A woman researching The Lactation Network website for breastfeeding support and lactation services.
October 13, 2024
By TLN

Is The Lactation Network legit?

Clinically reviewed by: Demi Lucas
Last updated: October 11, 2024

​​​What is The Lactation Network?

Is The Lactation Network legit?

What is lactation support?

How does The Lactation Network insurance work?
 
Even if you haven’t Googled these questions or phrases, we know hundreds have. We get it — millions of parents in the U.S. find it hard to believe that fully insurance-covered care exists (of any kind — least of all, lactation care). We’re aware that support for breastfeeding parents is not where it should be. After all, it’s why we exist.

Generations of mothers and parents have given much of their time and energy to meet their babies’ needs and deserve holistic, clinical support. So we’re doing the work to provide expert, insurance-covered breastfeeding support for families navigating postpartum and breastfeeding (because parents shouldn’t have to deal with the gap between health plans and the care they need).

We meet parents daily who assume breastfeeding support is a luxury, wasn’t a healthcare need, or isn’t accessible to them. It’s as if parents have been conditioned to believe that this level of care isn’t for them, that they must forge ahead on this journey alone. The Lactation Network has provided over half a million lactation care visits since we began in 2016, diligently aiming to change that narrative and experience.

As the first and only company of its kind, it’s not surprising that people are often amazed when they hear about us. Many find themselves wondering, ‘Is The Lactation Network for real?’ and let us assure you, we absolutely are! We’ve provided hundreds of thousands of visits to thousands of families across the country with no signs of slowing down. The proof is in the demand (which speaks volumes about how incredibly vital lactation care is).

While the need for breastfeeding and postpartum care has always been crucial, the honesty about — and advocacy for — that need is still playing catch-up. This work is just the beginning — and families everywhere finally have access to the care they’ve deserved all along.

What is The Lactation Network?

At TLN, we believe lactation care is a right, not a privilege — this simple yet powerful idea drives everything we do. We’re committed to making sure every family has access to expert lactation care because breastfeeding has long-term health benefits for both parents and babies. For example, breastfeeding builds your baby’s immunity, may enhance your baby’s brain function, lowers the risk of postpartum depression, and decreases certain cancers and other illnesses for both the infant and breastfeeding parent. The AAP and WHO recommend exclusively breastfeeding for the first six months of a baby’s life and continuing to breastfeed through age 2 and beyond if desired with complimentary foods introduced at the 6 month mark. But the reality in America tells a different story. While 84% of families start out nursing, only 24% are still exclusively breastfeeding at the six-month mark.

That’s where we come in. We’re here to close that gap so more families get the expert, insurance-covered care they deserve, and continue to breastfeed for as long as they would like to. With the largest network of International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) in the country, we’re helping families meet their breastfeeding goals — because we know breastfeeding requires expert care and support.

We’re building a network where caregivers can thrive, where lactation consultants can grow their practices while delivering life-changing care, and where no family feels like they’re on an island during this journey.

Our mission goes far beyond just providing care. We’re creating a future where lactation care is visible, accessible, and a guaranteed part of the postpartum experience. The need is enormous, but we won’t stop until every family has the support they deserve.

What is an IBCLC?

An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) is a healthcare professional with the highest level of expertise in lactation care. These specialists are highly credentialed, having undergone rigorous training and certification to help families navigate the challenges of breastfeeding. Their deep understanding of breastfeeding complexities, from latching difficulties to milk supply issues, enables them to provide personalized care that meets the unique needs of both the parent and the baby.

Schedule a visit with an expert lactation consultant

These compassionate professionals play a critical role in fostering a positive breastfeeding experience. They work one-on-one with families, often offering visits in the comfort of home, providing tailored guidance, hands-on support, and solutions that make breastfeeding a successful journey. Whether it’s answering questions, providing reassurance, or developing a customized care plan, IBCLCs are there every step of the way.

IBCLCs are the experts you want by your side when it comes to breastfeeding. They empower and support families in creating a healthy, fulfilling feeding relationship.

Common questions about The Lactation Network

Is The Lactation Network legit?

Absolutely! The Lactation Network partners exclusively with International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs), the most highly certified professionals in the lactation care field.

Are lactation consultations from The Lactation Network really covered by insurance?

Every lactation consultation TLN IBCLCs provide is completely covered by insurance. Although some IBCLCs may have practice-related travel or administrative fees, the majority of visits come at absolutely no cost to the family.

How does TLN work?

TLN works with health plans to connect families with expert IBCLCs for in-home, in-office, or telehealth appointments. With the largest network of IBCLCs across all 50 states and Washington D.C., TLN provides expert, clinical lactation care tailored to unique family needs, wherever you are.

What health plans do TLN’s IBCLCs use?

The Lactation Network is in-network with most PPO plans from Blue Cross, Blue Shield, United Healthcare and Anthem as well as many plans that use MultiPlan and PNOA. These plans offer as many prenatal and postpartum visits as medically indicated at no out-of-pocket cost to you. (However, travel and administrative fees may apply depending on your distance from our International Board Certified Lactation Consultants.)

In a country where healthcare isn’t yet fully accessible to all and quite expensive to get for many, The Lactation Network may sound too good to be true —  but we assure you, it’s not. Families deserve this care, and we’re here to help ensure they get it. Find answers to more common breastfeeding questions or connect with an expert IBCLC ally.

If you have any additional questions about lactation care and breastfeeding support, reach out to The Lactation Network via email: ​​[email protected].

Get the care you deserve

We’re here for you, every step of the way. We work with your insurance to provide in-home, in-office, or telehealth visits with an IBCLC.