There are many factors to consider when choosing a breast pump. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Your needs: How often will you be pumping? How much milk do you need to pump? If you’re going to be pumping exclusively, you’ll need a more powerful pump than if you’re just pumping occasionally.
- Your comfort: Make sure the pump you choose is comfortable to use. You’ll be spending a lot of time with it, so you don’t want it to be too noisy or bulky.
- Your convenience: If you’re going to be pumping on the go, you’ll want a portable pump. There are also wearable pumps that can be worn in your bra, which can be very convenient.
- Power: The power of the pump is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). A higher mmHg rating means a more powerful pump. If you’re going to be pumping exclusively, you’ll need a pump with at least 250 mmHg of suction.
- Suction patterns: Some pumps offer different suction patterns that mimic the natural sucking of a baby. This can help to stimulate milk production.
- Noise level: If you’re going to be pumping in public, you may prioritize a pump that is quiet.
- Warranty: The pump should come with a warranty. This will protect you in case the pump breaks or malfunctions.
If you’re not sure which breast pump is right for you, talk to us at Village Lactation Medicine. We can help you choose a pump that meets your individual needs.
Here are some additional tips for choosing a breast pump:
- Read reviews: There are many online reviews of breast pumps. Reading reviews can help you get a sense of what other moms think of different pumps.
- Talk to other moms: Talk to other moms who have used breast pumps. They can share their experiences and help you narrow down your choices. They’ll help identify the pros and cons of different pumps
- Visit a local store: If you can, visit a local store that sells breast pumps. This will give you a chance to try out different pumps before you buy one.
Breast pumps are often offered for free or at a reduced cost through insurance or government programs. In the United States, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires most health insurance plans to cover the cost of a breast pump for new mothers. Visit Healthcare.gov for more information. The specific coverage requirements vary by plan, but most plans will cover the cost of a hospital-grade pump or a high-quality electric pump.
If you are not sure whether your insurance plan covers the cost of a breast pump, you can contact your insurance company to find out. You can also contact your doctor for help in getting a breast pump through insurance.
If you are unable to get a breast pump through insurance or a government program, there are a number of resources available to help you purchase a breast pump at a reduced cost. These resources include:
- Breast pump rental companies: There are a number of breast pump rental companies that offer breast pumps at a fraction of the cost of purchasing a new pump. Medela offers rentals and one in the Palm Beach County area is A Baby’s Choice .
- Breast pump lending libraries: Some hospitals and community health centers have breast pump lending libraries that allow new mothers to borrow breast pumps. The Lactation Center at Wellington Regional Hospital has rental services.