Breast Feeding & Lactation Services

Lactation Services

Reasons to see a consultant before you deliver: You want to learn as much as you can about breastfeeding; if you had breastfeeding or lactation difficulty in the past; expecting more than one baby or a baby who may be sick or early; you have a history of breast surgery and wonder if it will affect your breastfeeding; you think your breasts or nipples look odd to you or are very different from each other; or you worry that something about your health might make it hard to breastfeed.

Reasons to see a Lactation Consultant after you deliver: If you are concerned about your baby’s weight; you have questions and concerns about how your infant is acting during or after feeding; you feel you may have too much or too little milk; your provider or your baby’s provider sends you for help or you or your baby is hospitalized during the time you are a nursing couple.

A Lactation Consultant can help you identify the cause of a problem affecting breastfeeding for milk production; make suggestions about how to correct a problem; work with you to decide on a plan of care; suggest supplies or tools you can use to improve your breastfeeding experience (some supplies are provided during consultations if the Lactation Consultant confirms there is a need); provide you with written education and/or instructions; share information about other breastfeeding support and resources in the community; and provide follow-up consultations as needed.

Breastfeeding Classes and Peer Support at BACH

Third Trimester Breastfeeding Class: Covers position and latch techniques, how to assess for milk transfer from mother to infant, how human milk production occurs, and reviews common breastfeeding concerns.

Pump Programs

How do I get a breast pump?

1. Get a prescription.

• Your prescription must be from a TRICARE-authorized doctor, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or nurse midwife.
• Your prescription must show if you’re getting a basic manual or standard electric pump.
• To get a hospital-grade pump, you need to work with your provider and TRICARE contractor to get a referral and authorization. Your prescription doesn’t have to specify a brand.
• If you’re going to get your breast pump from a network provider or durable medical equipment supplier, ask your provider to include a diagnosis code on your prescription.
• We suggest you make a copy of your prescription for your records

2. Get a pump. 

• If you don’t want to pay up front, contact your TRICARE contractor to find a network provider or supplier.
• You need to show your prescription.  If you want to get your pump from a military clinic or hospital, follow their processes and procedures. 
• If you don’t mind paying up front, go to a TRICARE-authorized provider, supplier, or vendor (includes retail and online stores).
• Make sure to save and copy your receipt. You won’t need to show your prescription. 

3. File a claim. 

• If you use a network provider or supplier, you don’t have to file a claim. 
• If you bought the pump yourself, you have to fill out a DD Form 2642, attach a copy of the prescription and receipt, and mail it to your TRICARE claims processor.
• The TRICARE contractor will mail you a check.