5 Steps for a Successful Breastfeeding Experience

1. Attend a Breastfeeding Class and/or Schedule a Prenatal Lactation Consultation

Better yet, bring your spouse/significant other/support person as he/she will be instrumental to your success with breastfeeding. Studies show that an uninvolved or unsupportive spouse is one of the top five reasons mothers quit breastfeeding.

2. Ask Your Prospective Pediatric Provider How He/She Provides Breastfeeding Support

Ask if your Pediatric provider has contact information for local Lactation Consultants/Counselors in your local area in the event of future breastfeeding difficulties.

3. If You Have a Chronic Medical Condition Requiring Daily or Acute Needs for Medication, Plan Accordingly

Coordination between your OB/Midwife, Specialist (e.g. Rheumatologist, Neurologist, etc.), Lactation Consultant and Pediatric Health Care provider should be arranged to ensure not only adequate treatment for your medical condition while breastfeeding but to prevent unnecessary cessation of breastfeeding or “pumping and dumping” breastmilk due to medication usage.

There are Very Few medications that are contraindicated during breastfeeding. Check with a qualified breastfeeding professional before making any assumptions.

4. If You Have PCOS, Thyroid Disease, Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome, Obesity, Breast Disease, History of any Breast Surgery, Tubular Breasts, One Breast Significantly Smaller than the Other, No change in breast size during pregnancy; Seek the Advice and Guidance of a Lactation Consultant prior to Delivery

All of these conditions could potentially impact your milk supply if not addressed early with a written plan and realistic breastfeeding goals set for your individual situation.

5. Check With Your Insurance Carrier to Determine What Lactation Services and/or Supplies Are Covered Under Your Benefits

Insurers will tell you lactation services are covered however there are many nuances as to what they cover and are continually decreasing reimbursement rates to providers for this service. You are better off using your HSA/FSA spending accounts for Lactation Care so you can be in control of your healthcare needs. In fact I encourage as many patients as possible to consider high deductible plans to take advantage of a Healthcare Savings Account (It affords not only the flexibility to shop for the best healthcare for the best price but offers a triple tax advantage).

For a brief overview of HSAs, go to www.cms.gov or www.healthcare.gov