Breastfeeding has many health benefits for both babies and their moms. And for these reasons, or just out of personal preference, many new parents want to breastfeed their infants.

However sometimes, especially with a first child, breastfeeding doesn’t work at the first try…or the second…or the third, fourth, or fifth. And that is terrifying! The feeling of failure, the panic of being unable to feed your newborn the way you want to…it’s hard to overstate how stressful that can be. And for many parents, the urgent need to keep their child alive drives them to start using baby formula and bottle feeding despite their intention to breastfeed.

The good news is, breastfeeding can usually be achieved successfully with appropriate coaching. And that’s exactly what lactation consultants are for.

Independence Blue Cross (IBX) plan members have free, 24/7 access to our Registered Nurse Health Coaches — including our two fabulous lactation consultants, Kimberley Berg and Jennifer Pinto! I sat down with them to ask them about the types of concerns they hear from new parents, as well as their experiences and attitudes around the work they do.

Navigating the Challenges of Breastfeeding

Kimberley: Everyone talks about how amazing breastfeeding is, and they hardly ever talk about how hard it can be. Babies don’t always take to it naturally. And then moms may blame themselves.

Breastfeeding for the first time is a brand-new skill that must be learned. If it isn’t immediately successful, it’s not you. You may just have to learn how to do it differently because your baby isn’t doing what they need to.

Jennifer: Kimberley and I are available to assist with all your breastfeeding concerns and questions. During the pregnancy, we can help you:

• Find the ideal breast pump that will work with your lifestyle and preferences.
• Determine if your plan covers an electric breast pump and how to obtain one if you have this benefit.
• Identify items and supplies to ease the breastfeeding experience.
• Locate breastfeeding educational classes and opportunities.
• Know how to prepare for your lactation journey and what to expect.

After delivery, we’re here to assist with latching issues, nipple discomfort, positioning, pumping, breast-milk storage, feeding cues, cluster feeding, feeding schedules, mastitis, engorgement, tongue-ties, blocked ducts, low milk supply, returning to work, and many other challenges.

If needed, we can also help you find an in-network lactation consultant to meet you in person in your home or at a breastfeeding center. These visits are often covered under your insurance plan and are unlimited with some exceptions.

All Choices Are Valid

Michele: Some parents’ entire self-worth is wrapped up in feeding their baby. I’ve seen people make themselves crazy because breastfeeding is too painful for them, or their milk isn’t coming in, or they’re not able to do it because of a medical condition or life circumstances.

At IBX, we never make anyone feel bad about their choices. If they just want to pump, or supplement with formula, or stop altogether — we’ll help them with that. We just want them to be successful in whatever journey they choose.

Kimberley: Breastfeeding wasn’t always considered “the only way.” My mother didn’t breastfeed me…and I went to college! And I can drive a car! [laughs]

Michele: At the end of the day, what’s most important is that your child is happy. A happy baby is well-fed and well-hydrated.

We’re Here to Support All Your Health Needs and Goals

Jennifer: Not all lactation consultants have a nursing degree — but we do. We’re registered pediatric/maternity/NICU nurses. So we have the training to help parents deal with many more medical concerns besides lactation.

I always start my calls with, “What is your goal?” Members really appreciate that. Not everyone in the field does that. Some tell patients what their goals ought to be; we want to hear what the patient actually wants to accomplish.

Michele: We meet members wherever they are. They may have a premature baby in the NICU weighing less than one pound, or they may have a severe medical issue. Others have full-term babies, and they just have a few questions.

Kimberley: This is a safe, supportive space for any health challenge our members are facing. Whatever medical condition they are working with, whatever health goal they’re trying to achieve, we’re here to help. We let them be in charge, and we provide the support they need. We coach them on how to get from where they are to where they want to be.

Getting Support for Your Whole Parenting Journey

IBX has a wealth of supports for our members before, during, and after a pregnancy — including our Baby Blueprints^® maternity program, Cayaba Care, and Ovia Health. Contacting our Registered Nurse Health Coaches is a great place to start!

To reach us 24/7, call 1-800-ASK-BLUE (1-800-275-2583; TTY/TDD: 711) and follow the prompt for “Health Coach.” We’re always happy to hear from you.