The Lactation Network books the visit. Phia answers at 2 a.m.

The Lactation Network (TLN) connects families with board-certified lactation consultants for insurance-covered visits at home, in an office or by video. Phia is a perinatal medical group you text, with lactation consultants and nurses in the same thread.

Key takeaway

TLN is the stronger choice for a long, hands-on feeding assessment: visits usually run 90 minutes with an IBCLC, often at no cost through insurance. What a scheduled visit can’t do is answer tonight. Phia covers the hours between visits by text, and looks after your recovery and mood as well as feeding. Many families will want both.

A scheduled visit, or a text right now.

The Lactation Network

How it starts

Fill out an intake form with your insurance details. TLN confirms coverage.

Fill out an intake form with your insurance details. TLN confirms coverage.

How fast

TLN says it confirms eligibility within 72 hours, then your IBCLC schedules with you.

TLN says it confirms eligibility within 72 hours, then your IBCLC schedules with you.

The visit

Usually 90 minutes with an IBCLC, in your home, in an office or by video.

Usually 90 minutes with an IBCLC, in your home, in an office or by video.

Between visits

You contact your IBCLC to book another visit.

You contact your IBCLC to book another visit.

Beyond feeding

Lactation care, from prenatal through weaning.

Lactation care, from prenatal through weaning.

What it costs

Often $0 through insurance. TLN notes some plans apply cost-sharing and some IBCLCs charge travel fees.

Often $0 through insurance. TLN notes some plans apply cost-sharing and some IBCLCs charge travel fees.

Phia

How it starts

Send a text. No forms, no insurance check.

Send a text. No forms, no insurance check.

How fast

A nurse answers in about 6 minutes on average, day or night.

A nurse answers in about 6 minutes on average, day or night.

The visit

A lactation consultant joins your text thread. Phia does not do home visits.

A lactation consultant joins your text thread. Phia does not do home visits.

Between visits

Phia’s agent checks back on how feeding is going and remembers what you’ve tried.

Phia’s agent checks back on how feeding is going and remembers what you’ve tried.

Beyond feeding

Feeding, recovery, mood, baby questions and everyday needs, in one thread.

Feeding, recovery, mood, baby questions and everyday needs, in one thread.

What it costs

Free for 30 days, then $19 a month. No insurance needed.

Free for 30 days, then $19 a month. No insurance needed.

Based on publicly available information as of November 2026. The Lactation Network services, coverage and cost vary by plan and location. The Lactation Network is a trademark of its owner. Phia is not affiliated with The Lactation Network.

Same words. A different answer.

Ask both about a headache at 34 weeks. One is built for feeding visits. The other is a care team for the whole pregnancy.

The Lactation Network

I’ve had a headache since this morning.

TLN arranges visits with a lactation consultant. For a headache at 34 weeks, you’d call your OB.

Outside their scope

Expert at feeding. Not built for this.

TLN connects you with an IBCLC for feeding care. Symptoms like a headache in late pregnancy sit with your OB.

Phia, with your record

34 weeks pregnant

High blood pressure last week

I’ve had a headache since this morning.

With your reading last week, I want to check this now. Can you take your blood pressure?

Care team alerted

Phia acts on it.

Phia links the headache to last week’s blood pressure, asks for a reading, tells you to call your doctor today and lets your care team know.

The Lactation Network

I’ve had a headache since this morning.

TLN arranges visits with a lactation consultant. For a headache at 34 weeks, you’d call your OB.

Outside their scope

Expert at feeding. Not built for this.

TLN connects you with an IBCLC for feeding care. Symptoms like a headache in late pregnancy sit with your OB.

Phia, with your record

34 weeks pregnant

High blood pressure last week

I’ve had a headache since this morning.

With your reading last week, I want to check this now. Can you take your blood pressure?

Care team alerted

Phia acts on it.

Phia links the headache to last week’s blood pressure, asks for a reading, tells you to call your doctor today and lets your care team know.

An example of how each one responds.

Phia nurse wearing a headset
Phia nurse wearing a headset

Phia answers first. A nurse steps in.

When it matters, a maternity nurse joins your thread. Day or night.

Text Phia

Text Phia

Who each is best for.

The Lactation Network

A hands-on latch or weight check with an IBCLC in your home, covered by your insurance.

Phia

Moms in Pennsylvania and Delaware who want feeding help the moment it gets hard, plus a care team for everything else.

The bottom line

Book TLN for the in-person visit. Text Phia for tonight, and for the weeks in between.

Common questions.

Is The Lactation Network legit?

Yes. TLN says it partners exclusively with International Board Certified Lactation Consultants in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., and bills insurance directly for visits.

Is The Lactation Network really free?

Often, but not always. TLN says most visits come at no cost to the family, and also notes that some plans apply copays or deductibles and that some consultants charge travel or administrative fees. TLN tells you about any restrictions after you request a consult.

Can I use both?

Yes. Neither replaces your OB or midwife. Phia works by text, so there’s nothing to install, and it can work alongside the care you already have.

Sources: The Lactation Network home page, Frequently Asked Questions, “Is The Lactation Network legit?” and “The Insurance-Covered Lactation Visit Process,” lactationnetwork.com. Accessed November 2026.

Start with one text.

Available in Pennsylvania and Delaware, in any language. Phia is not an emergency service. If you need help now, call 911.

Text Phia