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In a time when healthcare access continues to face challenges, one organization is stepping up to ensure no family goes without essential breastfeeding support. Gulf Coast Lactation, under the passionate leadership of founder Scotty Thomson, RN, BSN, IBCLC, is preparing to open its first Community Lactation Center in Daphne this August, a lighthouse of hope for families throughout the Gulf Coast region.
A Response to a Critical Gap in Care
The center's creation comes at a crucial moment. As of May 1, 2025, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama is no longer partnered with The Lactation Network (TLN), effectively eliminating one of the only billing pathways available to International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) in Alabama. This sudden change has left more than 80% of local families without affordable access to specialized lactation care.
"Every family deserves access to compassionate, expert lactation care—regardless of income or insurance," Thomson explains, her voice carrying the weight of her commitment to the hundreds of families she's served since founding Gulf Coast Lactation in 2021. "But when this partnership ended, thousands of families lost access to International Board Certified Lactation Consultants overnight."
The consequences are particularly severe for rural and under-resourced communities, where alternatives are scarce. While physicians and nurse practitioners can technically bill for lactation services, most don't offer specialized breastfeeding support, leaving families with nowhere to turn.
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Building a Community of Support
During our conversation, Thomson's passion was palpable as she shared stories of the more than 900 families she has personally helped navigate breastfeeding challenges. "The landscape of providing care has changed dramatically," she notes, "but the need in our community has never been greater."
The new center will serve as more than just a clinical space—it will become a community hub where expectant and new mothers can gather, learn, and support one another through the breastfeeding journey. Free prenatal classes will prepare families for what lies ahead, while postpartum support groups will ensure no parent faces challenges alone.
What makes this initiative particularly impactful is its commitment to making expert lactation care accessible to all. While private one-on-one appointments will be available for a fee, families will have access to a range of free services—including prenatal, postpartum breastfeeding support groups, and newborn and fourth trimester support groups—ensuring every mother can receive the help she needs, regardless of income.
For expectant or new mothers in the Gulf Coast region, this center represents an invaluable resource. Thomson encourages all families to reach out and connect with Gulf Coast Lactation before their babies arrive.
"The prenatal period is the perfect time to learn about breastfeeding and prepare for what's ahead," she advises. "Don't wait until challenges arise, let us help you build confidence and knowledge from the beginning." Meeting with an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant before and after birth builds confidence, ensures your baby is feeding well, and gives you the expert support you need to feel informed, empowered, and never alone.
For community members who understand the vital importance of breastfeeding support, Gulf Coast Lactation has launched a $25,000 fundraising campaign to bring the center to life and maintain its free services. Contributions will fund center setup, operating costs, educational programs, support groups, and the clinical team.
"This is truly a community effort," Thomson emphasizes. "Every donation, large or small, helps ensure another family receives the support they need during one of life's most transformative journeys."
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How You Can Help
For expectant and new mothers: Register for free prenatal classes and connect with Gulf Coast Lactation before your baby arrives. Visit www.gulfcoastlactation.com to learn more.
For community members: Consider donating to the fundraising campaign at www.gulfcoastlactation.com/donate. Businesses and individuals can become center benefactors with gifts of $5,000–$25,000, contact Avery Bellamy, Campaign Manager, at avery.gulfcoastlactation@gmail.com for more information, or donate now.
For healthcare providers: Refer patients to Gulf Coast Lactation for specialized breastfeeding support, regardless of their insurance status.
As our community witnesses the beautiful sight of mothers coming together to learn, share, and support one another through breastfeeding, Gulf Coast Lactation stands ready to ensure this essential care remains accessible to all, creating healthier beginnings for the next generation of Gulf Coast families.
For more information about Gulf Coast Lactation's services or to contribute to their fundraising campaign, visit www.gulfcoastlactation.com or contact Avery Bellamy, Campaign Manager, at avery.gulfcoastlactation@gmail.com.
** Edited For Clarification**
On July 16, 2025 we were asked to edit the article due to the mention of The Lactation Network. Therefore, the following update to this article is as follows:
On May 1, 2025, The Lactation Network (TLN) chose to stop submitting claims to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama due to unsustainable out-of-network reimbursement rates. Since BCBS Alabama does not currently recognize International Board Certified Lactation Consultants as independent billable providers unless operating under a physician or hospital—and because hospitals in Alabama often refer out to IBCLCs for lactation care—this results in inaccessible care for many families across the state.
I’m a local mother who called Gulf Coast Lactation on a Sunday—in tears, and desperate. I had delivered just a few days earlier, and by Friday, my baby couldn’t latch because I was so engorged. I had started supplementing with formula, but pumping was too painful—my flanges didn’t fit, and I hadn’t been able to express any milk. I called the hospital, but no one was available to help. When someone at Gulf Coast Lactation actually picked up and took the time to walk me through what to do over the phone, I was shocked—and so grateful. But even with her kindness and guidance, it just wasn’t enough. I needed hands-on help, and I needed it days ago. -Local Mother Who Called Gulf Coast Lactation
Quote provided by Gulf Coast Lactation Center.
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