We in America do a very poor job of prenatal education. COVID crashed most of the programs that existed. Some of those programs were on life support anyway. We do an even worse job of breastfeeding education. In most areas it is a few minutes blurb in a childbirth class.
There are many facilities that do not employ full time lactation consultants. For some the volume of births does not support dedicated lactation consultant from a financial
perspective. This leaves a gap for parents. I have spent many years at the bedside helping moms learn to latch their infants.
You hear me right. Breastfeeding although a natural process is still a learned skill for you and your baby. Like most skills it requires you learn what it entails, and apply that knowledge.
For some babies and their caregivers it seems to come easily, for some it's a struggle. Some women are over producers when it comes to milk, some produce just enough to feed their baby. There are moms whose bodies just do not produce enough milk to exclusively feed with breast milk but will choose to combine breastfeeding and formula supplement, .
In my experience prior education and good support up front can make the process smoother. Since not all facilities have 24/7/365 in house Lactation consultants it falls to the parents to search out help.
How do you accomplish that when it is not available at your chosen birth facility?
do an internet search for:
lactations consultants near me search what services they provide
schedule a pre birth consult or class
know your rights!
See if the local WIC office is doing a breastfeeding class for parents
check with your prenatal care provider for resources in your area.
The affordable care act states "Health insurance plans must provide breastfeeding support, counseling, and equipment for the duration of breastfeeding. These services may be provided before and after birth.This applies to Marketplace plans and all other health insurance plans, except for grandfathered plans. Healthcare.gov
Education is a great place to start.
Since you are now covered for breastfeeding assistance you are supposed to receive covered care. You should be able, with a bit of work to find a local Lactation consultant to help. or a call to your insurance asking this question.
"Since the Affordable care act requires you provide coverage for breastfeeding support what have you put in place and who can I see?"
Happy feeding!
Comentários