Improving Access to Human Milk Through a Breast Pump Program for Hospitalized Infants at a Large, Urban Safety Net...

Human milk is the optimal source of nutrition for infants, especially those born preterm or requiring neonatal intensive care unit care, offering physiologic and psychological benefits for both infants and lactating parents. Despite its importance, access to high-quality electric breast pumps remains a barrier, particularly for underserved populations. To address this, the Lactation Group (LG) at Henry Ford Hospital, a large urban hospital in Detroit, established a Pump Program providing electric pumps to parents facing financial, insurance, or logistical challenges. In the United States, access to durable medical equipment such as breast pumps often depends on insurance coverage, eligibility, and administrative processes, causing delays for many families. The program offers personal-use pumps for long-term needs and hospital-grade loaner pumps for neonatal intensive care unit families or those with lactation difficulties. Lactation consultants assess eligibility, coordinate with insurers or community programs, and provide hands-on education and emotional support. Since 2015, the Pump Program has served more than 1,400 families, maintaining high demand and positive feedback. It integrates through postpartum and intensive care workflows, ensuring continuity of lactation support during medical complications. By providing the necessary tools and addressing structural inequities, the program enhances access to human milk and promotes equitable infant nutrition. Its success highlights the vital role of hospital-based lactation support and offers a model for other urban hospitals aiming to improve health outcomes for families and infants.