Council Member Santosuosso advocates for lactation insurance coverage

Thank you, Chair.

There is overwhelming evidence that breastfeeding provides a multitude of health benefits to babies and their caregivers.

Difficulties early on often force people to discount breastfeeding, many times without seeking professional advice or support.

Research suggests that many of the disparities are further rooted in systemic racism, which further perpetuates health disparities later in life.

The U.S.

Department of Health and Human Services has reaffirmed that international board-certified lactation consultants and

other professionals are equipped to help parents navigate their challenges with breastfeeding.

This greatly improves the chance that families will reach their infant feeding goals.

Given the clear health benefits to children and child caregivers, there's no reason that lactation consultation should not be covered by health insurance companies in the state of New York.

This resolution calls on the governor and state legislature to draft and pass legislation that will ensure all New Yorkers have access to these critical services without having to pay out of pocket.

And as a new mom and as a mom who is nursing, I will just say that nursing can be very difficult.

It requires a lot of support.

It requires those around you who can help you make sure that it's done effectively.

And it's a shame that all too often these, that consultations and resources are not covered by insurance.

And that's one of the reasons that would-be nursing moms, you know, are not successful in being able to nurse.

And so this resolution is important to me, and I hope that we can get it passed, calling on the state to make sure that insurance is not a reason why a mom cannot choose breastfeeding for herself and for her child.

Thank you so much.