As of May 16, 2025, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama has ended its partnership with The Lactation Network, leaving the majority of Gulf Coast families without affordable, insurance-covered access to breastfeeding services. This change has affected more than 80% of Gulf Coast Lactation’s clients, putting vital prenatal and postpartum care even further out of reach.

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In response, Gulf Coast Lactation, led by Scotty Thomson, RN, BSN, IBCLC, is stepping up to meet this urgent need. As a nonprofit organization, we are committed to offering FREE breastfeeding services to families across the Gulf Coast—before and after birth. Meeting with an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant before and after birth builds confidence, ensures your baby is feeding well, and gives you the expert support you need to feel informed, empowered, and never alone.

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“Every family deserves access to compassionate, expert lactation care—regardless of income or insurance. But when Blue Cross Blue Shield ended its partnership with The Lactation Network, thousands of families lost access to International Board Certified Lactation Consultants overnight. Even before this change, many women faced barriers to outpatient lactation care due to restrictive insurance billing policies. We’re working to close that gap—because feeding your baby should never depend on your income or insurance card.” — Scotty Thomson

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We are thrilled to announce the upcoming opening of the Gulf Coast Lactation Center in Daphne, AL, coming August 2025. This safe space will provide free, in-person prenatal and postpartum lactation support—but we can’t do it without you.

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We’re working toward a $25,000 fundraising goal to open our doors and keep them open for every family in need. JOIN US NOW!