You can get a FREE breast pump!

Did you know that here in the US through the affordable healthcare act women can get one free breast pump per pregnancy? Yes its true! FREE! PER PREGNANCY! Ive done some research and most insurance companies will cover the cost of one for you. Now keep in mind some insurance companies have fine print (as always) and Ive found that some grandfathered plans are not eligible for this coverage.  But a simple call to your insurance provider can let you know if this is available or not.

First what I have found is that in order for insurance to cover this, it needs to be a medical need. According to a representative I spoke to from Anthem Blue Cross, a medical need would be low milk production/ supply or latch issues. If you have these things, then there are two ways of going about getting your free breast pump. (Keep in mind that this is just what insurance companies say. Im sure that no one will have a problem giving you a prescription even if you're not having major issues)

First, you will need a prescription from either your physician, OB or lactation consultant. Once you have that prescription, they will give you an 800 number to contact a medical supply vendor they use nationwide. Make sure you get the extension for breast pumps. And they would then tell you the steps on how to get the prescription to them.

The second way is that you can purchase your pump on your own and then ask your insurance provider for reimbursement. You will have to contact your specific insurance provider to see what their steps for reimbursement are.

Now my specific insurance won't let me claim this until the baby is born. However I have heard of some insurance companies allowing you to get your breast pump 30 days prior to your due date. Again, to get the information that pertains to your specific insurance, call your provider for details. The number is on the back of your insurance card.



What If I Don't Qualify For A Free Breast Pump?
There are other resources out there for you to get free pumps. Some hospitals give pumps out to moms. Check with your hospitals maternity ward to see if they provide this for you. Ive heard some will give electric pumps and some will give manual pumps. Hey, free is free.  Also if you are a participant of WIC they also provide a free pump to moms. Again, I think it may be a manual pump but ask your local office for details.

Can I Buy A Used Breast Pump?
You can find people selling breast pumps pretty much anywhere online. They are everywhere from Facebook, Craigslist, Ebay.... list goes on.

Breast pumps were made to be a single-user product. Breast pump manufacturers will tell you this right on their website. The reason for this is that breast milk is a bodily fluid. That means there is a risk of contamination should you use another persons breast pump. Risks include (but are not limited to):

• HIV
• Hepatitis
• Human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1)
• Cytomegalovirus (CMV)

Not only that but if the previous use experienced cracked or bleeding nipples then the pump may have been contaminated with blood, which increases health risks. Additionally, if the previous user had a fungal infection such as thrush, it may be possible to be transmitted through the pump.

Many people reason that they can buy new accessories and it should be in the clear for contamination. That is not the case. Although all accessories can be replaced, the original pump cannot. (I would also add that no matter how old a breast pump is, if it has been used my more than one user it voids the warranty)

The Medela website states that the difference between personal use pumps and rental pumps is as follows:

Personal Use Breastpumps Personal use pumps that you buy at the store are personal care items, much like a toothbrush. Personal use pumps should never be resold or shared among mothers. The Medela Pump In Style Advanced has an internal diaphragm that cannot be removed, replaced, or fully sterilized. Therefore, the risk of cross-contamination associated with re-using a previously owned pump such as the Pump In Style cannot be dismissed, even when using a new kit or tubing. Another consideration when deciding to borrow or even lend a previously owned electric pump is the pump’s motor life. A high quality electric double pump might last through the breastfeeding of your second child, or even several children. However, like computers or other electronic products, an electric breastpump has a limited lifetime. Medela guarantees its pump motors with a one year warranty. If you use an electronic pump that has been used for more than one year, there is no guarantee that it will generate as much speed and vacuum as it did earlier in it’s life. By using your own pump, you can compare the pump’s performance with each child. However if you borrow a pump, you cannot gauge its performance to ensure it is operating at full capacity.

Rental Pumps
Rental pumps such as Medela’s Symphony, and Lactina are designed for multiple users. These pumps have special barriers and filters to prohibit milk from entering the pump motor, which prevent cross-contamination. In addition, each renter uses her own personal set of breastshields, containers and tubing, to ensure the safe use of these pumps.

I will tell you this though. I personally have tried many breast pumps over the years. Everything from renting a hospital grade pump, to buying the cheaper priced pumps like Avent or Platex, and buying a legit high functioning breast pump like the Medela Pump In Style. You get what you pay for. The hospital grade of course worked but it got expensive renting and I was better off buying. But like many of you, I was concerned about the price. I started with the cheaper pumps and it was such a waste of time and money. They were a joke to say the least. I learned the hard way not to skimp on something so important.