enjoy the motherhood journey. Together, we will find a way.
I’m Kate Manusos, a registered nurse and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. I currently support families during their inpatient stay at a local hospital and have expanded to outpatient support. Seeking new learning opportunities and staying updated on best practices in the lactation community is important to me as there is always space to grow. Fun fact – I found out I passed my IBCLC exam at 38 weeks pregnant and went into labor with my second child a week later!
I graduated Purdue University (Boiler up!) with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2013 and practiced at the bedside for ten years in a Chicago Neonatal ICU – eight of those as a Certified Breastfeeding Counselor. Having a newborn in the NICU is undoubtedly one of the scariest experiences for a new family, but my favorite part of my time there was helping a parent bond with their baby. If they wanted to breastfeed – I was going to find a way to safely support them!
Early in my breastfeeding journey, I felt like no one was really listening to me and understood how much I was struggling. These experiences shaped my approach: listening to and acknowledging your experience and goals. Your breastfeeding journey is unique to you, and my hope is to give you the strength and confidence to see that you are doing an amazing job for your baby and family.
