Breast-feeding Resources
Breast milk is the best food for your baby. It’s made especially for your baby, and it’s easier for infants to digest than formula. Breast milk also doesn’t need to be mixed or heated. Breast-feeding for even a short time can help keep your baby from getting infections, illnesses, and allergies.
Get help
If you have questions about breast-feeding, talk to your doctor or midwife. For breast-feeding help, you also can contact:
- The WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) Breast-feeding Referral Line at 1-877-214-BABY (1-877-214-2229). You’ll be connected with your local WIC agency where you can get breast-feeding resources.
- La Leche League at 612-922-4996. La Leche is a volunteer organization that organizes breast-feeding support groups and has local breast-feeding volunteers who can help you. When you call the number, you will get information about how to call the volunteers. You may have to leave a voice message with your phone number so they can call you back.
- The hospital where you had your baby.
- Your primary care clinic or OB clinic. If your primary care clinic doesn't have a lactation consultant, they can refer you to someone who can help.
Free breast pumps
If you have to be away from your baby and would like a breast pump, UCare will give you one at no charge, if you are eligible. To order a breast pump for home delivery, PMAP, MinnesotaCare, and UCare Complete members can call UCare Customer Services at 612-676-3200 or 1-800-203-7225 (toll free). Hours of service are 7:45 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. UCare Connect members can call UCare Customer Services at 612-676-6868 or 1-866-280-7202 (toll free). Hours of service are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week. TTY/hearing impaired: 612-676-6810 or 1-800-688-2534 (toll free).
You also can call any Durable Medical Equipment (DME) vendor listed in your Provider Directory to get a breast pump. Or go to the Find A Doctor page, select your state, then select your UCare health plan, and choose "Durable Medical Equipment Vendor" under "Specialty." Then enter your city or county to find a provider near you.