Lactation Resources

Breast Pump and Supplies

All Purdue University faculty and staff medical plans cover breast pumps and supplies under the Women’s Health Provision at 100 percent, not subject to deductible. It is limited to the purchase or rental of one breast pump per year as ordered or prescribed by a physician. Rental is also allowed up to the purchase price and includes related supplies.

Options for purchasing or renting a breast pump:

• You can purchase or rent one breast pump per birth as ordered/prescribed by a doctor. There are no restrictions on what type you get or where you get it (including WalMart, Walgreens, Target, etc.). The cost of a rental is limited to the amount it would take to buy the breast pump; related supplies are included and covered at 100 percent under the Women's Health Provision. Your doctor may have additional information on where to purchase a breast pump and whether facilities work directly with insurance. Otherwise, you may purchase the pump at the location of your choice and then file a claim for reimbursement. If you have questions about a particular pump, please contact Anthem at (855) 502-6365.
• Visit www.edgepark.com/breastpumps - You will be asked to supply your state of residence and insurance company. You will then be provided with a list of pumps to select from; once you select a pump and indicate when your baby is due, Edge Park will tell you when you are eligible to order the pump.
• Visit https://breastpumps.byramhealthcare.com - You will be asked about your insurance carrier and will then follow similar steps as with Edge Park (above).

Lactation aids such as breast milk transport bag, freezing and storage packs, are an eligible medical expense and can be purchased or reimbursed from HSA and FSA funds. Nursing pillows or other personal items and accessories are not currently a qualified medical expense. For additional information, please see the Health Hub® Common Eligible Expense Items

Breastfeeding Classes and Support

The Greater Lafayette-West Lafayette area provides many supports for women and men who are expecting a child, preparing to breastfeed, or need support with breastfeeding.

• Anthem 24/7 Nurse Line – 888-279-5449
  When you call Anthem’s 24-hour Nurse Line, you’ll speak directly to a registered nurse who can help answers your health-related questions. The call is toll-free and the service is available anytime — days, nights, weekends and holidays. Plus, your call is confidential. The 24-hour Nurse Line can help you get the information you need, when you need it. Then, you can make a more informed decision about your health and find some peace of mind.
• La Leche League of Lafayette
  Whether pregnant or a new mother, the La Leche League can provide information and support on breastfeeding. Support includes informal meetings twice a month.
• Indiana University Health Arnett Hospital
  Support for mothers and fathers include childbirth preparation classes, CPR and First Aid for parents, on-site tours, breastfeeding with ease class, and a breastfeeding support group.
• Community Education
  Support for mothers and fathers include childbirth preparation classes, eLearning childbirth education, Lamaze, breastfeeding, newborn care, CPR and first aid, car seat safety, natural family planning, and expectant parent tours.
• Tippecanoe County WIC
  The Tippecanoe County WIC is a supplemental nutrition program committed to improving the health of eligible pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children by providing nutrition education, nutritious foods, and breastfeeding support.

Lactation Consultant

Lactation support is available on the West Lafayette campus at the Center for Healthy Living (CHL). Lauren Ema, MSN, APRN, CPNP-PC, RNC-NIC, IBCLC, CLC, is a primary care pediatric nurse practitioner and international board-certified lactation consultant who is available to meet with you. An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) is a health care professional who specializes in the clinical management of breastfeeding. A IBCLC can reassure mothers when breastfeeding is going well or provide information and support to help prevent and manage common concerns. IBCLCs can help with:

• Prenatal counseling about risk factors that may affect breastfeeding
• Basic position and latch of the infant
• Information about practices that promote successful breastfeeding
• Preventing and managing common concerns such as poor latch, inadequate milk transfer or supply, nipple or breast pain, and calming a fussy baby
• Milk expression and storage for mothers who must be separated from their babies
• Strategies for breastfeeding after returning to work
• Breastfeeding in challenging situations, such as breastfeeding twins or triplets, a premature or sick infant, or infants in special medical situations

“Infant feeding affects a family’s everyday life, Lauren shared. “Whether they are breastfeeding, mixed feeding or formula feeding, families and their children are more likely to flourish when they have a knowledgeable clinician guiding them and supporting them in their decisions along the way.”

All Purdue University medical plans cover lactation consultant services under the Women’s Health Provision at 100%, not subject to deductible.