Frequently Asked Questions
Check out our FAQ below and don’t hesitate to reach out day or night to get you the answers you deserve.
What is baby feeding and breastfeeding support by SimpliFed?
SimpliFed provides virtual judgment-free breastfeeding and baby feeding support from pregnancy to weaning. We offer inclusive baby feeding support for everyone, whether it is breastfeeding, chestfeeding, formula feeding, breast pumping, or donor milk. You can text us, call us, or sign up via our website to get started. Then we help get you started getting access to the care you deserve right away! Even if you don't meet us in pregnancy, we are happy to start working with you when you need us.
We love to start working with you during pregnancy to learn about your goals and provide information about what baby feeding looks like once baby has arrived. Then after baby is born, we continue to meet with you virtually along the way complimenting your in-person care, whether you’re struggling with latching, have questions about supply or pump schedules, deciding to wean, transitioning to returning to work, choosing a formula or understanding combo feeding. We trust moms to make the best decision for their families along their baby feeding journey, and we are here to support and encourage you!
Who are your providers?
Our team of providers are highly qualified, vetted lactation consultants, nurses, nurse practitioners, physicians assistants, registered dieticians, and midwives. They are allied health professionals who provide inclusive, judgment-free feeding support to new parents surrounding feeding their baby whether they are breast/chest feeding, formula feeding, breast pumping, or using donor milk. Our lactation consultants are International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs). This credential means that the lactation consultant has done extensive training and many hours of practical, clinical experience with parents and their infants. Essentially, if you encounter issues when feeding your baby, then they are here to support you!”
How can I tell if my health plan covers your services?
You can check your health plan coverage via this link here and we will get back to you within 1 business day. Breastfeeding support is a covered benefit under the Affordable Care Act. Health insurance plans must provide breastfeeding support, counseling, and equipment for the duration of breastfeeding. These services may be provided before and after birth.
What if my health plan does not cover SimpliFed?
We’ve got your back. Although we are not in-network with your insurance, we'd be happy to contact them on your behalf to learn about what your benefit does cover. You always have the option to self-pay, or use FSA/HSA dollars to cover the cost of care!. Our team of Allies will be happy to answer your questions and advocate on your behalf to find the best way to get you the care you deserve! We’re honored to go to bat for you and your family and to join your support team! If so, you can fill out this link here. And you can read more about Feeding Support and the Affordable Care Act here: https://www.healthcare.gov/coverage/breast-feeding-benefits/
Are health plans required to cover breastfeeding support?
Insurers are required to provide comprehensive lactation support and counseling, and cover the cost of a breast pump. Plans cannot charge a patient a copayment, coinsurance, or deductible for these services when they are delivered by a network provider (and plans must offer a network provider). The “new” rules in the health care law requiring coverage of these services took effect on or after Aug. 1, 2012—for most health insurance plans. The Affordable Care Act requires insurance providers to cover certain preventive services, including breastfeeding support, supplies, and counseling, at no cost to you.
Learn more here: https://www.simplifed.com/itsyourright
What if I don’t have health insurance?
We are here to support you judgment-free and would be honored to provide you with a free, 15-minute virtual appointment.
How do I get in touch with you?
Text or call us at 888-458-1364, email team@simplifed.us or fill out this form to sign up to start getting care.
Is your platform all virtual?
Yes! Our platform is 100% virtual and you can access our services at a scheduled time or on-demand within minutes 24/7 from the comfort and safety of your own phone. You can use your smartphone, tablet or computer to access the services via audio-only or video. You do not have to turn on your video if you don’t want!
Do I have to turn on my video?
You do not need to turn on your video. This is not required for us to provide you with high quality care.
Do I have to show my boob?
Nope! Our providers can help provide support whether you turn on our camera or not. We are here to support you in whatever way you feel most comfortable.
Do you provide support to those that are formula feeding fully or combo feeding?
Absolutely. We provide inclusive baby feeding support judgment-free no matter how you feed your baby.
What if I don't have a good internet connection?
Never fear. We can do audio-only if you do not have great internet. Also we can work with you to get access to wifi support to help support you in getting care. Sign up for our services and we will work to get you the resources you need to access our care.
Do you work with employers?
We do! Contact us by filling out this form, texting or calling us at 888-458-1364, and we will send you information to share with your employer. We partner with Milk Stork who works with employers to provide employees with access to this necessary service.
How long does it take to get an appointment?
We can schedule same day appointments, have night and weekend availability, and will help to schedule appointments in advance, too! Many of our patients like to schedule an appointment in the last trimester, then get an appointment on the calendar for a few days after baby's due date.
Do you work with parents during pregnancy?
Yes please! This is our preference because we can work with you to get you prepared for feeding your baby. This appointment is covered without cost sharing.
Can I pay for my appointment without insurance, or out of pocket?
Absolutely! Sign up via our website to begin accessing care.
Do you take HSA/FSA?
Absolutely! Sign up via our website to begin accessing care or call or text our Allies who can help answer your questions about HSA/FSA!
Why do you provide care virtually via telehealth?
SimpliFed provides care virtually to complement in-person care delivery and improve access to ongoing care for families. Telehealth provides continuity of care for parents and reduces health plan costs. It also allows moms to access care from wherever works for them, whenever they need it. Lastly, telehealth removes traditional barriers to care such as lack of transportation, difficulty getting out of the house with a baby and other children, and challenges navigating sparse provider networks.
Is breastfeeding and baby support a real clinical speciality?
It is! Lactation and breastfeeding support is a clinical specialty proven to increase breastfeeding initiation and duration and is included in the ACA as a covered benefit.
What are moms saying about SimpliFed?
- “Being able to schedule via text was so easy as a mom with a newborn! I also really appreciated the virtual nature of the conversation. I was able to have the consultation in my car while waiting for my newborn's older sibling to have their doc appointment. I got my questions answered so quickly without having to drag the family to another office!”
- “My Provider was so helpful and helped ease the worries I had about my supply and that I needed to supplement with formula. She was compassionate and really cared about helping me. I left the appointment feeling so much better!”
And Dad’s love us too!
- “Our Provider was knowledgeable, friendly and supportive-Thank you so much! We really appreciate all your support! She was great! We already have our insurance claim order in for a new pump! We are looking forward to the coming days with our new education/understanding for breastfeeding “
How do health plans partner with SimpliFed?
We work with commercial, Medicaid, Marketplace and TRICARE health plans to improve access to breastfeeding support. These benefits improve breastfeeding initiation and duration, as well as health outcomes, clinical quality and member engagement, while reducing cost and utilization. Please fill out this short form to start collaborating.
Is breastfeeding support a mandated benefit?
Insurers are required to provide comprehensive lactation support and counseling, and cover the cost of a breast pump. Plans cannot charge a patient a copayment, coinsurance, or deductible for these services when they are delivered by a network provider (and plans must offer a network provider). The rules of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) requiring coverage of these services took effect on or after Aug. 1, 2012—for most health insurance plans. The ACA requires insurance providers to cover certain preventive services, including breastfeeding support, supplies, and counseling, at no cost to you. Also please see this resource from American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) with further details.
Can providers refer to you?
Yes! We work with healthcare systems across the United States who refer to us as the baby feeding and breastfeeding specialists. In particular, we commonly work with OB/GYNs, midwives, pediatricians, nurse practitioners, nurses, care managers, women’s health providers, community doulas, WIC, and primary care providers who refer directly to us during pregnancy or postpartum. We provide ongoing care covered by health plans. Please fill out this short form to start collaborating.
How do you work with in-person care delivery?
Our approach is 100% virtual designed to complement in-person care as part of the perinatal care experience. This provides continuity of care for parents from the clinic, hospital or birth center, or wherever else they access healthcare. SimpliFed provides care virtually to augment in-person care delivery and improve access to ongoing care for families. Telehealth provides continuity of care for parents and reduces health plan costs. It also allows moms to access care from wherever works for them, whenever they need it. Lastly, telehealth removes traditional barriers to care such as lack of transportation, difficulty getting out of the house with a baby and other children, and challenges navigating sparse provider networks.
What is the evidence behind breastfeeding and baby feeding support?
There is a whole body of evidence surrounding baby feeding support provided by IBCLCs. As one example, a study found that women supported by IBCLCs with instruction and support for breastfeeding were more than four times as likely to fully breastfeed their infant at one month and nearly three times more likely to breastfeed at three months, compared with the control group.
How do you measure quality?
Through our care experience, SimpliFed aims to track breastfeeding outcomes, maternal mental health, healthcare utilization, and patient and provider satisfaction. We look at breastfeeding initiation and duration, attendance to postpartum visits according to ACOG guidance, net promoter score (currently above 80!), and postpartum depression screening.
Can’t find your answer?
We are so sorry that you didn’t see your question here. You can get in touch with us below to get you an answer ASAP. You deserve it.
