Telehealth lactation consultations now available in Utah

SALT LAKE CITY — Intermountain Health is now offering lactation consultations via telehealth.  The concept started out of necessity during the pandemic, but they soon realized how beneficial it was to new mothers.

Through Intermountain’s Connect Care telehealth platform, mothers can receive help with proper latch, knowing if the baby is getting a full feed, as well as information about mastitis, discomfort, or engorgement.

If additional support is needed, the telehealth lactation specialist can recommend the next step for patients.

“It helps people not have to pack up their other, multiple, small children- in addition to their new baby- and have to take them into a clinic for this kind of service,” said Dr. Maurine Cobabe with Intermountain Health.

Additionally, the service can help mothers and babies promptly.  Most people will get a telehealth appointment within 24 hours of their request.

“We are eager to meet patients where they’re at and offer them all the resources that they need to be successful in their own and their family’s health,” said Cobabe.

The service launched on Nov. 1 in Utah and Idaho.  Intermountain Health said they’re planning to provide the service to other states at the beginning of the new year.

Patients are encouraged to check with their insurance providers to see if telehealth lactation consultations are covered.  If not, initial appointments are $111.  Follow-up visits are $56.

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