Lactation Care: Advocating for Equitable Access at the Ohio Department of Medicaid

Abstract

Background: Lactation consultants understand the mechanisms and research supporting breastfeeding's positive impact on infant mortality reduction, including lifelong health outcomes and associated cost savings. Lactation services can enhance the success of programs intended to improve infant mortality rates, health outcomes, and cost effectiveness. Program: As leaders serving the Ohio Lactation Consultant Association (OLCA), we pursued engagement with Ohio Department of Medicaid policy chiefs to ensure incorporation of these facts as programs are created to improve health and optimize allocation of Medicaid resources. Result: After a productive meeting, we specifically proposed that professional lactation services be standard care and fully integrated across the healthcare continuum regardless of setting and ability to pay.