It's been a long road, but we are here!!!! I've been dying to start a new way for me to express my love for breastfeeding, helping parents, and getting the correct and most educational information to all those who want it! So here we go!!
Most of the reason why I'm so passionate about helping others, is that as many know, there is little access to lactation care. Yes we are out there, but some may feel as though its not worth the price tag that is associated with it, and many insurance company's(ALL BUT ONE! Yay for Aetna*), especially in Massachusetts do not cover infants or parents for lactation visits. Some will allow a re-reimbursement of paid care, but having the excess means can be a difficult decision for some families.
The price tag may seem high, but when broken down, the ability to feed your child for 6 months solely by your human milk and in junction with solids from 6 months and on can save not only money, but also lives and decrease chances of medical conditions in the future.
Upwards of $1500 will be spent on formula in the first year of a child's life, this doesn't take into account of a child that may need special formula, which can cost close to $400/ month if not covered by insurance companies(WHAT!?!). Breast milk feeding also decreases chances of NEC (Necrotizing enterocolitis) in preterm infants, obesity, diabetes, SIDS, allergies,GI disorders, and ear and respiratory illnesses, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes in the breastfeeding parent.
These problems can increase the $1500 to over hundreds of thousands of dollars over a persons lifetime.
Continue to follow my new blog for new and interesting data, and education on lactation and breast feeding!
Happy Feeding!!!
*i am not yet credentialed by Aetna, when I am, there will be a celebratory dance and post to follow!