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Lactation Support

Baby sleeping on her mother's chest

Many aspects of returning to work and study after the birth of a child can be overwhelming, and breastfeeding/expressing milk is no exception. The University supports working mothers as they consider the nutritional needs of their young children, and the logistical needs of their life and work. In an effort to support those needs, Notre Dame provides the following resources.

  • Breast Pumps
    • A breast pump is considered Durable Medical Equipment (DME). As such, the cost is covered by most medical plans, including all of Notre Dame’s medical plans offered through Anthem (1 pump per pregnancy). A prescription from your doctor is required and the breast pump must be purchased through an in-network DME provider, not a retail store or pharmacy. 
    • You may contact any of the nationally contracted equipment providers listed below to order your breast pump.  It is recommended to use the online ordering process.  Check out the FAQs on the Anthem member site for further details (login required; click on Benefits and Claims).
    • Mothers have access to a variety of quality pump brands at no cost to them, including Ameda, Evenflo, Lansinoh, Spectra, Medela, Ardo, Haakaa, and Willow.
    • Preparing to Pump (Anthem guide)
  • ND Wellness Center - The Wellness Center has staff that provide lactation and women's health support.
  • LiveHealth Online - Anthem’s digital service provides easy access to lactation consultants, counselors, and registered dieticians.
  • Lactation Rooms - Clean, secure locations for women to express breast milk during their time on campus (faculty, staff, and students)
  • Breastfeeding Resources