Breastfeeding can be vital to an infant’s growth process. August is National Breastfeeding Awareness Month, a time to build a “landscape of breastfeeding support[1].” This month focuses not only on the benefits of breastmilk, but also on empowering and supporting all mothers achieve their breastfeeding goals.

Did you know that many mothers want to breastfeed but may stop early because of a lack of support and education about breastfeeding in the workplace and public sphere? This month, AFSPA encourages you to help support a breastfeeding mother at work, at the coffee shop, in the park, or truly anywhere around you by being welcoming and accepting of the shared space.

Breastfeeding may reduce the risk for certain health conditions for both mothers and infants[2].  According to the CDC, infants who are breastfed have reduced risk of asthma, obesity, Type 1 diabetes, severe lower respiratory disease, ear infections, sudden infant death syndrome, diarrhea, vomiting, and necrotizing enterocolitis for preterm infants. Breastfeeding can also help lower a mother’s risk of high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, ovarian cancer, and breast cancer[2].

For mothers who want to breastfeed, but don’t produce enough milk, there may be a milk bank near you. If you’re interested in receiving milk from a donating mother, click here to find a milk bank near you.

AFSPA encourages all to learn more about breastfeeding and support breastfeeding mothers around you. For more information on breastfeeding click here.

How AFSPA Can Help

Simple Steps to Living Well Together Program

Take part in our Wellness Program to earn up to $400 in wellness incentives for your first trimester prenatal care visit, a routine annual physical, a cervical cancer screening, a flu or COVID-19 vaccine, and other wellness programs you are eligible to participate in.  The wellness rewards you earn will be applied as Wellness Incentive Fund Account credits to reimburse you for Eligible Medical Expenses like your deductible, coinsurance, and copayments, as defined by IRS Code Section 213(d). You can obtain each reward once per calendar year.

AbleTo

AbleTo is an eight-week, video conference support program designed to address the emotional and behavioral needs of individuals who have just experienced a major life event such as having a baby. You will work with the same therapist and coach each week to set reasonable goals toward healthy lifestyle changes.

If you feel you would benefit from this program, would like more information, or would like to enroll, please call 866-287-1802 or visit AbleTo’s website at www.AbleTo.com/enroll. This program is available to members in the 50 United States.

Health Coaching Program

A Health Coach is a health care professional who partners with you to transform your health goals into action and can help you manage the stress of breastfeeding.

To enroll in a program, contact a Health Coach at 855-406-5122 or 479-973-7168. Coaches are available Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m.– 10:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) and Friday from 8:00 a.m.– 6:00 p.m. ET. You may also enroll online at http://enroll.trestletree.com (passcode: FSBP).

Telehealth Services (Stateside members)

If you have breastfeeding questions, our telehealth services are a great option in seeking a professional opinion. Telehealth consultations are available to members in the 50 United States through Teladoc™.

U.S. board-certified physicians and pediatricians are available 24/7 for a consultation by phone, video, or the Teladoc™ mobile app.

To register for Teladoc™ visit http://www.teladoc.com or call 855-Teladoc (855-835-2362) for more information.

Telehealth Services (Overseas members)

Telehealth consultations are available to members outside the 50 United States through our telehealth vendor, vHealth by Aetna. Access telehealth services 24/7/365 by web, phone, and the vHealth mobile app.

To sign up, download vHealth by Aetna in the App Store or Google Play Store or visit https://globalcareondemand.com/aetna. Call 857-256-3784 (US) or +44 (0) 20 3499 2851 (UK) for information regarding telehealth consultations.

[1] http://www.usbreastfeeding.org/NBM

[2] https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/about-breastfeeding/index.html