Breastfeeding Support
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.
What support is available?
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.
What type of breast pump could I get?
Often, benefit plans will provide a personal double-electric 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.
When can I get a breast pump?
Qualified benefit plan members may obtain a breast pump within 30 days of their estimated delivery date.
How do I get a breast pump?
Below are the names of contracted breast pump suppliers or network health care providers you may contact. You do not need a prescription to get a breast pump.
When you request your breast pump, the breast pump supplier may ask you:
- Your doctor’s name and phone number
- The date the baby was delivered or due date
You will not be reimbursed for a breast pump that you purchase at a retail store. If you have additional questions about getting a breast pump, call the phone number on your benefit plan ID card.
National breast pump suppliers
- Byram Health Care - Mail order
1-877-773-1972
Fax: 1-866-521-6291
byramhealthcare.com
- Edgepark Medical Supplies - Mail order
1-855-504-2099
Fax: 1-330-425-4355
edgepark.com
- Adapthealth Patient Care Solutions (formerly known as McKesson)— Mail order
1-844-PCS-MOMS (1-844-727-6667)
Fax: 1-855-716-2212
Due to inconsistency with pump availability at local Target Stores, because of COVID, there is no longer an option for member to pick up their breast pump at their local Target store.
- Medline Industries - Mail order
Online: Visit breastpumpsmedline.com and complete the required fields (this take less than 10 minutes).
Phone: Call Medline Mother and Baby customer Service: 1-833-718-2229.
Email: motherandbaby@medline.com
Questions? Call the phone number on your benefit plan ID card.
By Theresa Stepaniak, Contributing Editor
Sources
Centers for Disease Control. “Breastfeeding: Frequentlyl Asked Questions.” Accessed January 14, 2021.
WomensHealth.gov. Breastfeeding: Making the decision to breastfeed. Accessed January 14, 2021.
Mayo Clinic. “Breast-feeding: Choosing a breast pump.” Accessed January 14, 2021.
Last Updated: January 21, 2021