Do you offer in-home lactation visits in Boston and the North Shore?

Yes. Strong Nest Consulting offers in-home lactation support throughout Boston, the North Shore, and Greater Boston, as well as virtual consults.

Do you offer virtual lactation consults?

Yes. Virtual consults are available and can be a flexible option for many feeding and pumping concerns.

What issues do you help with in lactation consults?

Support commonly includes latch pain, low milk supply concerns, pumping and return-to-work plans, bottle and paced feeding strategies, oversupply/forceful letdown, slow weight gain concerns, and weaning.

What does postpartum doula support include?

Postpartum doula care may include newborn care education, feeding support, soothing techniques, partner support, light household help, and helping parents rest and recover.

When should I book postpartum doula support?

Many families book during pregnancy to secure preferred dates, but you can also reach out after birth. Availability varies.

How do I know whether I need lactation support or postpartum doula support?

If your main concerns are feeding (latch, pain, pumping, supply), start with lactation. If you need broader newborn/parent support and rest, postpartum doula care may be the best fit. Many families benefit from both.

Do you work with families who are combo-feeding or formula-feeding?

Yes. Support is tailored to your goals—breastfeeding, pumping, combo feeding, or formula feeding.

How do I get started?

Contact Strong Nest Consulting to share what’s going on and schedule the best next step—lactation consult, postpartum doula shift, or a class.

Using FSA or HSA Funds for Postpartum Doula Services

Dec 18

Written By Kathleen Stern

If you’re searching for a postpartum doula in Massachusetts and wondering whether you can use FSA or HSA funds, you’re not alone. Many families don’t realize that postpartum doula and lactation support may be eligible for reimbursement through Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) or Health Savings Accounts (HSA). Typically, the funds in your pre-taxed FSA account typically expires at the end of the calendar year (i.e. December 31), and your HSA account may roll over year to year.

Postpartum doula services can qualify when they support a medical or mental health–related need, such as postpartum recovery, breastfeeding challenges, sleep deprivation, or postpartum mood and anxiety disorders. In most cases, reimbursement requires a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from a licensed healthcare provider.

What Is a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN)?

A Letter of Medical Necessity is a formal document written by a licensed provider, such as an OB-GYN, midwife, primary care provider, psychiatrist, or therapist, explaining why postpartum doula or lactation services are medically necessary for a specific patient.

For families using FSA or HSA funds for postpartum doula care, this letter often includes:

The parent’s medical or mental health diagnosis
How postpartum doula or lactation support complements their treatment plan
The anticipated benefits to maternal or infant health
Confirmation that the services address physical recovery, emotional well-being, or infant feeding needs

Many FSA and HSA administrators require this letter before approving reimbursement. Here is a Letter of Medical Necessity template that families may give directly to their healthcare provider to streamline the process.

When Postpartum Doula Services May Qualify

Healthcare providers may recommend postpartum doula support for a variety of reasons, including:

Recovery after a complicated birth or C-section
Postpartum anxiety, depression, or trauma
Breastfeeding or infant feeding difficulties
NICU admission or medically complex newborns
Sleep deprivation affecting physical or mental health
Social or emotional support needs during the postpartum period

Research shows that doula care is associated with improved maternal and infant outcomes, including lower rates of cesarean birth, improved breastfeeding initiation, and greater parental confidence, making it a meaningful component of comprehensive postpartum care.