Bornbir Blog

Pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum articles for parents, doulas, lactation consultants, and other perinatal care providers.

Lactation Consultant

Are Lactation Consultants Eligible for FSA?

Yes, lactation consultants are generally eligible expenses for Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA). Many FSA plans allow you to use your pre-tax dollars to pay for lactation consultant services, especially if these services are to assist with breastfeeding, which is considered a form of preventive healthcare.In the United States, breastfeeding support, including services provided by lactation consultants, is often recognized under various health programs and insurance plans due to its significant health benefits for both infants and mothers. Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), most health insurance plans are required to cover breastfeeding support and supplies without cost-sharing.Here’s how lactation consultants...

Doula Business

How to Be Successful as a Doula? 7 Strategies

Becoming a successful doula involves several key steps, focusing on both professional development and personal qualities. Here's a comprehensive guide:Education and Training:Complete a doula training program. Many organizations offer certification programs, such as DONA International, CAPPA, or Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association.Learn about childbirth, postpartum care, and breastfeeding support.Stay updated with the latest research and practices in maternal and child health. Bridgette McQueen Birth Doula from Franklinton, North CarolinaCertification:Although not always required, becoming certified can enhance your credibility and may be preferred by clients and healthcare providers.Certification typically requires attending workshops, participating in births, and continuing education.Experience:Gain hands-on experience by...

Insurance

How to Find Medicaid-Approved Doula in Nebraska?

In Nebraska, there have been discussions and legislative efforts to include doula services under Medicaid coverage, recognizing the potential benefits such as improved birth outcomes and reduced medical costs. Finding a Medicaid-approved doula in Nebraska involves a few steps, particularly because the specifics of Medicaid coverage can vary and the inclusion of doulas under Medicaid is relatively new in some areas. Here’s a general guideline on how you might go about finding a doula under Medicaid coverage in Nebraska:Contact Nebraska Medicaid Services: Reach out directly to the Nebraska Medicaid office or visit their official website. They can provide the most...

Insurance

How to Find Medicaid-Approved Doula in Hawaii?

To find a Medicaid-approved doula in Hawaii, you should start by confirming your Medicaid eligibility and enrolling in a health plan through the Med-QUEST division of Hawaii’s Department of Human Services. Once you have Medicaid coverage, you can access various health services, including doula services for pregnant women, which are covered under the QUEST Integration Medicaid program.Here are some steps you can follow:Check Eligibility and Apply for Medicaid: Determine if you're eligible for Medicaid in Hawaii and apply through the MyBenefits portal or by contacting the Hawaii Connector Call Center. The application can be found at MyBenefits Hawaii.Match with Medicaid-Approved...

Lactation Consultant

Can You Start Your Own Business as a Lactation Consultant?

Yes, starting your own business as a lactation consultant is definitely possible and can be a fulfilling way to practice this profession. Here are some steps and considerations for starting your own lactation consulting business:Certification and Licensing: Ensure you have the necessary certifications, such as being a Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). Check if there are any local regulations or licenses required to practice in your area.Business Plan: Develop a business plan that outlines your services, pricing structure, target market, and strategies for marketing your services. Decide if you will work from an office, visit clients in their homes, or...

Lactation Consultant

Is Being a Lactation Consultant Hard? 4 Reasons

Becoming a lactation consultant can be challenging but also highly rewarding. It involves specialized knowledge and skills, often requiring certification through formal education and training. Here are some aspects that can make the role demanding:Education and Certification: Aspiring lactation consultants typically need to complete coursework and accumulate clinical hours working with mothers and infants. Certification through the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) is a common requirement, which involves passing a comprehensive exam.Emotional Demands: Working closely with new mothers and families can be emotionally taxing. Lactation consultants often support clients through frustrations, discomfort, and sometimes emotional distress related to...

Lactation Consultant

Why are Lactation Consultants So Expensive? 6 Reasons

Lactation consultants can be expensive for several reasons:Specialized Training and Certification: Lactation consultants often undergo extensive training and must achieve certification through recognized programs like the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE). This training involves comprehensive education in human lactation, breastfeeding, and clinical practice. The cost of this education and maintaining certification can contribute to their fees.Expertise and Experience: Lactation consultants offer specialized knowledge and skills to help with a variety of breastfeeding issues, from latching difficulties to milk supply issues, which require a deep understanding of both the physiology of lactation and the emotional needs of the mother...

Lactation Consultant

​Should I become a CLC or IBCLC? 12 Differences

Deciding between becoming a Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) or an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) depends on your career goals, interests, and the level of involvement you wish to have in supporting breastfeeding mothers and infants. Here's a detailed comparison table.AspectCertified Lactation Counselor (CLC)International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)TrainingTypically around 45 hours of educationMore extensive training, including specific educational requirements and clinical practice hoursScopeProvides basic breastfeeding support and education to mothers and infantsConsidered experts in lactation and breastfeeding management, handle complex breastfeeding issues, and provide advanced lactation supportSettingsOften work in hospitals, clinics, or community settingsWork in various settings including...

Lactation Consultant

How to Make More Money as a Lactation Consultant: 5 Strategies

To increase earnings as a lactation consultant, professionals can consider several strategies:Expand Services: Offering a broader range of services can attract more clients. This could include prenatal breastfeeding classes, back-to-work breastfeeding consultations, and support groups. Some consultants also provide telehealth services, which can expand their client base beyond local geographic limits.Private Practice: Establishing a private practice allows lactation consultants to set their own rates and service offerings, often leading to higher income potential compared to salaried positions in hospitals or clinics.Work in High-Demand Locations: Consultants might consider relocating or offering services in high-demand, high-cost areas where professionals can charge higher...

Lactation Consultant

How to Find Massachusetts Lactation Consultants Near me? (2024 Search Guides)

Finding the right lactation consultant in Massachusetts, whether you're looking for an "IBCLC near me" or a "lactation specialist near me," can make a significant difference in your breastfeeding journey. Here’s how to navigate the wealth of options available, a comprehensive search guide from finding a "lactation consultant near me" to accessing specialized services through various online directories. Key Services Offered by Lactation Consultants1. Lactation Consultations: Whether you're searching for a "lactation consultant home visit" or an "online lactation consultant," certified lactation consultants provide crucial support. These professionals, often referred to as "IBCLC lactation consultants" (International Board Certified Lactation Consultants),...