• BREAST PUMPS + INSURANCE •
Sometimes, I think one of my favorite changes to women’s healthcare with the ACA has been access to a breast pump. Whether or not you desire to breastfeed, the freedom to pump is so necessary to so many women – and breast pumps are not cheap!
Acquiring a breast pump though insurance can feel confusing. But in the four years I’ve been a mama, I’ve found that the process has gotten pretty easy – and I want to make sure that you know how to do it.
Things to Know
• Most insurance companies cover a variety of brands, like Medela, Spectra, Freemie, Lansinoh, and Ameda.
• Most standard models are 100% covered; nicer models are often available for a lower cost.
• Look into breast pump comparison charts, ask other mamas, seriously consider HOW you think you will use your pump. This will help you decide what pump to choose.
• Pumps can be ordered anytime during your pregnancy and (usually) up to one year after.
• Many online companies do ALL the work for you. Once you submit your request, they verify your coverage, get the RX from your provider and get your pump choice shipped right to you.
There are TON of companies that now exist to help mamas with this process.
Here are some commonly used platforms:
– Edgepark Breast Pumps
– Aeroflow Breast Pumps
– Ashland Breast Pumps
– Medela
– Insurance Covered Breast Pumps
Often, insurance providers have a partner company they work with to provide this service too, so you can check that out as well.
Things to Consider
• Will you be returning to work FT and need a really good one? Maybe you should upgrade.
• What brand does your hospital facility use? Sometimes it’s nice to buy the same so all the parts and pieces they share with you are compatible.
• What do you already own? Do you want the same so pieces are interchangeable? Or do you want to try something new?
It’s impossible for any of us to fully predict how we will use a pump – but you can make this choice based on your hopes for your feeding relationship.
More in stories (and the highlight) from a RN and mama perspective. Please share anything helpful with all of us below 👇🏼
Instagram: @thelabormama
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