Okay...granted...most moms can successfully breastfeed without the use of pumps, LC visits, etc.
However, when there are special circumstances, who can we convince insurance companies to cover this stuff?
Because of DS's poor latch (actual inability to latch correctly), we need follow up visits. We've seen the LC once (courtesy of a rockin' lactivist mama) and now we have a hospital grade breastpump (also courtesy of the same mama). We *might* have a fighting chance. But at this point we also need (according to the LC, not the ENT who has his head up his you-know-where)...a visit (possibly multiple) to the dysphagia clinic, a visit (possibly multiple) to the head of lactation at UNC Hospital, and more than likely breastpump rental (hospital grade) for as long as I'm planning to breastfeed. I guess we'd only need the breastpump long term if the dysphagia clinic and/or the head LC can't help us...
Anyhow, my insurance company won't cover any of it. None...zip...zilch...nada. They flat out don't cover infant feeding issues UNLESS they are unable to take a bottle. Oh, if they can take a bottle, then they are fine. And let me tell you, I've called these professionals and visits to them aren't cheap. DH has put his foot down and said, "no...we just can't afford it..." (trust me, we did the breastfeeding vs. formula cost comparison and so far breastfeeding has cost us much more than formula would (teas, herbs, domperidone, etc.).
So...what is going to take to get the insurance companies to see the importance/benefits of breastfeeding and to get things changed or at least headed toward change.
My baby *will* take a bottle, he just can't nurse. I've tried finger feeding him and he gets so mad. My fingernail is holding his tongue in the "breastfeeding" position and he gets so angry. With the bottle, he can hold his tongue any which way he chooses and he still gets milk *drip drip drip* and he's happy with the SNS because it gives him a drip drip drip, too. So he's basically using my breast as a bottle and taking all from the SNS, but not stimulating my milk production. So my insurance company says as long as he'll gain weight and be healthy
with a bottle that he technically doesn't have a feeding issue...
However, when there are special circumstances, who can we convince insurance companies to cover this stuff?
Because of DS's poor latch (actual inability to latch correctly), we need follow up visits. We've seen the LC once (courtesy of a rockin' lactivist mama) and now we have a hospital grade breastpump (also courtesy of the same mama). We *might* have a fighting chance. But at this point we also need (according to the LC, not the ENT who has his head up his you-know-where)...a visit (possibly multiple) to the dysphagia clinic, a visit (possibly multiple) to the head of lactation at UNC Hospital, and more than likely breastpump rental (hospital grade) for as long as I'm planning to breastfeed. I guess we'd only need the breastpump long term if the dysphagia clinic and/or the head LC can't help us...
Anyhow, my insurance company won't cover any of it. None...zip...zilch...nada. They flat out don't cover infant feeding issues UNLESS they are unable to take a bottle. Oh, if they can take a bottle, then they are fine. And let me tell you, I've called these professionals and visits to them aren't cheap. DH has put his foot down and said, "no...we just can't afford it..." (trust me, we did the breastfeeding vs. formula cost comparison and so far breastfeeding has cost us much more than formula would (teas, herbs, domperidone, etc.).
So...what is going to take to get the insurance companies to see the importance/benefits of breastfeeding and to get things changed or at least headed toward change.
My baby *will* take a bottle, he just can't nurse. I've tried finger feeding him and he gets so mad. My fingernail is holding his tongue in the "breastfeeding" position and he gets so angry. With the bottle, he can hold his tongue any which way he chooses and he still gets milk *drip drip drip* and he's happy with the SNS because it gives him a drip drip drip, too. So he's basically using my breast as a bottle and taking all from the SNS, but not stimulating my milk production. So my insurance company says as long as he'll gain weight and be healthy
with a bottle that he technically doesn't have a feeding issue...
Then again, he's a preemie and they won't cover synagis either, so.....
I am too much of a peon/cog to make a difference, too.
: Maybe not for that next cycle, but if enough people made a big enough perceived demand, maybe it would made a difference.
