The Lactation Network: An Anniversary Update
Image: Natalie Broders
Just over a year ago, we began partnering with The Lactation Network to bill insurance for lactation care.
At the time, we were excited for the potential of this partnership to expand access to lactation and feeding support, including breast/chest feeding, bottle-feeding, exclusive pumping and more, for families from the newborn stage through weaning.
Why does Bridgetown Baby + The Lactation Network make a difference?
Not all insurance plans cover lactation care, and when they do, they often cover only hospital- or clinic-based lactation services. We know from the experience of our clients that having lactation support in-home - without having to pack up a newborn and drive to another location, and with the opportunity to set up for successful feeding in their own familiar setting - decreases stress and increases satisfaction and feelings of success in reaching their feeding goals.
Fast forward one year, here’s a snapshot of the results:
Image: Natalie Broders
Bridgetown Baby + The Lactation Network = increased access to care
In 2022, Bridgetown Baby’s international board certified lactation consultants made:
170 in-person and virtual lactation visits to
74 families
Of the families served in 2023, 38 families (51%) used TLN benefits to access care.
In 2023 to-date, Bridgetown Baby lactation consultants have made:
300 in-person and virtual visits to
100+ families
Nearly 60% of the families who’ve accessed Bridgetown Baby feeding support have used TLN benefits - and the year isn’t over yet! And care isn’t limited to the Portland, OR and Vancouver, WA areas, as telehealth services are covered as well.
We’re grateful for the opportunity to support postpartum families
Giving families what they need to make informed choices about feeding their babies is our passion - our lactation consultants and Family Care Team put this into action, showing up with love, compassion and professionalism every day:
Katrina… worked with me over a series of visits to develop a plan that met both my and my daughter’s needs. Bridgetown Baby made it seamless to check with my insurance and have the lactation services covered. I highly recommend!!
-Rachel D.
I have felt so well supported and have been so relieved to know that Melissa is just an email or visit away if anything [comes] up. I'll absolutely recommend lactation support to any pregnant friends I have, whether or not they anticipate specific issues - the peace of mind alone was worth it in those first few chaotic weeks! [...] My insurance covered all of it, which was fantastic.-Caitlin M.
I reached out to Bridgetown while sleep deprived and in desperate need of help breastfeeding a few days postpartum. Their website led me to a link that verified within an hour that my insurance would cover a home visit, and I then heard back from Bridgetown to schedule an appointment soon after. Katrina listened carefully to all of my concerns, helped me work through them and then sent a detailed plan afterward. I highly recommend Bridgetown…-Chelsea C.
Learn more about how to access lactation care via TLN
Feeding is one of the key ways that parents bond with their new babies. We’re delighted that, through TLN, more families have been able to access high-quality, personalized, in-home lactation/feeding support to ease the often bumpy road at the beginning of the feeding relationship. TLN clients can also access discounted postpartum doula care, for wraparound care for the whole family.
Learn more about how working with Bridgetown Baby, through TLN, here - and check to see whether your insurance covers care. We’d love to support you!
