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October 2017 Moms
nhoover88
member
All About Breast Pumps
nhoover88
member
Hey ladies! I figured that a lot of us probably have questions about how to obtain breast pumps and/or are looking for recommendations about which pumps to get. So, here's the thread for all of your breast pump thoughts and questions! I found this post on BMC April 2017 and thought it was helpful. STM+ please add your comments, reviews, pros/cons, "what worked for you" for us FTM. 
Obtaining Your Pump
Most insurances cover a breast pump through the ACA (though I have recently learned that some plans are grandfathered in and do not provide this benefit). You can call your insurance company directly to figure out what they will cover for you, or you can use a tool on the Medela site to find what pumps your insurance provider may cover and through which vendors you can purchase your pump. Most of the vendors will allow you to complete a form online to request a pump, and they will verify with your insurance that you are covered and contact your OB/midwife for the prescription.
Choosing A Pump
If you are planning to pump a lot, you may want to look into the double electric pumps, like the Medela Pump-In-Style, the Ameda Purely Yours, the Lansinoh Signature Pro, or the Hygeia Enjoye (these are the most commonly covered double electric pumps). These pumps allow you to pump both breasts at the same time. If you go this route, I also recommend that you get a hands-free pumping bra (or make one with an old sports bra) for extra comfort. Not all pumps are created equal, so once you know what pumps you are qualified for, do some research and read reviews to see how other women liked different pumps before making your decision. In general, everyone will respond to different pumps in different ways, but there are some that have a reputation for being better than others.
Most breast pump companies also offer a single electric pump that will pump one breast at a time. These are generally more affordable and may be a better option if you cannot get a pump through your insurance.
If you are not planning to pump often, you may want to get a manual breast pump (like the Medela Harmony). These can only pump one breast at a time, but I know some women feel as though they are able to get more out with a manual pump, and they prefer them to the electric pumps. These are also more affordable if you are in the position where you cannot get a pump through insurance.
If you find yourself in a position where you require a hospital grade pump, contact your insurance to see if they will cover the cost of renting one. You will need to purchase your own accessories (tubing, flanges, valves, etc.).
Pump Accessories
Insurance companies do not have to cover any accessories for your breast pump. You will probably need to purchase additional values and tubing for your pump, especially if you pump often. What accessories you need will depend on what pump you get and how often you plan to pump, and most brands are not interchangeable with each other. Some accessories that you may want to invest in include:
Used Pumps
If a pump is not covered by your insurance, you may look into getting a used pump. Pumps that are "closed system" are generally the safest, as the expressed breast milk is never in contact with any of the internal pump parts - you would just need a new accessories kit for yourself.
Overwhelmed?
Contact an IBCLC! You can use this website to find one near you (if you are in the US). IBCLCs are generally happy to discuss your needs and concerns about pumping and can provide recommendations on which pump will best fit your needs.
Obtaining Your Pump
Most insurances cover a breast pump through the ACA (though I have recently learned that some plans are grandfathered in and do not provide this benefit). You can call your insurance company directly to figure out what they will cover for you, or you can use a tool on the Medela site to find what pumps your insurance provider may cover and through which vendors you can purchase your pump. Most of the vendors will allow you to complete a form online to request a pump, and they will verify with your insurance that you are covered and contact your OB/midwife for the prescription.
Choosing A Pump
If you are planning to pump a lot, you may want to look into the double electric pumps, like the Medela Pump-In-Style, the Ameda Purely Yours, the Lansinoh Signature Pro, or the Hygeia Enjoye (these are the most commonly covered double electric pumps). These pumps allow you to pump both breasts at the same time. If you go this route, I also recommend that you get a hands-free pumping bra (or make one with an old sports bra) for extra comfort. Not all pumps are created equal, so once you know what pumps you are qualified for, do some research and read reviews to see how other women liked different pumps before making your decision. In general, everyone will respond to different pumps in different ways, but there are some that have a reputation for being better than others.
Most breast pump companies also offer a single electric pump that will pump one breast at a time. These are generally more affordable and may be a better option if you cannot get a pump through your insurance.
If you are not planning to pump often, you may want to get a manual breast pump (like the Medela Harmony). These can only pump one breast at a time, but I know some women feel as though they are able to get more out with a manual pump, and they prefer them to the electric pumps. These are also more affordable if you are in the position where you cannot get a pump through insurance.
If you find yourself in a position where you require a hospital grade pump, contact your insurance to see if they will cover the cost of renting one. You will need to purchase your own accessories (tubing, flanges, valves, etc.).
Pump Accessories
Insurance companies do not have to cover any accessories for your breast pump. You will probably need to purchase additional values and tubing for your pump, especially if you pump often. What accessories you need will depend on what pump you get and how often you plan to pump, and most brands are not interchangeable with each other. Some accessories that you may want to invest in include:
- An "accessories kit" for whichever pump you choose (usually includes additional tubing, valves, shields/flanges, and any other membranes your pump may need to have replaced)
- Hands-free pumping bra
- Breast milk storage bags (or additional storage bottles)
- Cooler w/ice pack for storage on-the-go
- Steam Cleaning Bags (that go in the microwave for quick sanitation of your pump parts)
Used Pumps
If a pump is not covered by your insurance, you may look into getting a used pump. Pumps that are "closed system" are generally the safest, as the expressed breast milk is never in contact with any of the internal pump parts - you would just need a new accessories kit for yourself.
Overwhelmed?
Contact an IBCLC! You can use this website to find one near you (if you are in the US). IBCLCs are generally happy to discuss your needs and concerns about pumping and can provide recommendations on which pump will best fit your needs.
Re: All About Breast Pumps
Stupid question for STMs- what is the hands free pumping bra for? Does it hold the pump onto your nipples?
Really hoping this insurance is not quite as ridiculous.
BFP#3: 2/9/13 EDD 10/18/17. Team Green for Round 2!
TTC #1: March 2011
Fur-children: 3 dogs + 2 cats (all rescued)
dx: Endometriosis and Fibroids
2 Laps and 1 Abdominal Myomectomy
6 rounds of clomid
5 rounds of iui
IVF #1 Gonal F, Menopur and Cetrotide
ER 12/1/2016:Retrieved 22 eggs 12 fertilized, developed moderate OHSS
4/4 day 5 embryos were normal for PGS!!! 2 boys/2 girls
FET 1/10/2017
Gallbladder surgery 1/10/2017
FET 2/2
BFP 2/7/17
Having a girl! EDD 10/21/17
Thank you for contacting Yummy Mummy. We generally verify insurance and process orders according to due date. We are currentlyprocessing orders for our Mothers who are due in September. We've reviewed your insurance information and see your due dated listed as 10/01/17. In July, we will begin processing orders for our Mothers who are due in October.
TTC #1: March 2011
Fur-children: 3 dogs + 2 cats (all rescued)
dx: Endometriosis and Fibroids
2 Laps and 1 Abdominal Myomectomy
6 rounds of clomid
5 rounds of iui
IVF #1 Gonal F, Menopur and Cetrotide
ER 12/1/2016:Retrieved 22 eggs 12 fertilized, developed moderate OHSS
4/4 day 5 embryos were normal for PGS!!! 2 boys/2 girls
FET 1/10/2017
Gallbladder surgery 1/10/2017
FET 2/2
BFP 2/7/17
Having a girl! EDD 10/21/17
Otherwise you're stuck holding like this for most types of pumps:
BFP in September 2014, DS born June 2015.
TTC x2 months.
BFP January 2017.
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Yummy Mummy is touching base with you to let you know that we are working on your order for a breast pump. This order is pending and according to your insurer¹s guideline, will be shipped no earlier than five weeks before the baby has been born ( based on the due date). Remember to let us know if your baby's due date changes.
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Nice to get an unprompted update with what my insurance allows!
If it leaks like that, I'm worried going hands free with a bra will be a disaster.
Also My Dd is 2 and idk if this insurance will cover a new one
I'm just glad I have a friend who ordered an electric through insurance and never opened it so she gave it to me. I'll order my own and now I'll have one for home and one for work
Married: 11/12/16
BFP: 02/09/17
FTM | EDD: 10/13/17
BFP in September 2014, DS born June 2015.
TTC x2 months.
BFP January 2017.
when I pumped it was as pictured for correct fit. A size bigger would have had too much room around the nipple and the size smaller didn't let my nipple in if that makes sense. I also was in the hospital and they fitted me their.