Breast-Feeding Services Lag Behind the Law

The Health and Human Services Department says insurers cannot deny lactation services simply because they lack trained providers in-network; they are obligated to cover one out of network.

Some insurers simply point women to pediatricians not necessarily trained in lactation.

Breast-feeding advocates fear this mandate is falling victim to bureaucratic foot-dragging, cost-saving and ambivalence.

But Blue Cross Blue Shield Illinois would not reimburse the fee.

The aim is to encourage more women to breast-feed so their infants can reap the health benefits, including reduced risks of asthma, leukemia and Type 2 diabetes.

Even then, women often must locate help on their own, leading to delays that jeopardize a mother’s milk supply.

Breast-feeding advocates fear this mandate is falling victim to bureaucratic foot-dragging, cost-saving and ambivalence.

“First efforts at breast-feeding are not as intuitive as it seems,” said Dr. Linda Rosenstock, chairwoman of the Institute of Medicine’s committee on preventive services for women, adding, “Some women need additional professional support so they do it well and continue to do it.”