April 2015 Moms

Let's talk breast pumps!

Hey moms to be-
I'm planning on breast feeding and would like some opinions on breast pumps. What do you have? What has been recommended to you? I'm a little clue-less here!
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Re: Let's talk breast pumps!

  • I was unable to bf so I pumped and pumped and pumped for 11 months. Not ideal but it got the job done. I got a medela double pump from my insurance co and it was great. I would have paid for it out of pocket if insurance only offered a manual pump. Any amount of money is worth my sanity. For this baby I hope to both bf and pump. Taking a bf class soon. For the last baby I paid for three lactation consultants after the baby was born and none of them worked, partially Because I was a hot mess and partially (i think) i formula fed the baby right away.
  • According to my OB,  the madela double pump is "quite the prize".  :)  Whatever that means!

    He also said that the obamacare  laws require that new moms be provided with a breast pump free of charge (under private or "obamacare" insurance).  

    I would really love to find one that has a car adaptor.  sounds crazy...but I am in traffic a lot!  
    image"">
    TTC since 2012
    Me 35, DH 32 -DH SA all clear
    8/97 severe perotinitis infection as a result of ruptured appendix. poss abdomen/tube scarring
    1/12 HSG all clear!
    2/12 Multiple fibroids diagnosed,  2 submucosal
    3/14 Hashimoto diagnosed, began treatment
    3/14 first RE appointment
    5/14 successful lapriscopic myomectomy via power morcellation
    as of 7/14.....not so patiently waiting
    poss IUI/IVF fall 2014
      BIG Surprise BFP Aug 2014!


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  • My friends recommend medela free hand one. My insurance doesn't cover a pump. I mean seriously wtf.
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  • Hpearl said:

    According to my OB,  the madela double pump is "quite the prize".  :)  Whatever that means!


    He also said that the obamacare  laws require that new moms be provided with a breast pump free of charge (under private or "obamacare" insurance).  

    I would really love to find one that has a car adaptor.  sounds crazy...but I am in traffic a lot!  
    Obamacare does say that, but sometimes certain plans only cover manual pumps which are practically useless for regular pumping.

    Also, a car adapter is awesome...I bought mine for about $25 at BRU and used it quite a bit!

    I personally have a Medela pump in style and was really happy with it.


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  • Insurance covers breast pumps? How did I not know this?!
  • tif5596 said:
    Insurance covers breast pumps? How did I not know this?!
    I didn't know either!  Good thing the OB mentioned it.   Call your benefits line :) I hope it helps! 
    image"">
    TTC since 2012
    Me 35, DH 32 -DH SA all clear
    8/97 severe perotinitis infection as a result of ruptured appendix. poss abdomen/tube scarring
    1/12 HSG all clear!
    2/12 Multiple fibroids diagnosed,  2 submucosal
    3/14 Hashimoto diagnosed, began treatment
    3/14 first RE appointment
    5/14 successful lapriscopic myomectomy via power morcellation
    as of 7/14.....not so patiently waiting
    poss IUI/IVF fall 2014
      BIG Surprise BFP Aug 2014!


  • As well as a free pump, my insurance allocates 6 free in home visits from a lactation consultant. Contact your benefits hotline!
  • now that's cool! 
    image"">
    TTC since 2012
    Me 35, DH 32 -DH SA all clear
    8/97 severe perotinitis infection as a result of ruptured appendix. poss abdomen/tube scarring
    1/12 HSG all clear!
    2/12 Multiple fibroids diagnosed,  2 submucosal
    3/14 Hashimoto diagnosed, began treatment
    3/14 first RE appointment
    5/14 successful lapriscopic myomectomy via power morcellation
    as of 7/14.....not so patiently waiting
    poss IUI/IVF fall 2014
      BIG Surprise BFP Aug 2014!


  • mbm1983 said:

    Check your insurance and I'd go with what you can get through there. If you can only get a manual pump, the Medela pump in style is very popular. I used that last time and it's what my insurance provided me this time.

    This! Also, most companies that provide breast pumps thru insurance will allow to you upgrade if you'll pay the difference in cost. If you're going to be pumping a lot, that's something you'll certainly want to consider doing if your insurance only covers a manual pump. I'm a SAHM, so I only pumped once per day, but I really liked my Medela PISA. Most milk storage bags are a pain, but I liked Lansinoh the best because they froze flat.
    Lexy

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  • My friends recommend medela free hand one. My insurance doesn't cover a pump. I mean seriously wtf.

    If you are in the US, your insurance MUST cover a breast pump. Now--that doesn't mean that it'll be an electric or a double, but it MUST cover something for some set amount d time or dollar amount. I will be covered for a hospital grade breast pump for $1200 or 12 months--whatever comes first for EACH pregnancy. Others get one to keep but can only get 1 every so many years. That part depends on your insurance. But regardless, you should be getting something. Call again. Complain. Mention the law.
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  • @Karrunrun‌ yeah that's what I thought. My husband was the one who contacted them since it's through his insurance and he had all the login info and whatnot and they said no they didn't cover them. But after this post I started researching a little further... And see that they can't deny it so yeah I'll be calling them and asking. And then complaining, I'm sure... We've got blue cross blue shield and from what I read it can depend on the employer so we will see after the holidays because yeah... Calling bull shit.
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  • @Karrunrun‌ yeah that's what I thought. My husband was the one who contacted them since it's through his insurance and he had all the login info and whatnot and they said no they didn't cover them. But after this post I started researching a little further... And see that they can't deny it so yeah I'll be calling them and asking. And then complaining, I'm sure... We've got blue cross blue shield and from what I read it can depend on the employer so we will see after the holidays because yeah... Calling bull shit.

    It does depend on the employer for sure and which plan they buy into. BC/BS is a HUGE one though. I would think they have it together. Maybe an ill-advised rep took his call. I have BC/BS as well--but as you said--it depends on the employer.
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  • That's what in hoping. The company he works for isn't exactly small and are really good with their employees. But I think saying hey you know there's this law about this might cause a little more commotion than just going oh ok (which I'm 99% sure is what my husband said.)
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  • Hpearl said:

    According to my OB,  the madela double pump is "quite the prize".  :)  Whatever that means!


    He also said that the obamacare  laws require that new moms be provided with a breast pump free of charge (under private or "obamacare" insurance).  

    I would really love to find one that has a car adaptor.  sounds crazy...but I am in traffic a lot!  
    I looked into this and apparently my insurance was "grandfathered in" and therefore I have to pay for part of the price. Thanks Anthem blue Cross.
  • I rented the Medela because I need a hospital grade pump. Pumping is not very easy for me. Medela only has one pump that level.
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  • I saw an article recently that days Tricare (military) insurance will even start covering pumps as of January 2015.
  • My insurance allowed me to choose from a set list of pumps that I can choose from another set list of suppliers. Included manual, but I went with double.. The Medela PISA, it's a starter set so it's not fully loaded like the package you'd oruchase from Amazon/ BRU etc. I'm fine, cuz it looks like insurance also covers Medela PIS/advanced accessory kit.  Also, most of my friends that pumped used the same pump so I feel pretty comfortable with that choice.  I'll just need to purchase a breat pump bag for when I go back to work. Hope you get all this sorted soon:)
    J+J 05.12  .  N 04.15  .   No.2 due 06.17
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  • Last time around I purchased the medela freestyle, it was fantastic. I loved not having to be attached to a wall, the battery lasted several days of pumping twice a day. Also, being hands free is pretty handy for driving/eating/typing etc. I didn't use the hands free straps that come with it because I found them awkward and hated nursing bras, I just wore a snug and stretchy camisole with a front close bra and tucked the flanges into my bra and tank lol...worked great. I plan on using it again this time as well as getting a new one through insurance.
  • My friends who work in prof'l offices strongly recommended to me that I talk to my dr, b/c I may be able to get a prescription for a higher grade pump. The list of ins covered pumps is often not the greatest of pumps. For anyone who needs a quieter or better pump for pumping between meetings, see if your dr will write the script and then what ins will cover towards it.
  • The Medela PIS was not as effective for me as the Ameda Purely yours. I could get more than double the amount of milk with Ameda than Medela. My lactation consultant said she has seen that occur with many women. They have a different suction. I really wish everyone could try the different types, before making the large investment to find it does nto work.

    I have also used the Medela and Ameda hospital grade and both worked fine.
  • I have tricare and they don't cover breast pumps at all unless you give birth to a premie. :(
    I put mine on my registry.
  • What if you want to TRY breastfeeding, but you're not sure it will work?  TMI warning: I've had my nipples pierced twice and I'm concerned that scar tissue will prevent me from being able to breastfeed.  And even if I can, I don't know about the logistics about pumping at work (I work in a bar).  I can just picture it: "Excuse me, I know you're thirsty and you want another beer, but I need to go to the back room and have the milk sucked out of my boobs for the next half hour."  Yeah, that'll go over well.  I want to try, but I'm not sure how much money I want to sink into trying.  Make sense?
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  • @Scarlettg‌ I worked in a restaurant and one of our girls pumped at work. The manager just had to take over her stuff while she took care of business.
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  • Scarlettg said:
    What if you want to TRY breastfeeding, but you're not sure it will work?  TMI warning: I've had my nipples pierced twice and I'm concerned that scar tissue will prevent me from being able to breastfeed.  And even if I can, I don't know about the logistics about pumping at work (I work in a bar).  I can just picture it: "Excuse me, I know you're thirsty and you want another beer, but I need to go to the back room and have the milk sucked out of my boobs for the next half hour."  Yeah, that'll go over well.  I want to try, but I'm not sure how much money I want to sink into trying.  Make sense?
    You don't need to buy the pump right away. You really don't need it until you go back to work. So you may want to try breastfeeding first and them decide on the pump. The insurance will cover it at any point (if they cover it to begin with)
  • Karrunrun said:

    My friends recommend medela free hand one. My insurance doesn't cover a pump. I mean seriously wtf.

    If you are in the US, your insurance MUST cover a breast pump. Now--that doesn't mean that it'll be an electric or a double, but it MUST cover something for some set amount d time or dollar amount. I will be covered for a hospital grade breast pump for $1200 or 12 months--whatever comes first for EACH pregnancy. Others get one to keep but can only get 1 every so many years. That part depends on your insurance. But regardless, you should be getting something. Call again. Complain. Mention the law.
    @emilydsimmons‌ -- I refer you to this post. I would contact your insurance company again if you are in the US. They MUST be covered. Even my insurance company told me that.
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  • ScarlettgScarlettg member
    edited December 2014
    Thanks @Sharon&amp;Paul

    Edit: the link didn't work and I don't know why, but thanks for the advice all the same!
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  • I'm a FTM but I hear a lot about Medela pumps. I was gifted a gently used one, I believe it's the Pump In Style and my insurance covers the exact same pump. I plan on taking one to work and leaving it in my desk, and having the other one at home. I'm going to replaced the hoses for the gifted pump, but I haven't been able to find them. Admittedly, I only did a quick search on Target's website because I got a gift card for Christmas. Maybe I'll need to drag DH to the store tonight to look at them. :)
    BFP 8/9/2014
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  • I'm a FTM but I hear a lot about Medela pumps. I was gifted a gently used one, I believe it's the Pump In Style and my insurance covers the exact same pump. I plan on taking one to work and leaving it in my desk, and having the other one at home. I'm going to replaced the hoses for the gifted pump, but I haven't been able to find them. Admittedly, I only did a quick search on Target's website because I got a gift card for Christmas. Maybe I'll need to drag DH to the store tonight to look at them. :)
    If you ask to pump while in the hospital they give you all the hoses and flanges you need.

    Just a word of caution : Medela PIS is not a closed system, so there is a possibility of cross contamination. Medela does not recommend multiple users, even though it happens frequently. There are other brands that have closed systems.
  • ClareH1217ClareH1217 member
    edited December 2014
    I went through Medelabreastfeedingus.com to look up what my insurance covered. They have drop down menus by state and provider. Got my doc to write me a script, and ordered through McKesson patient care services. Ordered the Pisa and....they sent me two, free of charge! I called to let them know they made a mistake, but nothing happened after that. BRU has a function where they help you look up and order a pump. Think Buy Buy Baby does the same but don't have a link handy. https://www.toysrus.com/shop/index.jsp?categoryId=22729026
  • From two months through 13 months, I exclusively pumped for our daughter. Medela Symphony. Loved everything about it. Powerful, efficient and quiet. Highly recommend a hospital-grade pump.
    Baby girl Lila born 2013.
    Baby boy Henry born 2015.
    Expecting our capstone baby (boy) early March 2018.
  • I started by renting the Symphony, then purchased the Freestyle. Both were great!

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  • I used the babies r us service to help find and get my insurance to pay for a Medea pump. It was easy and painless with minimal paperwork. I'd highly recommend the phone call. We were given a pamphlet when we registered there.
  • My insurance only covers a single electric pump. How much more preferable is a double pump to a single? If it's actually twice as efficient, then I'd be willing to pay the excess that my insurance doesn't. Just want to hear what others have experienced...
  • My insurance only covers a single electric pump. How much more preferable is a double pump to a single? If it's actually twice as efficient, then I'd be willing to pay the excess that my insurance doesn't. Just want to hear what others have experienced...
    Single is fine for occasional pumping. If you are going back to work and will be pumping frequently I would get a double. It cuts the amount of time pumping in half.
  • I had the Medela Swing pump with my daughter. Hated it. With this baby my insurance covers the Medela pump in style advanced so that is what I plan to get. That reminds me.. I need to pre-register at the hospital so I can get the info to my insurance company to get the pump.
    Married: 3/01/08
    Baby Girl: 7/29/11
    Angel Baby: M/C 7/15/14 at 7wk
    BFP: 8/23/14 - Due 4/28/15  - It's a BOY!
  • I also had the Freestyle and loved it. I used it for DD1 to EP from 6 weeks to 7 months. It also lasted for DD2, although I mainly nursed her. I pumped 3 days/week for a year with DD2. I'm not sure it would make it through for this one though.  
  • @karboss -- Tricare is a military specific, medical benefits program... and unfortunately not accountable to the ACA because technically Tricare isn't 'technically' health insurance (so they do whatever they want -__-)

    @emilydsimmons -- The military pays for a lot of things, but unfortunately is not required to supply a breast pump unless you deliver a premie under 34 weeks. It's supposed to change this year.. but I went ahead and put the good stuff on my registry (Medela In Style double pump.. something) instead of waiting for the government to change the guidelines. 


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  • My insurance also only covers the basic PISA, which means no tote bag. I can upgrade to the basic tote for $65 or to the metro tote for $95. Which tote is better or is something where I could buy my own tote bag?
  • I have Federal BCBS and they will cover the Ameda Purely Yours electric or manual pump, plus storage bags. I can order 150 bags 3-4 times a year while I'm BF'ing.

    I was a little disappointed to not have a choice of pumps from insurance but I read good reviews on the Ameda. We will see how it goes.
  • kjuryflkjuryfl member
    edited January 2015

    kjuryfl said:

    I had the Medela Swing pump with my daughter. Hated it. With this baby my insurance covers the Medela pump in style advanced so that is what I plan to get. That reminds me.. I need to pre-register at the hospital so I can get the info to my insurance company to get the pump.

    Can I ask what you hated so much about the swing? I just bought it!
    Since it is a single pump I got frustrated pumping for so much longer than I would with a double. It was very portable but I stopped pumping at only 7m because I was annoyed with it. Lol
    Married: 3/01/08
    Baby Girl: 7/29/11
    Angel Baby: M/C 7/15/14 at 7wk
    BFP: 8/23/14 - Due 4/28/15  - It's a BOY!
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