Breast-Feeding Support

Breast-feeding has many benefits, for both you and your baby. Learn about the types of support that may be available to you.

mom holding her infant child on lounge chair

Did you know that breast-feeding may lower your risk of developing certain types of breast and ovarian cancers? Breast-feeding also benefits your newborn. Studies show it can reduce the chance of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), respiratory diseases, childhood leukemia, asthma, ear infections, childhood obesity and type 2 diabetes.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends breast-feeding as the baby’s exclusive nutrition source for around the first six months. The AAP also recommends continued breast-feeding until the baby is at least one year old.

What type of breast pump could I get?

Often, benefit plans will provide a personal double-electric pump at no cost to you. A personal double-electric breast pump is portable and easy to use. It allows you to pump both breasts at once, cutting pumping time in half.

When can I get a breast pump?

Qualified benefit plan members may obtain a breast pump within 30 days of their estimated delivery date.

How do I get a breast pump?

To get a breast pump, simply call the phone number on your benefit plan ID card. You do not need a prescription to get a breast pump.

When you request your breast pump, the breast pump supplier may ask you:

Your doctor’s name and phone number
The date the baby was delivered or due date

Questions? Call the phone number on your benefit plan ID card.

By Theresa Stepaniak, Contributing Editor

Sources
American Academy of Pediatrics. Policy statement: Breastfeeding and the use of human milk. Accessed July 21, 2016.
WomensHealth.gov. Breastfeeding: Why breastfeeding is important. Accessed July 27, 2016.

Last Updated: July 28, 2016