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Your guide to breast pumps
Breastfeeding is great for both moms and babies, but it isn’t always possible for moms to do so. For these situations, investing in a breast pump may well be your best option.
Benefits of the breast pump
Juggling your job and new mom status aren’t the only reasons to consider investing in a breast pump. It also helps to maintain your milk supply, relieve uncomfortable pressure in engorged breasts (but be careful; over-pumping can make things worse), and help out Baby if she can’t quite latch on yet. Using a breast pump can help Baby during feedings.
Types of breast pumps
Even with these benefits, a breast pump can be overwhelming because there are so many available options. When picking a breast pump, it’s key to decide how much time you can devote to using it.- Double automatic breast pump: This is a good choice if you’re going back to work and you want to continue to breastfeed. It’ll be more expensive (anywhere from $150 to $300) than other options, but it’ll help you get back to your power woman routine in fifteen minutes or less.
- Single electric pump: If you don’t need as much milk, but you’re still short on time (as most new moms are), this is a cheaper option (costing anywhere from $50 to $150).
- Manual pump: If you only plan to pump occasionally, a manual pump would best suit your needs. It’s inexpensive (around $30 to $40) and it works just as well as an automatic one. It does require a bit more time (45 minutes), but as mom, you’re used to giving things the attention they need.
How to get a breast pump
It varies depending on your coverage, but in general, you can follow these steps to get your pump.- Find out the details: Call your insurance to learn more about your breast pump benefits. Find out if you're covered to rent or purchase a pump, if the pump needs to be manual, or electric, if you need to provide a prescription or pre-authorization for the pump, and when you can get the pump (before or after delivery).
- Start looking for a pump: Once you have the info, you're ready to start looking for a pump that works for you. Many breast pump manufacturers have a website where you can check to see if your insurance covers their pump. Your insurance might also direct you to a website where you can browse pumps that are covered under your plan, or your OB/GYN might be able to help you find one.
- Order your pump: When you find one that your insurance covers and that works for you, you can take the (well-informed) leap and order a pump by phone or online from a durable medical equipment provider.
The bottom line
If you’re experiencing trouble pumping, make sure your breast pump is working. Be sure the shields (or flanges) are the right size and that the battery is still working (it tends to wear out after a year). If you’re still having trouble, call a lactation consultant. The decision can be overwhelming, but both you and Baby will be happier for it.
