Hello all, 
I know that the insurance thread is a couple of weeks old, but I have been
thinking about it.  It seems that we are doing a great many things to
support and promote breastfeeding, but we are not following the money
trail.  Of course, better legislation is needed and helpful, it requires
non discrimination and helps with the governments suppport of bf (ie, WIC,
Medicaid costs etc) but I have always felt that the real bottom line lies
with the insurance companies and their support is desperately needed.  I
know that here, in Switzerland, that the insurance company gives a flat out
rebate to every bf mother.  It isn't a really good reason to bf, but it
certainly sends a message.  My friend from Sweden said that bf is
practically "required", and that you must have doctor's reason to not bf. 
She said that it was the socialized medicine that promoted that, and it is
probably the cost containment that it looked at, as well as the health of
the babies.  So my question is:  Why aren't more insurance companies world
wide (especially in the US) being approached concerning the potential for
cost savings?  If a rebate was given, it could be shared by the parents and
the company, hence perhaps causing the company to even further it's efforts
to support breastfeeding.  Perhaps only doctors that are certifiably bf
friendly (I am not sure what the criteria for this would be, but something
could be put together) could be on the lists of the doctors for the HMO's. 
Of course, Lactation services would be covered, (I think that is already
happening??)  And donor milk could be covered and become the norm.  (it is
the norm here also, it is called "other mother's milk" and you must request
that your baby "not" get it if they think that it is needed )  Is more
happening on this front than I have heard about??  If not, is it more
research that is the key to convincing the insurance companies.  They are
so powerful that I think they would be very helpful in our cause.  Just
wondering??  
Tschuess, 
Merilee Reeder 
Basel, CH  
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