Does My Insurance Plan Cover Private Lactation Consultant Care?
“Does my health insurance plan cover private Lactation Consultant care? Breast pumps? Infant feeding supplies?”
If you have asked these questions, you are in the right place. This guide explains how lactation services can be covered in Nova Scotia, the difference between MSI and private health insurance, and how to check your private insurance plan for benefits.
UNDERSTANDING HEALTH COVERAGE FOR LACTATION CONSULTANT CARE IN NOVA SCOTIA
In Canada, our taxes fund universal health care. This means that many core health services are publicly funded, and we do not have to make a payment at the point of care. Private health care services may also be known as “fee for service”.
Nova Scotia’s health authority is working hard to make sure that prenatal and postpartum services are accessible. The Public Health Early Years Program offers excellent support through pregnancy, postpartum, and early childhood. Your primary care provider can also provide options for care in your area.
However, sometimes:
You can’t access the care you need when you need it
Services are not available in your community
The support you receive doesn’t fully meet your needs
That’s where private lactation support can fill the gap. Sweet Pea Lactation Consulting is committed to helping families understand their options, ask informed questions, and receive timely, personalized infant feeding and lactation support.
DOES MSI COVER PRIVATE HEALTH CARE OR LACTATION CONSULTANT FEES?
Short answer: no.
MSI (your Nova Scotia provincial health card) does not cover private health services. However - your employers health insurance plan may cover perinatal care services. This could include:
Registered Nurse home care
Lactation Consuultant (IBCLC) support
Breast pumps
Infant feeding supplies
Coverage varies significantly between providers and individual plans, which is why it is important to ask. Navigating health insurance coverage can feel stressful, especially when you are trying to access support quickly. Below is a simple guide to help.
HOW TO CHECK YOUR INSURANCE COVERAGE
Start by logging into your online benefits portal. You can also call your insurance provider directly and ask the following:
✔️ 1. What services are covered, and how much is covered?
Examples:
Lactation consultant visits
Infant feeding assessments
Postpartum Registered Nurse home visits
Feeding supplies or equipment
✔️ 2. Do I need a prescription?
Your family doctor, nurse practitioner, or virtual care provider can write a prescription for “infant feeding support.”
✔️ 3. Is there a co-pay?
Ask whether:
insurance pays a portion
you are responsible for the remainder
✔️ 4. What about Health Spending Accounts?
If lactation consultants are not directly covered, you may be able to submit receipts through your Health Spending Account (HSA).
If your plan does not cover Lactation Consultants you still have options:
✔️ Talk to your insurance provider and ask whether this coverage is available in a different plan tier/option.
✔️ Ask your employer to add this benefit. Many extended health plans include chiropractic care, massage therapy, physiotherapy, or other allied health services. Lactation support is increasingly recognized as essential postpartum care.
FREE DOWNLOAD: ADVOCACY LETTERS FOR EMPLOYERS & INSURANCE PROVIDERS
Would you like to request coverage?
Download our FREE letter template to help you advocate for lactation consultant benefits.
Advocacy Letter for Employer (click here)
Advocacy Letter for Insurance Company (click here)
These letters have been adapted from the Canadian Lactation Consultant Association (CLCA) who continue to work tirelessly toward recognition and coverage for IBCLC’s through private and public health care.
Advocating for coverage helps your family access vital care - and expands access for all families.
OTHER WAYS TO ACCESS INFANT FEEDING AND LACTATION SUPPORT
Any out-of-pocket expenses for health care services can be claimed on your taxes, so save your receipts.
Sweet Pea Lactation Consulting offers compassionate pricing for families experiencing financial challenges. No documentation or proof if income in required - simply request this option and we will work together to find a rate that fits your needs.
You can also ask whether your lactation provider offers:
Referral discounts
Sliding-scale rates
Flexible payment options
ADDITIONAL INFANT FEEDING RESOURCES (NOVA SCOTIA & ONLINE)
Public Health Early Years Program (you can self refer at anytime in pregnancy and postpartum)
La Leche League Canada (online and in-person support available)
