Maternity care is covered by VA. As of October 1, 2023, veterans have access to Maternity Care Coordinators (MCC) from the beginning of their pregnancy to 12 months post-partum — an expansion from the previous end-date of 8 weeks post-partum. VA provides veterans with the full range of maternity care services throughout pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum – including primary care, exams, tests, ultrasounds, newborn care, lactation support.
VA Maternity Care Coordinators also screen for social, physical, and mental health concerns; answer questions about billing; provide resources for childbirth education; and offer lactation consulting during pregnancy and after delivery. These coordinators help veterans navigate health care inside and outside of VA, connect veterans with care after delivery, ensure access to follow-up screenings, and more. This means that all new mothers will have the support and resources they need from VA, regardless of where they give birth.
VA also covers nursing bras, nursing pads, breast/chest pumps, and maternity belts. These items must be requested through the Maternity Care Coordinator at least two weeks before the veteran’s due date. Veterans can also get other supplies, such as lactation pads, human milk storage bags, and nipple cream through the VA Pharmacy.
To find a VA Maternity Care Coordinator near you, contact your VA provider or local Women’s Veteran Program Manager. If you are an LGBTQ+ Veteran and have questions about your eligibility for VA’s maternity care services, please call the Women Veterans Call Center (WVCC) at 855-829-6636 or contact the LGBTQ+ Veteran Care Coordinator at your nearest facility for more information. WVCC representatives are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. ET, and Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. ET.