Beginning Right® Maternity Program

Get help from the time you start planning a family, through your pregnancy and well after your baby is born. Once you’ve enrolled in our Beginning Right^® Maternity Program, you can receive:

• Educational materials (available in English and Spanish) on prenatal care, labor and delivery, newborn care and more
• A pregnancy risk survey to help determine whether a risk for certain complications exists
• A preterm labor program to support high-risk women
• Access to specially trained nurses for high-risk mothers-to-be
• One-on-one counseling to help pregnant women quit smoking

The facts about breastfeeding

Deciding whether or not to breastfeed is a very personal choice. Below are a few research-based facts about the importance of breast milk that may help inform your choice:

Breastfeeding benefits for baby:

• Helps the baby’s immune system mature. This protects the baby from infections and increases the effectiveness of immunizations.
• Gives babies greater emotional security and enhances bonding with mom.
• The benefits appear to last even after the baby has stopped breastfeeding.
   

Breastfeeding benefits for mom:

• Increases the rate of weight loss in most nursing mothers.
• Women report benefits such as increased self-confidence and a stronger sense of connection with their babies.
• Combined with getting milk with a breast pump, breastfeeding costs far less than baby formula.

Breast pumps

Check your Aetna plan. You may be able to buy a breast pump and supplies from one of our suppliers at no charge or at a discounted rate. Covered items may include:

• A standard electric pump (non-hospital-grade) while you are pregnant or for the duration of breastfeeding, once every three years, or
• A manual breast pump while pregnant or for the duration of breastfeeding, if you have not received an electric or a manual breast pump in the last three years, and 
• Another set of breast pump supplies if you get pregnant again before you are eligible for a new pump

Byram Healthcare (1-877-902-9726)
Edwards Health Care Services (1-888-344-3434)
Edgepark Medical Supplies (1-800-321-0591)
Genadyne Biotechnologies (Lucina Care) (1-888-809-9750)
Yummy Mummy (1-855-879-8669)
Sunmed (1-800-714-7434)
Sterling Medical (1-888-220-5010)

Lactation consultants

Many Aetna plans also cover up to six visits with a lactation consultant if you need support with breastfeeding. Your in-network ob/gyn or pediatrician may offer these services through his or her office.

Protecting your baby from harmful medication

Almost anything you eat, drink or apply to your body can affect your baby while you are pregnant or breastfeeding. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has a scale that shows the risk of taking certain medicines during pregnancy. The ranking is included with all prescription drugs.

• Category A drugs have been tested for safety during pregnancy and have been found to be safe.
• Category B drugs have been used a lot during pregnancy and do not appear to cause major birth defects or other problems.
• Category C drugs are more likely to cause problems for the mother or fetus.
• Category D drugs have clear health risks for the fetus.
• Category X drugs have been shown to cause birth defects and should never be taken during pregnancy.

Talk to your doctor for advice on the best ways to keep both you and your baby safe.