Breastfeeding has many benefits, for both you and your baby. Learn about the types of support that may be available to you.
Breastfeeding benefits your newborn in so many ways. Studies show it can reduce the chance of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), respiratory diseases, childhood leukemia, asthma, ear infections, childhood obesity and type 2 diabetes. What’s more, breastfeeding may lower your risk of developing certain types of breast and ovarian cancers.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends breastfeeding as the baby’s exclusive nutrition source for around the first six months. The AAP also recommends continued breastfeeding until the baby is at least one year old.
Lactation counseling: You may be eligible under your UnitedHealthcare health benefit plan to get breastfeeding counseling, as well as breast pump equipment and supplies, at no cost to you. Contact your OB/GYN, pediatrician or primary care physician for more information on lactation counseling. For more information on breastfeeding supplies and support, go to Beyond Delivery at the More Resources page.
Most UnitedHealthcare benefit plans include coverage for the purchase of a personal-use, double-electric breast pump at no cost to you. A personal double-electric breast pump is portable and allows you to pump both breasts at once, cutting pumping time in half.
To request a breast pump, call the phone number on your health plan ID card, or you may contact one of the national network providers below. You will need a physician prescription to get a breast pump. Make sure to note that you will not be reimbursed for a breast pump purchased at a retail store.
If you contact a breast pump supplier directly, they may ask for your doctor’s name and phone number and the baby’s due date or the date the baby was delivered. The supplier may check this and other information with your doctor before the breast pump is ordered.
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