Many new parents intend to breastfeed their infants, whether it’s for health reasons, personal preferences, or both. However, sometimes — especially with a first child — breastfeeding doesn’t work the first time you try it…or the second…or the third, fourth, or fifth.
That can be very stressful. And for many parents, the urgent need to feed their newborns every few hours drives them to start using baby formula and bottle feeding despite their original plan to breastfeed.
The good news is that, with appropriate coaching, breastfeeding is usually possible. And that coaching is exactly what lactation consultants are for.
AmeriHealth plan members have free, 24/7 access to our Registered Nurse Health Coaches, some of whom are full-time lactation consultants. Let’s take a look at how these individuals can help.
Supporting successful breastfeeding
When babies don’t immediately take to breastfeeding, it can be frustrating or disappointing for parents. But breastfeeding is a brand-new skill that must be learned by both parents and babies. Lactation consultants can suggest a variety of holds and techniques for moms to try so they can find the one that works best for them. They can also educate non-nursing parents on ways to support moms, so breastfeeding is easier for everyone.
Over the phone, AmeriHealth lactation consultants are available to assist with all breastfeeding concerns and questions. Before childbirth, they can help members:
- Prepare for their lactation journey and know what to expect
- Locate breastfeeding educational classes and opportunities
- Identify items and supplies that can ease the breastfeeding experience
- Determine whether their health plan covers an electric breast pump, and if so, how to obtain one
- Find the ideal breast pump that will work with their lifestyle and preferences
After childbirth, they can assist members with breastfeeding challenges such as:
- Latching
- Nipple discomfort
- Positioning
- Pumping and storage
- Feeding cues and schedules
- Cluster feeding
- Tongue-ties
- Mastitis
- Engorgement
- Blocked ducts
- Low milk supply
- Returning to work
If in-person breastfeeding assistance is needed, our Health Coaches can help members find an independent in-network lactation consultant who can meet with them in their homes or at a breastfeeding center. These visits are often covered under members’ insurance plans, and are unlimited, with some exceptions.
Recognizing all choices as valid
Some moms simply aren’t able to breastfeed because it’s too painful for them, their milk isn’t coming in, or because of a medical condition or life circumstances. That is okay! AmeriHealth lactation consultants are here to support all parents and their choices.
If members exclusively want to breastfeed, supplement breastfeeding with formula, or stop breastfeeding altogether, our consultants can help. They just want parents to be successful in whatever journey they choose.
Addressing all health challenges
AmeriHealth lactation consultants are registered pediatric/maternity/NICU nurses. They have the training to help parents deal with many medical concerns besides lactation — whether they have a premature baby in the NICU weighing less than one pound, they’re experiencing a severe medical issue, or they have healthy full-term babies and just have a few questions.
Whatever medical condition our members are experiencing, whatever health goal they’re trying to achieve, our lactation consultants can help guide them from where they are to where they want to be.
Assisting with the whole parenting journey
AmeriHealth offers a wealth of support for our members before, during, and after a pregnancy — including our Baby Footsteps® maternity program. Members can call 1-800-598-BABY (1-800-598-2229) for answers and support at any time during pregnancy and after delivery.
Contacting our Registered Nurse Health Coaches is a great place to start. To reach our them 24/7, call 1-888-YOUR-AH1 (1-888-968-7241) (TTY/TDD: 711) and follow the prompt for “Health Coach.” They’re here to help.
