Better Beginnings: Childbirth Education & Lactation Care

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Biloxi, MS
Better Beginnings: Childbirth Education & Lactation Care

Bianca Wooden IBCLC, Ashley Johnson, CLC, Katie Crozat & Christina Hawkinson: providing compassionate, high quality care during pregnancy, birth and beyond.

Empowering parents to make safe, healthy birth choices. Building confidence through education & support, one better beginning at a time. We are proud to offer up-to-date information tailored to our community, in a fun class. Visit Our Website For Upcoming Class Schedule
www.betterbeginningMS.com

09/22/2025

Spending three days with learning about maternal mental health. 💕1 in 5-7 women experience perinatal mood or anxiety disorder. That means every week, I meet with clients facing mental health challenges. You are not alone.

09/18/2025

Alyssa is a literal life saver. She donated over 400oz of breastmilk to the Mothers Milk Bank of Mississippi. I asked her what inspired her to donate to the bank. She is now pumping with her second child. Her first baby was born healthy but they had some challenges that many experience in the first few days - could be rising bilirubin numbers or blood sugar instability and difficulty with those early latching. It can feel so scary and stressful and you just think- we have to feed this baby! Alyssa's@ baby needed some supplementation. Rather than using formula, she was offered milk from the milk bank. This little difference set her on a path of success. She maintained that determination to breastfeed and avoid formula, knowing another mother had worked to donate that milk to her. And her baby avoided the risks that one early formula supplementation brings (much greater chance of food allergies). Alyssa has also shared her milk using Human Milk for Human Babies social networking. Both are wonderful ways to support better health and give a gift to others. We appreciate you Alyssa. 🌻 if you want to donate milk, you need just 100oz and some no cost blood work to get started- message us and we will get you all set up. 🌻

09/17/2025

We want to make sure that EVERY breastfeeding family has access to lactation care. it is incredibly frustrating that Medicaid in Mississippi does not cover lactation - if we could get in network, we would. However, we do offer these DEEPLY discounted appointments to families who have no other health insurance. clients with Medicaid and no other insurance can now schedule a full lactation appointment with Ashley for only $25. Book online or text to verify eligibility. , link in bio.

08/03/2025

Lovely reunion party today to celebrate the families that had babies in the last year and more babies on the way. And just a reason to get together and eat cake. It's hard to believe, but we have been doing this for 14 years. Educating, supporting, caring for families. Thanks for letting us be part of your lives.

08/01/2025

Predatory marketing of formula is hurting families. Breastmilk is a precious lifesaving resource. Formula marketing, including formula Influencers benefit ONLY pharmaceutical corporation investors, not families.
Formula is not the enemy- predatory marketing is the enemy. Formula marketing is illegal in much of the world because it is so dangerous. We deserve better - Meta can do better. .nossel

07/21/2025

Weekend Childbirth Class: Confident, Connected, Ready
In just one weekend, prepare for birth with a 3-session class designed for modern couples who want practical tools, clear guidance, and a confident mindset. Whether it’s your first baby or you’re looking for a refresher, this immersive course covers everything you need to feel informed and empowered.
You’ll learn:
    •    The birth process—what to expect, step-by-step
    •    Pain-coping techniques & hands-on comfort strategies
    •    How to talk with your care team and advocate for your preferences
    •    Pros & cons of medical interventions
    •    How to support each other for a joyful, connected experience
Perfect for busy couples who want it all—in one weekend.

06/08/2025

Hey New Moms ✨ Ready to have an awesome pregnancy, breastfeeding, and parenting journey? Scan our QR code to check out our 🔥 calendar of classes and workshops tailored just for you. From bump to baby, we’ve got the tips, tricks, and community you need. Invest in yourself for better mental & physical health—because you’re about to slay motherhood! 💪

05/22/2025

Meet up planned for Tuesday to share the joys and challenges of motherhood with others who are walking this same path. 😍

05/20/2025

Lovely gathering at the office today with coast birth and baby professionals. presented an update on approaches to evaluation and treatment of latch disfunction and low milk supply. shared how pelvic floor PT is beneficial prenatally and postpartum. And we did quick pelvis balancing activity. With a delicious lunch from . It feels so good to be around people that care deeply about care of the mother.

05/06/2025

🩷🩵 What a cute manicure 😍This client didn't find out if she was having a boy or a girl. She admits she was thinking boy and was surprised when she met her baby girl. Of my three kids, we didn't find out with our middle and she was a girl. Anyone one else have a surprise?

05/05/2025

+++Action Needed+++

TLDR: sign the petition and/or send a letter to your HR dept saying why BCBS needs to cover lactation. (link and sample in comments)

Lactation Care is required by law to be provided at no cost to families. This went into effect with the Affordable Care Act as part preventative health care. Just as you do not have to pay for a colonoscopy or cholesterol screening. This is also why your insurance plan provides a "free" breast pump. And you are to be provided lactation care. (But the ACA does not specify by who or how)

If you have Aetna, United Health Care, Cigna, or VA CCN - you are provided lactation care with an out of hospital IBCLC at no cost to you. Most IBCLCsare women, small business owners who know the community they serve. I think we have about 5 in MS.

If you have Blue Cross Blue Shield and live in any of 31 states - you are provided care by an IBCLC at no cost to you.

If you have Blue Cross Blue Shield and live in MS or a bunch of other states you must pay out of pocket to see an IBCLC outside of the hospital. BCBS of MS will not contract directly with an IBCLC. They also will not contract with The Lactation Network (the largest group of IBCLCs in the US).

I called my own BCBS insurance plan to ask how I could get lactation care.I was told to contact the hospital where I gave birth with any breastfeeding questions. Less than half of my clients ever saw a lactation while they were actually in the hospital, and there is no outpatient care available at three of the 4 birthing hospitals in our area.

The internationally recognized clinical expert in the field of lactation is the IBCLC. The requirements to earn this credential are rigorous. A few schools offer a masters degree program, but most IBCLCS took the path that included a combination of college classes, lactation specific training, 1000 hours of clinical supervision followed by a rigorous exam. So it's not that we are the wrong people to provide this care- that has pretty much been agreed upon at this point with IBCLCs practicing around the world and listed in many government and health documents as the provider for lactation.

With the exception the handful of MDs across the country who have acquired the brand new speciality in lactation, IBCLC's are the only member of the care team that is treating the dyad - both mother and baby. Not the pediatrician, not the OB, not the cardiologist, not the endocrinologist, not the Dentist that does tongue tie revisions, not even the PT or chiropractor. These can each be really critical providers, but none of them consider the two individual as a a dyad that have present as a couple.

All of the providers above refer patients to me

Lactation appointments last 60-90 minutes We observe feeding, weigh baby, assess the mothers breasts, asses the baby for body tension, asymmetry, newborn reflexes. All the while gathering information about health history, family dynamics and care techniques to identify what could be impacting any breastfeeding challenges. We discuss choosing and using a breast pump, formula, and bottles all in a way to support each baby breastfeeding on so many topics. Lactation consultants improve health outcomes for mom sand babies.

This is nothing new. For decades, government programs spend millions on providing free formula and pennies on lactation. Our own doctors give away "free" formula (is the conflict of interest not obvious?). We are the only member (former member) country of the WHO that do not adhere to marketing guidelines around formula. They go unchecked in the US- undermining efforts to support breastfeeding at every turn. I myself have volunteered in an official capacity to help families breastfeed for 15 years. we have VOLUNTEERS - to provide care to folks with "good health insurance". BCBS of MS has never really covered lactation and they have gotten away with it. It feels like an attack on women and children. It makes me sad.

Perhaps employees have some power here to ask their employers to pressure BCBS to provide lactation coverage.

And an even harder mountain to climb, but our state legislators have the power to include lactation care for all the Medicaid families who also do not have access to in MS.

C'mon Mississippi can we just not suck on this one point, please?

05/01/2025

I have some tough news about changes to my lactation care services, effective immediately, and to share how we can work together to keep supporting families on the Gulf Coast.

What’s Changing?
As of yesterday, I can no longer provide free lactation care to clients with Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) through The Lactation Network (TLN). If you’re a current BCBS client with TLN coverage, I can see you at no cost until May 16, 2025. After that, new and existing BCBS clients will need to pay me directly. I’ll provide a Superbill with all the details you need to submit for reimbursement from your insurance.

We still have full coverage for United Healthcare clients, and I’ll always welcome cash-pay clients at the most affordable rates I can offer. I’m also committed to continuing my volunteer work to support families with feeding their babies.

Why This Matters:
This change is a big deal—BCBS covers about 70% of my clients in our area. That income has been the backbone of my practice, funding:
Our office space in St. Martin/Biloxi
+ Free or discounted appointments for families with Medicaid, Marketplace plans, Tricare, or no insurance
+ Supplies provided at no cost to families
+ My assistant, who keeps our website and behind-the-scenes work running smoothly
+ Mentorship for aspiring lactation consultants
+ Continuing education to ensure I’m always providing top-notch care

Without this income, my full-time work drops to roughly 2 days a month. Many families can’t afford out-of-pocket costs, especially with unpaid maternity leave. This isn’t just a hit to my business—it’s a blow to lactation care across Mississippi and other states facing the same issue. The loss of coverage will impact the health and well-being of moms and babies on the Gulf Coast, where lactation care makes a real difference.

Why Is This Happening?
Here’s what I know: I’ve been working as a contractor with TLN, which billed BCBS for my services. Some claims were paid because many local employers (like the shipyard) use BCBS plans from other states that support lactation care. Recently, BCBS started processing all claims based on the state where care is provided (Mississippi, in our case). BCBS of Mississippi doesn’t cover lactation care, so TLN was losing money and had to end this contract. This is my current understanding, but I’m not an insurance expert.

What I’m Doing About It
I’m not giving up! Here’s my plan to keep serving you:
+ Save Our Office: I’m looking for an office mate to share our St. Martin/Biloxi space—a therapist, counselor, massage therapist, life coach, or similar professional who wants part-time space. Know someone? Send them my way!

+ Explore New Coverage Options: BCBS of Mississippi doesn’t work directly with or pay IBCLCs (lactation consultants). I’m brainstorming ways to change this, like partnering with a doctor or finding the right contacts at BCBS. If you have connections or creative ideas, please share them!

+ Affordable Options: I’m exploring gift cards, package deals, or other ways to make out-of-pocket costs easier for families.

How You Can Help
You can make a difference! Here’s some ideas I have:
+ Call or Write Your Insurance: Contact BCBS and demand lactation care coverage. Let them know breastfeeding support is a health priority.
+ Reach Out to HR: If you’re with a company that uses BCBS, talk to your HR department about access to the care that your plan already covers.
+ Contact Your State Reps: Call or write your Mississippi State Senator or Representative. Tell them that losing lactation providers will hurt moms and babies.
+Spread the Word: Share this with friends, family, or anyone who can advocate for better coverage.

Let’s Keep Fighting
Lactation care changes lives—you’ve seen it if you’ve worked with me. I’m committed to finding solutions and keeping this vital support accessible. If you have ideas, contacts, or just want to talk, reach out. Together, we can keep making a difference for Gulf Coast families.

I love my job - thanks for being a part of it.
Bianca

Address

15516 Lemoyne Boulevard
Biloxi, MS
39532

Website

https://linktr.ee/biancawooden

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Our Story

Hello, I am Bianca Wooden and the creator of Better Beginnings. I am so lucky to be able to do work that I LOVE every day: caring for women as they become mothers (whether it be the first time or the sixth). I work with families throughout the season of childbearing. From preparing for childbirth, through the big day that the baby arrives and then the ups and downs of breastfeeding and caring for a new baby

Pregnancy & Birth: Oh the excitement of pregnancy. Knowing that precious baby is growing every day as you prepare for birth. Every mother wants a birth where she feels cared for and respected. You deserve to be over the moon in joy when you greet your baby. I want to help you make that a reality. We certainly can’t make any promises when it comes birth. Every birth story is unique. We can build your confidence so you are ready to face the challenge with courage.

Lactation: I am not only a board certified lactation consultant that is dedicated to providing high quality care, but also a mother of three children who has a heart for mothers. I have three children of my own and understand the stress and worry that comes with breastfeeding challenges. If you just want me to confirm that all is going well or work side by side with you as you work through a more complicated situation, I am here for you.

I would love to hear from you,