Dear Lactnetters:

I really enjoyed the thread on how to talk to families of sick babies to
encourage them to express milk for their infants.  What compassion and
reason everyone provided!

I'm curious about what the hospital administration/billing and insurance
companies think about this?  Has anyone had this kind of situation where
the mom was willing, but then gets 'stuck' with the bill from the
hospital, or the ins. co. refuses to pay for a pump/kit?  Is the pump
and kit merely included with lump-sum items automatically paid by ins.
co's. for a NICU stay?  What about the baby that survives and thrives
but is not able to sustain mom's milk supply at discharge -- is having a
pump rental paid by ins. co. a factor in her willingness/ability to
continue to provide baby with human milk and/or breastfeed?

This may seem a little 'cold-hearted', but Chief Financial Officers are
not necessarily reputed for their compassion -- they're primarily
interested in the bottom line.  Patient health and satisfaction seem a
bit lower on the list of priorities.

I don't work in a hospital or NICU, but am really interested in the
'economic' issues surrounding breastfeeding.

You can email me privately or post to list, whatever works for you.

TIA
Doraine Bailey
Breastfeeding Support Services
Lexington-Fayette Co. (KY, USA) Health Dept.

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