Renting a breast pump?

lal9905 · January 2012

Anyone ever rented a hospital grade pump? I'm having trouble even getting one in the fairview system...apparently they are no longer going to be renting them out. Any ideas? thanks.

kmpls · January 2012

Really? Is this recent. I checked at Fairview Hospital about 2 yrs ago and they were still renting them.

I think BRU may rent them.

By the time you pay all the fees probably better just to buy one. That is what I ended up doing.

Your dr office may know where to get one or the La Leche League.

Mrs. Sarah&Micah · January 2012

Some health insurance companies cover the cost of breast pumps, so you might want to see if yours covers it.

MesmrEwe · January 2012

The Health Partners clinic off of Como rents them out. They primarily stock Medela Symphony pumps.

In all honesty, having EP now twice, my recommendation is for what you'll shell out for the rental ($40/mo), you may as well purchase a PISA or Freestyle pump new and go from there. I used a rental Lactina and this time am using a used PIS but for DS's first week (he was in the hospital) I used a Symphony. In all honesty, I like the adjustibility of the PIS better than the Symphony and there isn't any difference in what I'm getting in terms of amount. As long as you keep your membranes fresh, that's all that matters!

stephmarie · January 2012

Mrs. Sarah&Micah:
Some health insurance companies cover the cost of breast pumps, so you might want to see if yours covers it.

I second this, my health insurance covered 80% of my pump and since I needed it at the hospital I got it right from them.

annieh2 · January 2012

I rented one from Methodist Hospital. They are located in the store that is right next to the pharmacy.

bakemeacake · January 2012

Definitely check with insurance....mine covered the either the medela or the ameda (whichever I chose) and all I needed was an Rx from the dr.

lal9905 · January 2012

Thanks ladies.

Insurance is a no-go. Which is such a shame considering the health benefits. Fairview apparently does rent them still, but don't have any instock. (I got the complete run-around yesterday!)

I will be trying a few of these other suggestions - THANK you soo much. Definitely considering purchasing a new one versus renting...we will see.

Thanks.

ilovebijou · January 2012

I would try the medical supply places too. I believe they rent them. There were several listed through my insurance company that I could purchase a pump from and I'm sure those places rent pumps too. Good luck!

mali3 · January 2012

Wow do you just call your insurance company and ask them if they will cover the cost of the pump?? Or do you wait til you're in the hosptial? That would be so nice because they are expensive!

mali3 · January 2012

Boo just called my insurance they said unless it is medically necessary they wont cover it. Boo...I think being a working mom makes it very necessary!

ilovebijou · January 2012

Maybe talk to your dr and see if they can write something on the prescription or code it somehow to show that it's medically necessary?

big_noise · January 2012

I also rec. purchasing one. I toted that thing everywhere with me for the better part of a year. I had the PISA. You can use hospital grade ones in the hospital to help bring in a supply, which was also helpful.