@ashh2018 mine is the spectra1, with a rechargeable battery, I believe, so it doesn't have to be plugged into an outlet while in use.
@Wishilivedinflorida I got the Sarah Wells Kelly bag! Omg, I love it. I mean, not that I've used it yet, but it definitely seems like a good quality bag. It has a laptop slot(!), amongst other features. And then matching pumparoo for staging and storing parts is sold separately.
Regarding the legal obligations of employers for pumping space, I believe that they are exempt if they have under 50 employees. But under the Affordable Care Act, larger employers must provide a private, non-bathroom space to express breast milk, and give break time to do so as well.
@DanyTargaryen It's probably so far from scientific - I was thinking about all the things that could impact milk supply ... But thought I'd share just cause it's one perspective.
Regarding the legal obligations of employers for pumping space, I believe that they are exempt if they have under 50 employees. But under the Affordable Care Act, larger employers must provide a private, non-bathroom space to express breast milk, and give break time to do so as well.
It might still apply if they have fewer than 50 employees unless they can demonstrate that it poses "undue hardship... determined by looking at the difficulty or expense of compliance for a specific employer in comparison to the size, financial resources, nature, or structure of the employer’s business." So if it's relatively inexpensive to shield the mother from view and prevent intrusion by coworkers or the public, and the break time isn't going to destroy the business (if you're the only employee on a shift and have to shut down the banana stand every time you take a break, that's probably a hardship - but if your breaks don't disrupt the normal workflow of anyone else, probably not), you still have to comply. But it doesn't apply to non-FLSA businesses, which are typically very small, *very* local businesses. And if you're exempt from overtime, it doesn't apply to you (which seems like a super stupid part of the law).
But a lot of states have laws about breastfeeding/pumping/lactation accommodation in the workplace, too, which might cover more people than the federal regulations. In California, for example, every business must provide breaks for expressing milk for any employee, unless it would "seriously disrupt" their operations, and they have to make a "reasonable effort" to provide a location other than a bathroom.
2/13 Blighted ovum, D&C -- 6/13 MC -- 8/14 DD born -- 3/17 MC -- 9/18 DD2 born Expecting again -- EDD 7/27/20
Ugh. So annoyed. Just got an email that the flex card declined some of my pumping supplies from Aeroflow. (Pumparoo, disposible breast pads, lanolin cream, and those boobie-shaped gel pad things).
So we'll have to see what happens when I call the flex card ppl, and/or Aeroflow. They seemed to think I could get <i>anything</i> from then on the flex card, (including my schmancey pumping bag), but they told me to let them know if i had any trouble. Sigh...
@BusinessWife good luck with that! Aeroflow doesn't participate with my insurance so I'm trying to find one that will allow me to pay the upgrade fee to get the Spectra S1 instead of S2. Such a pain!
I just found out my health insurance doesn't cover a breast pump! Can I get by with a manual one? I'm self employed so I was planning on mostly breastfeeding anyways, but want my husband to be able to help with feedings so definitely wanted to pump as well. Really want him to be able to bond with our son by taking care of some of the feedings, especially in the middle of the night
@lilidubs I thought they were required to cover them? That sucks that they don’t. You could always see how it goes with the manual and decide if you need the electric one once baby comes.
@lilidubs I believe most hospitals will rent out a hospital grade (closed system) pump to you, so if you don’t want to buy one up front you can go ahead and get the manual and then see about renting if needed until you decide if you need to buy your own.
Me: 32 DH: 32 BFP #1: 1/23/2012 DD: Born 9/20/2012 BFP #2: 12/30/2017 DS: Due 9/10/2018
I already have a spectra s2 which I love but I decided to check and see if my insurance coverers any battery powered options and they cover the Spectra 9! I’m so excited! It’s supposed to be small enough to fit in your pocket
I thought so too @nackie, maybe I'll call again and ask. Feel like dealing with health insurance is suck a pain and get different answers each time!
@southernlady07 oh that's great, renting sounds good to me anyways! I didn't necessarily want another thing to find storage for, we have a small enough place already that's stuffed to the gills!
@lilidubs check https://pumpingessentials.com/ you can enter your insurance and see what pumps are covered. My doctor said once we pick one from there that he just writes a prescription for it.
@lilidubs - I also believe insurance is required to provide one now, however they are only required to provide at least a manual pump. I didn't want you to call expecting it to be an electric pump if it ends up they do provide one.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________ MMC 8/5/15 at 8 weeks DS born 9/13/16 BFP 1/13/18 - EDD 9/20/18 - It's a boy!
@lilidubs They’re required to cover a pump (unless you're still on a non-ACA-compliant plan somehow?), but there’s no rule about what kind. Some companies only cover a manual pump.
FWIW I always got decent output with my manual, sometimes better than my electric. It’s just more work! And there's zero chance of multitasking, but I couldn't move far from my electric pump either, and to get decent letdown I had to just do something at least moderately relaxing/mellow anyways.
Also, keep in mind that if you want to keep your supply up, you typically need to pump anytime someone else feeds LO. So you may be awake MOTN to pump - which might be worth it to you, or you might be able to find another time to make up that session. Just something to consider!
2/13 Blighted ovum, D&C -- 6/13 MC -- 8/14 DD born -- 3/17 MC -- 9/18 DD2 born Expecting again -- EDD 7/27/20
Also, Freemie makes a double manual pump, it's not quite hands free, but you can at least do both sides at once.
_______________________________________________
Me: 33 DH: 32 Married 7/18/15 1st born at 35+4 on 6/6/16 Team green turned BLUE! 2nd born at 38+6 on 8/30/18 Team green turned PINK! Due with #3 on 6/6/20 Team Green
My insurance changed and now I’m not eligible for the same ones as before - after I had done tons of research and made up my mind (I was opting for Medela). Now my options are Ameda Finesse, Evenflo Advanced, or Lansinoh Signature Pro. When I google best pump for working moms, Ameda comes up on the list, but I had never heard of it. Any opinions between the three? When I get home from work I’ll do my research and make a list but wondering about personal experience.
@ashh2018 I’m sorry insurance stuff changed on you. I don’t have much advice other than it sounds like they are sticking you with the “B squad” of pumps. Are you able to pay extra to get a Medela or Spectra? If not, the LC’s at my hospital said Ameda is a more solid choice but ultimately are fans of Medela.
@Wishilivedinflorida I did the thing through Target, but it occurs to me - maybe I’m eligible for more options and I’m just not looking in the right place? After my initial research I fell in love with the Medela, and now I see it everywhere. I was watching a video with a review of the top ten and when they got to “and coming in at #1, Medela” and I almost threw my phone lol.
@ashh2018 I think there’s a place called Aeroflow (sp?) or you can call your insurance company directly. I would definitely check out all options and see about paying for an upgrade. My only option is Medela PISA and it worked great for me, and I have heard great things (mostly here) about the Spectras, so those would be my two solid recommendations. When I went to the BFing class at my hospital before I had DS they did plug the Ameda as being user friendly and easy to get parts for. I will say that’s the beauty of the PISA....parts are available all over, esp in Walmart/Target, which is hugely helpful now that BRU is closed.
@Wishilivedinflorida thank you! I tried Aeroflow, apparently they no longer partner with my new insurance (BCBS). I filled out a form on Medela’s website, and I’m also going to just call my insurance company. Seems I may be able to do it the old fashioned way, get a prescription and find a medical supplier that takes it. DH has been looking online bc he feels guilty. I’m like, um, the only reason I have amazing medical coverage is because of you and your job, no need to feel guilty about which amazing coverage I have lol. I’m certainly lucky. I work for a small business that isn’t able to provide benefits, but DH works for a major company and we are well covered. (*sob* just not for a Medela pump lol)
@ashh2018 my insurance didn't cover the pump I wanted last time, but I could use HSA dollars, it just wouldn't count towards our deductible. The PISA aren't too terribly expensive when on sale if you could go that route instead so you get the one you want. Pumping isn't exactly fun, so at least enjoying your equipment will help your mental state and maybe your supply.
@ashh2018 I have BCBS. If you look through your policy info online, under prenatal care it should tell you a website and phone number you can use to order a pump through.
ETA ok jk, apparently my insurance doesn’t come up in their drop down menu even though it says they take BCBS. They only list specifics (BCBS of Texas, BCBS of Michigan, etc) and mine is listed as OON
Just want to give everyone a heads up about breast pumps from insurance, this is probably most specifically for anthem BCBS. I called them asking how to get my pump. They said call any durable medical equipment company. I called the one my dr's office recommended. They told me that I would be billed $160 because anthem recently lowered their allowed covered amount to something ridiculous like $90. I was pissed and called anthem back. They told me oh that's true but try one of these two other durable medical companies. I called one and magically I wasn't billed anything for my pump. Insurance is BS. Hope this helps some other momma out .
@DanyTargaryen I have a PISA and a Freestyle and I prefer the Freestyle!
I have had two babies and have changed insurances a few times, so i have had a bunch of pumps. My Medela Freestyle and my Spectra S1 are my favorites. The PISA is ok, and I did not like the Ameda (but to be totally clear, I only used it once, then donated it to a mom who didn’t have a pump).
I also loved my Hakka silicone pump and my Medela hand pump!
This time, I’ll get a pump again and I think I am going to Get a Freemie to try pumping without the pieces needing to hang out of my shirt (they tuck into your bra instead). It feels ridiculous to have a collection of breast pumps, but I am thankful I have them!
I went straight through Medela’s site and this other company called 1 Natural Way and I got an email this morning saying I’m eligible for the Medela or the Spectra!! So irrationally excited but also confused...like basically it sounds like there were more options I had no idea about. So if anyone feels limited, make sure you’ve searched the right channels and are seeing all your options!
Also possible that I’m wrong, calling this morning to confirm. But fingers crossed.
I wish I could love tit that multiple times @ashh2018!! FX that is legitimate!
AFM: I just ordered a Spectra S1! I had the PISA last time and am looking forward to trying something different! My PISA is still functional though since I only stopped pumping in December 2017, so I'll have a work pump and a home pump and not have to lug it back and forth!
@Patience7150 I second @DanyTargaryen that having a dedicated work pump is amazing. I actually was able to score a PISA with tote bag package for $160 off amazon before returning to work and it was worth every penny! I set up a pumping station at home and didn’t have to move it!
Yay @ashh2018 for having better options! I was really feeling sad that they were giving you crummy choices.
Thank you for reminding me that I can leave a pump at work this time! I've been trying to figure out if I need another bag or not and not needing to lug the actual pump back and forth will be a big help, but I totally forgot I'll have that option. Just the bottles, flanges, etc. take up a fair amount of room but at least they aren't super heavy.
I'm still waiting for my insurance company or the DME company or someone to get their act together and contact me. I had to have my OB submit a referral for a pump, then I was told I'd be contacted with my options. Our insurance is through a smallish HMO so I don't have any idea what to expect as far as my choices. If they cover more than a manual pump I'll be happy.
2/13 Blighted ovum, D&C -- 6/13 MC -- 8/14 DD born -- 3/17 MC -- 9/18 DD2 born Expecting again -- EDD 7/27/20
I have BCBS and they will only cover a manual pump BUT I discovered when I contacted Aeroflow that my insurance will put $28 towards an electric pump for me and I get a discount ordering through Aeroflow as well (but only for four different electric pumps). I used the Medela PISA with my first but really wanted to try the Spectra this time. I could only use my discount towards the Spectra2, and as it seems the only difference is the rechargeable battery in the S1, I decided to go ahead and order the S2 for $120. Aeroflow also told me they would provide a 15% off discount code to use on any pump bag I wanted! Definitely worthwhile to contact them to find out more info if you are unsure what is available to you through insurance.
Me: 32 DH: 32 BFP #1: 1/23/2012 DD: Born 9/20/2012 BFP #2: 12/30/2017 DS: Due 9/10/2018
Just wanted to say thanks to all of you! This thread was super helpful to me. @southernlady07 I too just signed up through Aeroflow to try to get the Spectra!
@southernlady07 and anyone else getting the spectra s2, I've found a rechargable battery pack on Amazon that's compatible with the s2, it's made by Maymom.
So that's what I'm planning on buying along with getting the spectra pump for free from my insurance. I've exhausted every possible avenue trying to get the s1 with no luck, so this is my compromise.
Re: Product Spotlight 4/16: Breast Pumps + Accessories
@Wishilivedinflorida I got the Sarah Wells Kelly bag! Omg, I love it. I mean, not that I've used it yet, but it definitely seems like a good quality bag. It has a laptop slot(!), amongst other features. And then matching pumparoo for staging and storing parts is sold separately.
MMC 8/5/15 at 8 weeks
DS born 9/13/16
BFP 1/13/18 - EDD 9/20/18 - It's a boy!
But a lot of states have laws about breastfeeding/pumping/lactation accommodation in the workplace, too, which might cover more people than the federal regulations. In California, for example, every business must provide breaks for expressing milk for any employee, unless it would "seriously disrupt" their operations, and they have to make a "reasonable effort" to provide a location other than a bathroom.
Expecting again -- EDD 7/27/20
So we'll have to see what happens when I call the flex card ppl, and/or Aeroflow. They seemed to think I could get <i>anything</i> from then on the flex card, (including my schmancey pumping bag), but they told me to let them know if i had any trouble. Sigh...
BFP #1: 1/23/2012 DD: Born 9/20/2012
BFP #2: 12/30/2017 DS: Due 9/10/2018
@southernlady07 oh that's great, renting sounds good to me anyways! I didn't necessarily want another thing to find storage for, we have a small enough place already that's stuffed to the gills!
MMC 8/5/15 at 8 weeks
DS born 9/13/16
BFP 1/13/18 - EDD 9/20/18 - It's a boy!
FWIW I always got decent output with my manual, sometimes better than my electric. It’s just more work! And there's zero chance of multitasking, but I couldn't move far from my electric pump either, and to get decent letdown I had to just do something at least moderately relaxing/mellow anyways.
Also, keep in mind that if you want to keep your supply up, you typically need to pump anytime someone else feeds LO. So you may be awake MOTN to pump - which might be worth it to you, or you might be able to find another time to make up that session. Just something to consider!
Expecting again -- EDD 7/27/20
DH: 32
Married 7/18/15
1st born at 35+4 on 6/6/16
Team green turned BLUE!
2nd born at 38+6 on 8/30/18
Team green turned PINK!
Due with #3 on 6/6/20 Team Green
ETA ok jk, apparently my insurance doesn’t come up in their drop down menu even though it says they take BCBS. They only list specifics (BCBS of Texas, BCBS of Michigan, etc) and mine is listed as OON
I have had two babies and have changed insurances a few times, so i have had a bunch of pumps. My Medela Freestyle and my Spectra S1 are my favorites. The PISA is ok, and I did not like the Ameda (but to be totally clear, I only used it once, then donated it to a mom who didn’t have a pump).
I also loved my Hakka silicone pump and my Medela hand pump!
This time, I’ll get a pump again and I think I am going to Get a Freemie to try pumping without the pieces needing to hang out of my shirt (they tuck into your bra instead). It feels ridiculous to have a collection of breast pumps, but I am thankful I have them!
Also possible that I’m wrong, calling this morning to confirm. But fingers crossed.
AFM: I just ordered a Spectra S1! I had the PISA last time and am looking forward to trying something different! My PISA is still functional though since I only stopped pumping in December 2017, so I'll have a work pump and a home pump and not have to lug it back and forth!
MMC 8/5/15 at 8 weeks
DS born 9/13/16
BFP 1/13/18 - EDD 9/20/18 - It's a boy!
Yay @ashh2018 for having better options! I was really feeling sad that they were giving you crummy choices.
I'm still waiting for my insurance company or the DME company or someone to get their act together and contact me. I had to have my OB submit a referral for a pump, then I was told I'd be contacted with my options. Our insurance is through a smallish HMO so I don't have any idea what to expect as far as my choices. If they cover more than a manual pump I'll be happy.
Expecting again -- EDD 7/27/20
BFP #1: 1/23/2012 DD: Born 9/20/2012
BFP #2: 12/30/2017 DS: Due 9/10/2018
So that's what I'm planning on buying along with getting the spectra pump for free from my insurance. I've exhausted every possible avenue trying to get the s1 with no luck, so this is my compromise.