Blue Cross Blue Shield has recently made the decision to no longer cover breastfeeding support services provided through The Lactation Network — a change that directly harms new and expecting families in Mississippi and Louisiana.

These services were previously covered at 100%, giving parents access to professional, in-home or virtual lactation care at no cost. In a region where breastfeeding rates are among the lowest in the nation, this support was a vital lifeline — helping families avoid hospital visits, manage complications, and build confidence in feeding their babies.

This decision not only strips away a crucial resource for parents — it also threatens the survival of small, community-based lactation consultant practices. These are often women-owned, locally-run businesses that have long served families with compassion and evidence-based care. Without insurance reimbursement, many of these providers will be forced to close their doors.

We call on Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mississippi and Louisiana to:

Reinstate coverage for lactation services provided through The Lactation Network

Protect access to breastfeeding support for families in underserved communities

Support small healthcare businesses that make personalized maternal and infant care possible

Removing this coverage sets families up to fail. Restoring it is an investment in healthier babies, stronger communities, and long-term cost savings for the healthcare system.

Please sign and share to demand action. Our babies, our families, and our providers deserve better.