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How to Afford a Breast Pump

March 2, 2018 by Bethanie Ryan

mom, baby, and breast pump

As a new nursing mother, you may find yourself having to return to outside employment, continue in schooling, or in need of a breast pump for other reasons separating you from your new baby. Here are some options for you to look into:

  1. Through the Affordable Care Act (for as long as that remains in effect), breastfeeding mothers have the ability to order a new breast pump through their insurance company. Most, but not all, are then obligated to provide one. Depending on the insurance provider, you may be given a list of various pumps you can order from them. You may be sent to a particular store to pick up a pump, or you may be mailed a pump from the insurance company.
  2. If you qualify for the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program, and your insurance company refuses to provide a pump to you, WIC clinics often have breast pumps to loan or give you depending on your baby’s condition. For example, if your baby is hospitalized, you’ll need a high-quality hospital-grade breast pump, and one can be loaned to you from WIC.
  3. There may be local programs in your area that can assist with receiving your breast pump. For example, check with doula programs, midwives, Lactation Consultants, La Leche League Leaders, or others in the birthing and newborn industry to obtain possible locations for a pump.

It’s important to remember that not all breast pumps are perfect for YOUR needs. They should never cause you pain, they should obtain adequate quantities of milk, and they should have a warranty. Research your choice by talking to an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, going online through your “mothers’ groups” and reading the feedback on various pumps, and/or talking with other mothers about their experiences.

Breast pumps are not to be shared, so please do not accept or purchase someone else’s pump, period. The potential for sharing illnesses with you or your baby definitely exists.

Contact Women Deserve Better with any questions about breast pumps. I will be happy to assist you in choosing the pump for you and your needs.

By Kathy Parkes

Filed Under: Feeding Your Family, Live Tagged With: breast pump, breastfeeding, free breast pump

Reader Interactions

Trackbacks

  1. Should You Breastfeed? says:
    July 4, 2018 at 4:36 pm

    […] has fewer out-of-pocket expenses. The only cost that comes from breast milk are the pumps and bottles, if they are necessary for you due to work or […]

  2. Breastfeeding 101 says:
    July 5, 2018 at 2:02 pm

    […] is not based on how much water you drink, how much protein you eat, whether or not you are pumping in addition to nursing (in normal situations), on what you eat or drink, or on whether you are […]

  3. Breastfeeding Pro Tips and Advice says:
    July 5, 2018 at 6:07 pm

    […] mothers are not expected to be breast pump experts. Many insurance companies provide new breast pumps to the breastfeeding mother with a […]

  4. What Do I Need to Breastfeed? says:
    July 5, 2018 at 9:02 pm

    […] carriers, baby slings, breast pumps, nipple shields, nursing bras, hands-free bras, nursing clothing, nursing covers, nipple creams and […]

  5. What Baby Really Needs says:
    May 21, 2020 at 7:08 pm

    […] pump: Insurance companies are required to cover the cost of a breast pump for you to keep, or they may supply you with a rental. Contact your insurance agency before the […]

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Check out "Learn the Basics of Unemployment Benefi Check out "Learn the Basics of Unemployment Benefits," courtesy of Women Deserve Better Expert and legal aid attorney Susan Schoppa.
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A woman out of work recently sent us the following A woman out of work recently sent us the following email. We wanted to share her thoughts with you:
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Have you ever felt like this woman? Please know that there is help. Check out our latest article on Women Deserve Better, "Find Help When You Can’t Find a Job":
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Are you struggling to pay your rent or mortgage? A Are you struggling to pay your rent or mortgage? Are you worried about losing your home? Here is some information about what could happen if you can't pay all of your rent or mortgage, courtesy of Women Deserve Better Expert and legal aid attorney Susan Schoppa.

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