Pregosaurs: breastpumps

alikatt17

I think I'm the only one who might be going through their first kid - maybe it'll help some lurkers.

I just called my insurance and found out I have 100% coverage for electric breast pumps through any in-network durable medical supply and I can get up to two per year.  So I can get one for work and home, which I was dreading lugging that thing every day back & forth on the train and long walk.  I may be overly excited about my boob milkers

So call your insurance and find out if you have any coverage.  It's nice to take it off the registry and not have to worry about it!

tawillers

Wow!  That is awesome!

GBCK

yay!

(obamacare makes them supply one now--although decent or crappy being required is debated)

(I can't GIVE my old one away--I've tried)

6fsn

If the pump doesn't convert to a hand pump you might consider getting one.  There were enough times I used one to justify it.

loveshine1

It's not my first kid, but I think it's worth it to call my insurance company just to see. Last time I borrowed a friends Medela Pump n Style, but this time I was thinking of just renting one from the hospital.

I wasn't a huge fan of breastfeeding/pumping, and A wasn't a great nurser. He would nurse for 10 minutes, want off and then back on 15 minutes later. No.

We'll see if this one is better at it. I do miss the late night snuggling though.

alikatt17

@loveshine1 - Manual & rented hospital grade ones were 100% covered too.  I'd call & find out your options.  Worst case scenario, you can give the electric pump to someone in need who doesn't have coverage.

I plan on getting the most cadillac pump they carry since there's no maximum benefit on it.  F yeah!  

tawillers

I remember calling the ins company when I was pregnant with DD1 to ask about pumps and the woman sounded confused as to why I was asking.  Needless to say, there was no coverage or discount.

DH's company has since switched insurers.  I'm tempted to call to find out because I'm nosy.

PMeg819

Check that they don't require a prescription. My insurance requires that my doctor write me a prescription that I take to the DME company. Also, my DME company only fives two options for buying pumps so I'm sort of limited on options. I was hoping to go with a non-Medela pump but that doesn't look like that's happening.

ChiGirl2013

Also, if you lose your insurance and have to resort to going on WIC, they give them away for free for as long as you're receiving WIC.  I used to tell all my clients that and they couldn't believe it.  They were quality ones, too - Medela. 

I can't recall the Medela one we rented from the hospital 6 years ago but that thing was a powerhouse!  I was a preemie mom and didn't have a choice but just as an FYI, if you start off with pumping right away and no nursing at all, it can sometimes cause a smaller milk supply or a  harder time getting your milk to come in.  I had both and by 6 weeks, I barely got 2oz a day and just gave up.  The lactation consultant said it wasn't uncommon for exclusively pumping preemie moms.  :-(

Definitely try to get the double pump if you can.  The single one took FOREVER.  I felt like I was attached to that thing more often than I was free from it.