When I first became a mom, I had no idea how to find a breast pump. They all looked the same to me and as far as I was concerned, I wasn’t going to shell out $250 for a fancy pump when I could spend $30 for what I thought was essentially the exact same machine.
Boy, was I wrong.
Choosing a breast pump can sometimes – not always – mean the difference between successfully pumping and storing that liquid gold for as long as a mom chooses. With that in mind, I’ve got a few tips on how to shop for the best brands even if you can’t afford them.
Breast Pump Insurance Coverage
Many health insurance packages now include breast pump coverage. According to HealthCare.gov, the federal healthcare website, all insurance carriers are obliged to offer breastfeeding benefits.
“Health insurance plans must provide breastfeeding support, counseling, and equipment for the duration of breastfeeding. These services may be provided before and after birth.
This applies to Marketplace plans and all other health insurance plans, except for grandfathered plans.”
Knowing this can help you to negotiate with your health insurance company in getting a pump covered. It is important to know that some insurance companies will require pre-authorization from your doctor before they will cover the cost of a breast pump. If you are an expecting mom, it is wise to reach out to your insurance carrier before your due date to hammer out the details and secure your pump in advance.
How To Get A Pump Covered By Insurance
You can work directly with a pump manufacturer like Medela through this website that gives you step-by-step directions on how to use your insurance to get a pump fully covered.
You can also do this with Aeroflow here.
The sites use easy to understand prompts to guide you through the process. You don’t need to spend money or tons of time figuring out the logistics since Medela and Aeroflow have done a great job at simplifying it all.
If you’re not sure what pump you need or if you want more options than Medela and Aeroflow, you try this service here, which allows you to shop for a breast pump and then they prompt you through a series of questions to help you easily secure your breast pump.
How to Hire A Breastfeeding Consultant
Many women don’t know that if you give birth in a hospital, the medical staff often times includes a lactation specialist or breastfeeding consultant to help you figure out the mechanics of feeding your newborn. It can feel intimidating, frustrating, and downright emotional trying to breastfeed for the first time. Don’t feel like you have to go through this alone, make sure to ask your doctor to include a visit from a lactation specialist as a part of your birth plan.
You can also receive help from the La Leche League, which is an international organization that has been around since 1956 and which aims to support and educate women who wish to breastfeed.
Whatever you choose to do as a mama trying to feed your baby, don’t let the word “cost” get between you and your choices. There are lots of routes to take to get the necessary equipment and training you feel that you need for your baby without having to sacrifice unattainable costs.
