Strong as a Mother

08/28/2026

Hey all, it’s Lauren.

I am so sorry to be writing this post, but I want to make sure I am being as transparent as possible with my clients about the financial responsibility associated with lactation visits.

As many of you have likely seen online—both on my page and on other lactation pages across the country—UnitedHealthcare is making changes to how they process lactation visits beginning September 1, 2026.

Under this policy change, the billing code that UnitedHealthcare accepts from lactation consultants is being limited to the lactating parent only. This does not account for the comprehensive assessment and care we provide to the infant during a joint parent-and-baby lactation appointment.

Because of this change, we anticipate that cost-sharing may be applied to the infant’s portion of the visit beginning 9/1/2026.

Unfortunately, I do not have any additional details from UnitedHealthcare at this time. As soon as I have more information, I will update my website and financial policies to provide as much clarity and transparency as possible.

I know this is frustrating—and honestly, it is frustrating for us, too. This is not a change being made by lactation consultants or individual practices. Lactation consultants across the country have been advocating and pushing back against this policy since we first received information about it.

If you have UnitedHealthcare insurance and this change may affect your ability to access lactation care, I strongly encourage you to contact UHC directly and let them know how this policy affects YOU and your family. Ask questions. Express your concerns. Your voice matters.

Ultimately, changes like this have the potential to create additional financial barriers for families who are seeking evidence-based lactation support, and that is something I care deeply about.

I am truly sorry for the uncertainty this may create. I will continue to keep my clients informed as I learn more.

As always, please reach out with any questions. I will answer them as best I can with the information I have.

08/17/2026

Still shouting from the rooftops the change that the largest insurance carrier in the U.S. is making to lactation coverage as of 9/1/26. Shame on UnitedHealthcare

Please share.

The U.S.’s largest health insurer will halve payment for skilled lactation care, a change the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE), the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM), and the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN), warn will limit new families’ access to care.

Learn more about this change beginning September 1. https://iblce.org/2026/08/06/press-release-a-3-billion-problem-cutting-lactation-care-costs-more-than-it-saves/

08/05/2026

As an IBCLC, I am often turning to the Infant Risk Center for info on medications for my breastfeeding clients/pregnant clients! Check out this giveaway during World Breastfeeding Week!

🌎🤱 Happy World Breastfeeding Week!

Breastfeeding is more than nutrition. It is an investment in healthier families, stronger communities, and a healthier world. Supporting breastfeeding helps improve infant and maternal health, reduces healthcare costs, and gives babies the healthiest possible start in life.

At the InfantRisk Center, we're proud to support that mission every day. Every phone call we answer, every medication we evaluate, every resource we create, and every healthcare professional we educate helps parents make informed, evidence based decisions. When families have access to accurate information, they are empowered to continue breastfeeding safely and confidently when it is right for them.

This week, we're celebrating the healthcare professionals who make that possible!

🎉 GIVEAWAY! 🎉

To celebrate World Breastfeeding Week, we're giving away a 3 month subscription to the InfantRisk HCP App, your trusted resource for evidence based medication safety information during pregnancy and lactation.

Just download the app from your app store and you should be good to go. Let us know if you have any issues, and we'll be happy to help.

Together, we can ensure that every family has access to the knowledge and support they need to make informed decisions about breastfeeding.

Happy World Breastfeeding Week! 💙

08/02/2026

This post goes out in celebration of World Breastfeeding Week 2026!

As an IBCLC, I've learned that breastfeeding is rarely just about milk. It's about love, resilience, sacrifice, healing, and showing up—even when it's hard.

This World Breastfeeding Week, I don't just celebrate breastfeeding.

I celebrate the parents who keep going.
The late-night pump sessions.
The hard decisions.
The tiny victories.
The unwavering love behind every feed.

However your feeding journey has unfolded, I hope you know this:

You were never meant to do it alone.
You are enough.
You are stronger than you think.

Thank you to every family who has trusted me to be part of your story. It is truly the greatest honor.

Happy World Breastfeeding Week. 🤍

07/24/2026

I've been keeping a secret... 🤫

And it has been SO hard not to share!

I am beyond excited to officially welcome Rachel Leibson, RN, BSN, IBCLC to the Strong as a Mother, LLC team! 💙

Rachel brings over a decade of experience as both an inpatient and outpatient IBCLC, along with a compassionate, evidence-based approach to supporting families through their infant feeding journeys. Her warmth, expertise, and dedication make her an incredible addition to our practice, and I can't wait for you to meet her! Rachel will be available for both in home and virtual visits, starting in early August!

Please join us in giving Rachel a warm Strong as a Mother welcome! 🎉 We are so excited for the amazing care she'll provide to the families we serve.

07/22/2026

Flanges? Yeah... we got that. 😉

Actually, we've got all of them.

From 9 mm to 24 mm, plus multiple shapes and styles, I bring a complete fl**ge fitting kit to every consult so we can find what's truly comfortable and effective for your body.

Because the right fl**ge size can make a world of difference in comfort, milk removal, and your overall pumping experience.

Strong as a Mother means personalized care, down to the last millimeter.

07/14/2026

Important Update for Blue Cross Blue Shield Members

Strong as a Mother, LLC is a member of the Lactation Consultants of America (LCA) network, a national organization that provides insurance billing support for hundreds of lactation practices across the United States.

LCA has informed us that, effective immediately, appointments for patients with Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance are temporarily on hold. This decision was made because Blue Cross Blue Shield is currently not processing or paying lactation claims, making it unsustainable for LCA-affiliated practices to continue providing in-network services while claims remain unpaid. This is a nationwide issue affecting lactation providers and the families they serve—not just Strong as a Mother.

If you are insured through Blue Cross Blue Shield, we encourage you to contact the Member Services number on the back of your insurance card and request to file a grievance. Please explain that you are unable to access medically necessary, in-network lactation care because lactation claims are not currently being paid. Hearing directly from members can help raise awareness of the impact this issue is having on postpartum families and access to essential care.

If you need lactation support during this time, we are still available to see you as a self-pay patient. Should Blue Cross Blue Shield resume processing and paying lactation claims, we will share updates as soon as they become available.

We understand how difficult and disappointing this situation is. Feeding challenges often require timely support and cannot be postponed while insurance issues are resolved. We remain hopeful that this interruption will be temporary and sincerely appreciate your patience, understanding, and advocacy as we work through this situation together.

Strong as a Mother, LLC
Lauren Cascone, MSN, RNC-OB, IBCLC

06/30/2026

Renewed my IBCLC cert through 12/2031. Hurray!

06/02/2026

Here we go again with insurance. Please join me and other lactation professionals and parents alike in fighting back against UHC lactation policy changes.

05/21/2026

Clocked out for the last time at the hospital on the postpartum unit. Grateful for the opportunity to work with some fantastic healthcare professionals. I thoroughly enjoyed my last two years working there, but am super excited at the growth of and that I am able to be fully self employed to enable more time to devote to the feeding journeys of families who trust in the care I provide.