At Least 2.33 Million Reasons

The skilled support of the IBCLC is critical in the health of the dyad, and there are at least 2.33 million reasons why.  

A 2017 study looked at expanding Medicaid coverage for lactation services, breastfeeding duration rates, and cost-effectiveness of IBCLC support.  This study was conducted in North Carolina, finding that when breastfeeding support resources are available state-wide, such high-density IBCLC support is associated with increased breastfeeding by low-income mothers.  Furthermore, this study found that such high-density IBCLC services are cost-effective:  Medicaid reimbursement of IBCLCs showed an estimated annual cost savings of $2.33 million.    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27535132