Breastfeeding: How Can my FSA Help?

Pregnancy is an exciting time, and your FSA can play a role in it, too! After all, you're getting ready to welcome your bundle of joy to the world and expand your family. Admittedly, you might also have lots of questions about breastfeeding, your baby's health, your own health and necessary checkups, and much more, and that's understandable!

Questions might come including: What type of breast pump should you buy? Are there accessories? What health screenings do you need? Will insurance or an FSA cover expenses involved pre-birth?

Luckily, an FSA can help in a variety of ways.

Let's start by taking a look at some of the basics and expand into which baby care products and services your FSA can cover.

FSA Eligible Services Before Baby

Before baby's arrival, you'll be visiting various healthcare specialists to get the necessary care and guidance to make baby's arrival as smooth as possible. A Flexible Spending Account or FSA can used for many services, but if you or your spouse have questions about specific expenses, it's best to ask your FSA administrator about services your plan covers.

For example, FSAs can be used for:

Visits to the gynecologist

Breastfeeding classes

Birthing classes (partially covered, as long as they are medically relevant i.e. relate to the childbirth itself and focus on breathing techniques and labor stages or delivery procedures).

Birthing coaches (as long as the coach is necessary for the treatment of a medical condition). You'd need a Letter of Medical Necessity to get FSA reimbursement.

To discover other eligible expenses, visit our FSA Eligibility List.Or, you can ask your FSA administrator for the details of your plan.

FSA Eligible Products For Breastfeeding

In addition to medical services, you can also use your FSA for healthcare products like Medela breast pumps and breastfeeding accessories.

Wondering which breast pump might best suit your needs? Take Medela's survey and discover the answer, and then save by using your FSA for a pump at FSAstore.com!

Looking for additional breastfeeding accessories? Medela has a selection of compatible items whether it's breast milk storage bottles or storagebags, breast pump bustiers, nursing bra pads, and more. Shop for Medela at FSAstore.com

Baby Health Items Available with an FSA:

Additional items covered by an FSA include prenatal vitamins, baby sunscreen (SPF 15+), and baby health products such as baby thermometers, nasal aspirators and baby saline spray.

Shop for Baby Care at FSAstore.com

If you'd like items such as baby formula or baby rash ointment, you'd need to obtain a prescription for FSA reimbursement. Baby oil and baby powder are not covered by an FSA.

Know a mom-to-be? Share today's blog post with tips on how she can use an FSA and save on healthcare items and services!