The Breastfeeding Mother

Breastfeeding Background

Researchers, medical scientists and international organizations increasingly support breastfeeding as the healthiest food source for babies. Accordingly, more and more mothers are deciding to save money and increase health by breastfeeding instead of using formula. Unfortunately, there are many difficulties involved in getting back to the basics. Some find it difficult due to the social taboos and some due to the commitments to their work. These issues can be resolved with proper planning and management and this article will show you how.

Public Breastfeeding

For women who feel embarrassed nursing their babies in public it is advisable to carry a cotton shawl or similar kinds of cloth to cover. This will make them feel comfortable and make them breastfeed whenever the baby wants. There are a lot nursing covers available online which can be customized for your preferences.

If the baby feels hungry in a crowded place like in malls then women can go to the uncrowded parts like the lounge area or restrooms of wherever they are. Many shopping malls and large stores began to offer separate rooms for nursing mothers which will provide privacy for them. If any such rooms are not available then it is suggested that women can use the fitting rooms in the woman's clothing store.

Prepare a comfortable space in car for breastfeeding is also a nice option. This can be done simply keeping a pillow in the rear seat.

Breastfeeding At Work

For working women it has become difficult to find enough time to breastfeed their babies exclusively. Employer policy's vary, but typically maternity leave is two weeks to four months. These time periods make it difficult for working women to breastfeed their babies exclusively.

If you must return to work and wish to continue breastfeeding then using a breast pump to store and deliver your milk is a good option. There are a number of hands free pumping systems that interface well with electric breast pumps.

Choosing A Breast Pump

Introduction

Here are some commoni considerations when shopping for a breast pump:

Are you a working mother who expects to pump breast milk everyday or a nursing mother who pumps breast milk exclusively may need a powerful breast pump.

If there is improper access to electricity then it is suggestible to buy a manual breast pump or a breast pumps which works on battery.

Travel and Breast Pumps

It is preferable for nursing mothers who have to travel a lot to choose a breast pump which is light and portable.

For those who would use once or twice a day it is better to go for an manual pump which is a cheap and a portable option. It had to be remembered that these pumps are tiring to use and also are not effective for those who use it several times a day.

Manual Breast Pumps

For those who seek the breast pump to be simple manual breast pump is the best option. There are no mechanical parts to breakdown in a manual pump, making them more reliable than their counterparts.

Bicycle horn style manual pumps are not suggestible, even though they are cheap there are chances that they can damage the breast tissue.

Electric Breast Pumps

Battery-Powered Pumps are also available but are not as popular as manual breast pumps. These are easy to carry but he chances of breaking down are high.

Electric breast pumps are the best option for nursing mothers who are returning from work and moms who pump exclusively. The advantage of these pumps is that they express milk from both the breasts at once.

Breast Pumps and Insurance

ICD 9 defines the codes associated with Breast feeding. They are:

Child:

  • 749 Cleft palate/lip
  • 750.1 Abnormal tongue position
  • 758 Down's syndrome
  • 771.7 Neonatal candida infection
  • 774.39 Breastmilk jaundice
  • 775.5 Other transitory neonatal
  • 779.3 Feeding problems in newborn
  • 783.2 Abnormal loss of weight
  • 783.3 Feeding difficulty – infant
  • 784.4 Failure to thrive
  • 787.2 Dysphagia
  • 796.1 Suck reflex abnormal
Mother:
  • 651.04 Twin pregnancy post-partum condition or complication
  • 675.03 Abscess of nipple
  • 675.04 Infections of nipple
  • 675.1 Abscess of breast
  • 675.2 Nonpurulent mastitis
  • 675.8 Other specified infection of breast and nipple
  • 675.9 Unspecified infection of the breast and nipple
  • 676 Retracted nipple
  • 676.1 Cracked nipple
  • 676.2 Engorgement of breasts
  • 676.3 Other and unspecified disorder of breast
  • 676.5 Suppressed lactation
  • 676.8 Other disorders of lactation
  • 676.9 Unspecified disorder of lactation
  • 692 Dermatitis contact
Breast pump and Insurance related issues:

Calling your insurance agent/company regarding the cover over the Breast pump:

The below are the questions that one can ask their insurance company regarding their plan which covers the breast pump:

  • Does my insurance plan require prior authorization for coverage of this particular service or product?
  • How do I get prior authorization for something? What is the process?
  • What is the fax number or address to which I will send the request (or phone number to call)?
  • What information do I need to send?(required paperwork or proof?)
  • How long will it take to hear if it is approved? In case they say that they are not sure enquire the general time it takes usually
  • If prior authorization is approved, how long is it good for or when will the approval time "expire?" (e.g., How many lactation consultant visits can be approved? Is the approval for any breast pump or is there a specific type of breast pump I must get-manual/electric?)
  • Is my lactation consultant/doctor's office in the Insurance company's network?
  • How will I know whether or not it has been approved?

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