Outpatient lactation clinics (hospital IBCLCs) are a wonderful thing as they allow many people to access lactation care and use their insurance benefits, but there are differences between a hospital IBCLC and a private IBCLC.
While the education/training to become an IBCLC in a hospital setting and private setting is the same, private IBCLC’s often have more freedom in additional training and continuing education in different specialties within lactation.
With private practice lactation consultant, you receive consistent care from the same person, so no chance of many different plans and opinions. Most private practice lactation consultants will do the visit in your home as well, which saves you from having to get out of the house with a newborn. It also allows you to learn how to breastfeed in the space where you’ll actually be breastfeeding!
Will insurance pay for a private IBCLC?
At Brave Birth, we most often work with Ashley Treadwell of Cascadia Lactation. Here’s what she says about working with insurance:
I am in network with both Aetna and BCBS, if you have either of these for insurance coverage, I can see you at your home with no additional cost sharing for you. If you have another insurance plan and are interested in using your insurance, this is something we can do - I work at a clinic in SW (Canyon Medical Center) - I can see you there and bill your insurance (assuming your insurance is accepted at the clinic) at little to no copay for you. -- Ashley
