Frequently Asked Questions
General
What is the difference between a lactation consultant and a lactation medicine physician?
Lactation consultants come from various backgrounds. IBCLCs (International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant) undergo the most rigorous training and certification process, requiring 90 hours of lactation education, 1000 hours of lactation clinical practice, and passing the board exam. Lactation consultants provide invaluable assistance and education regarding breastfeeding and lactation but cannot diagnose or treat medical conditions. Lactation medicine physicians, such as Dr. Perez, are licensed physicians that practice medicine in addition to serving as a lactation consultant (IBCLC), and therefore can provide comprehensive care for the baby and parent.
How do I schedule an appointment?
To discuss availability and to schedule an appointment, you may schedule here , call us at (561) 760-1066 to leave a message, or use our contact form. Messages are returned within 1 business day.
If I am also pumping and/or supplementing with formula, can I use your services?
Yes! A fed baby is the minimum, an informed parent is best. Our aim is to help parents provide their babies with human milk, no matter how much.
Do you offer home visits?
Yes — a limited number of in-home lactation medicine visits are available in select areas including Wellington, Royal Palm Beach, Loxahatchee, and Westlake. Home visit availability is limited and may vary based on scheduling, distance, and appointment demand. Please contact us for current availability and scheduling options.
Do you see babies with unique medical needs?
As a pediatrician, Dr. Perez has experience in supporting lactation in various medical scenarios, including babies with unique health care needs such prematurity, oral deformations, genetic and cardiac conditions, among others. She will work closely with the baby’s healthcare team to optimize and facilitate breastfeeding/lactation.
Do you treat tongue-tie (ankyloglossia)?
Dr. Perez has the expertise to evaluate and diagnose tongue ties. If necessary, we will refer you to a specialist to have the procedure done.
Do you see parents with multiples?
Yes! Breastfeeding/lactating for multiples is a challenge we welcome. There is an additional fee for multiples.
Will Dr. Perez see patients as a general pediatrician?
While Dr. Perez maintains her board certification in general pediatrics and is a fully licensed medical doctor by the Florida Board of Medicine , she is not accepting patients as a primary care pediatrician at this time. She will communicate closely with your child’s pediatrician/medical provider regarding the care she provides as a Lactation Medicine specialist.
Visit
What can I expect during a consultation?
All consultations will have a portion of reviewing/gathering lactation and medical history, lactation specific physical exams for both parent and baby(ies), breastfeeding observation/assessment with weighted feeds, pumping evaluation and pump flange fitting and discussion at the end.
How should I prepare for the consultation?
After scheduling, a guide on how to prepare for the visit will be provided.
What precautions does Dr. Perez take?
Dr. Perez understands and encourages protecting babies in the first 2 months of life from infectious diseases. Dr. Perez is fully vaccinated and practices thorough hand hygiene. Best practices regarding equipment sanitation will be observed. She is also happy to wear a mask during the consultation if desired.
Can my partner or support member (family, friend) participate in the consultation?
Absolutely! We encourage a partner or support member to join consultations. They provide additional support and can learn techniques that can assist with breastfeeding success after the consultation is done.
How can I reach you after the consultation?
Dr. Perez is available for follow-up questions and concerns via messaging through the patient portal in Charm Health. If your issue is more urgent, you may call the office and leave a voicemail. Calls are returned during regular business hours Monday – Friday. If lactation issues still ensue, a follow up visit may be scheduled. For emergencies or concerns not related to lactation, please reach the assigned primary care provider for you and/or your baby.
What if I need lab work, imaging or prescriptions?
These services, if necessary, are part of the evaluation. As Dr. Perez is NOT the Primary Care Provider for the parent or baby, if your insurance requires a referral to see a specialist, it will need to be obtained from the PCP. Information regarding specialists can be provided by Dr. Perez.
Insurance/payment
Do you accept insurance?
See our insurance page for more information.
What forms of payment do you accept?
You can pay via credit card (VISA, Mastercard, Amex, Discover) with a service fee, HSA/FSA, ACH transactions via your bank, check or Zelle. Check with your HR department regarding using HSA/FSA for the fees. The practice requires all patients to have a credit card on file.
What is your cancellation policy?
Our cancellation policy is designed to ensure respect for both our patients’ time and our professionals’ schedules. All appointments require a 24-hour notice for rescheduling or cancellation.