Find a Certified Lactation Consultant Near Me

A health professional who helps new moms in their efforts to breastfeed, and also provides prenatal education and preparation for expecting couples.

Yes, you can pay for a lactation consultant with both HSA and FSA funds. The IRS includes lactation consulting as an eligible medical expense. This means you can use your HSA or FSA to pay for lactation consulting services without having to pay taxes on those dollars. It's always a good idea to keep detailed receipts and documentation for all medical expenses paid using HSA or FSA funds in case of audit or verification needs. Additionally, it's recommended to check with your specific HSA or FSA plan provider to confirm coverage details, as there may be variations in coverage and eligibility requirements between different plans.

Coverage for lactation consulting services by insurance can vary widely based on your insurance plan, the country or state you're in, and specific policy details. In the United States, for example, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires most health insurance plans to cover breastfeeding support and counseling by a trained provider, as well as certain breastfeeding equipment, without a copayment or coinsurance when these services are delivered by an in-network provider. This coverage typically includes lactation consultants, but the extent of the coverage (such as the number of visits covered) can differ from one insurance plan to another. The following providers have been known to reimburse lactation consultant services: Aetna, UHC (United Health Care), BCBS, Cigna, Please contact your health insurance company to confirm, as plans do vary state to state.

Lactation counselors may be certified after shorter courses, typically ranging from 20 to 45 hours of instruction, through various organizations. Certifications include Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC), Certified Breastfeeding Educator (CBE), and Certified Lactation Educator (CLE), among others. The training focuses on basic breastfeeding management techniques, including helping with positioning and latch, and promoting breastfeeding. Lactation consultants are certified by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE). They undergo extensive training, typically involving college-level health science education, 90 hours of lactation-specific education, and up to 1000 hours of clinical practice in lactation support before they can take the certification exam to become an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). IBCLCs are healthcare professionals who can manage complex lactation issues, including problems with milk supply, painful breastfeeding, lactation after breast surgery, and supporting families with infants having special needs, prematurity, or health problems that affect breastfeeding.

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