Getting ready for a new baby can be a fun and exciting time, but takes a lot of preparation. If you’re planning to breastfeed, it’s a good idea to compile everything you need to be prepared. You may be wondering during your pregnancy when to buy a breast pump or what type you should even get? There are a couple of factors that may affect the timing of when you get a breast pump.
In this post, we’ll go over when the right time may be for you to buy a breast pump and how to find the breast pump that’s right for you.
When to Buy Breast Pump
The timing of when you buy a breast pump depends on a few things. Do you have health insurance that will cover the cost of your breast pump? If not, what is your budget? Have you done any research on what the right breast pump may be for your needs?
Those are all important things to consider when determining when is the best time to buy a breast pump. If you’re planning to get a breast pump through your health insurance, it will depend on the insurance company as to when you get your pump.
If you are purchasing a breast pump yourself, you can purchase one at any time throughout your pregnancy. Many moms purchase their breast pump around 30 weeks of pregnancy.
If you’re getting your pump through your insurance. t’s best to get in touch with your health insurance company as soon as possible to determine how the process will go. Some plans will ship the breast pump to you at a certain week of pregnancy, while others may give it to you after you give birth. So check on that in early pregnancy to prepare!
Benefits to Getting a Breast Pump Before Birth
Choosing and buying your breast pump before giving birth gives you time to experiment with it and get comfortable with its settings before it’s time to use it. I do recommend getting sized for your breast shields (flanges) by a lactation consultant, but not until after you’ve given birth as your nipple size will change postpartum.
There are a few cons to purchasing your breast pump early (before 30 weeks). Depending on the breast pump you purchase, your warranty may begin at the time of purchase. You don’t want to waste that precious time not even using your pump, in case you do need to replace it later.
Another con includes not having the opportunity to try the pump out in the return window. Maybe you test it out and decide you don’t like it and want to try something else. If you bought your pump really early, you may be passed that return time.
Getting a Breast Pump Through Insurance
Thanks to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), health care insurance companies are required to provide breastfeeding support, counseling, and equipment for the duration of breastfeeding. This includes covering the cost of a breast pump.
Your specific insurance plan may have different guidelines on what type of breast pump is covered (electric or manual), the length of the rental (if you choose to rent), and when you’ll receive it (before or after birth).
Contact the number on your health insurance card to ask them all of these questions before or around 28 weeks. So that you can be prepared and give yourself time if it needs to be shipped out to you.
If you find a breast pump you like that isn’t fully covered by your health insurance, you can request if your insurance provider will cover some of the cost of the pump to reduce your out-of-pocket cost. Don’t be afraid to ask questions to get what you need!
Finding the Breast Pump That’s Best for You
It’s important not to buy the first breast pump you see. You’ll want to do some research on a few different factors to determine what will be the right breast pump for you and your needs.
Electric Vs. Manual
Electric pumps are beneficial for new moms who need to pump often, want to be hands-free while pumping, or need to return back to work. Manual pumps are great for all situations but may be chosen by a new mom who doesn’t need to pump as often or will be exclusively nursing their baby most of the time.
There are tons of electric pumps on the market with many different features. I provided a few favorites below as a good place to start! If you choose to rent a breast pump, you may be provided a hospital-grade pump which is an electric pump.
Convenience
An electric breast pump has more parts you need to set up to use, such as all of the pump parts plus the pump motor. A manual pump is just the pump parts with a hand pump so it’s much more portable and can be pulled out and stored easily.
If you do choose an electric breast pump, consider purchasing a hands-free pumping bra to make your life much easier when pumping!
Power Source
Some electric breast pumps need to be plugged into an outlet, while others can run off of a rechargeable battery or battery pack. If you need the convenience of not being restricted to an outlet, consider wearable breast pumps that run off of rechargeable batteries.
Price
Depending upon if you have health insurance to cover the cost of your breast pump, the price may be a factor in choosing the right breast pump for you.
Portability
If you plan to take your pump places with you such as work or for travel, you may want something that is a bit more portable. This is where wearable pumps or a more lightweight breast pump may be the right option for you.
Closed System Pumps
A closed system pump has a barrier between the pump parts that keeps the breast milk from back flowing into the tubing and the pump motor. Not only does this protect your pump motor, but it is also more hygienic. Most breast pumps are made as closed systems now.
However, you may find open system pumps out there still. Open system pumps have no barrier or anything to protect the breast milk from back flowing into the pump tubing and motor.
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon can I order a breast pump?
If you’re ordering through your health insurance, this depends on your specific insurance company.
If you’re purchasing the breast pump yourself, you can order any time you wish! Right around 30 weeks seems to be a good time where it’s not too early, but gives you enough time to learn your pump.
Should I buy a breast pump before or after baby is born?
I recommend getting a breast pump before your baby is born. Usually around your 30th week of pregnancy. This is so you can become familiar with your breast pump before your baby is born.
Should I register for my breast pump?
The ACA requires insurance companies to cover the cost of a breast pump. So if you have health insurance I recommend going that route first to see what breast pump they provide.
If you’d like something different or don’t have health insurance, then yes of course, put a breast pump on your baby registry!
You can also add any breast pump accessories you may need like a breast pump bag, cooler bag, and replacement breast pump parts.
When should you use a breast pump?
If you need to provide breast milk for your baby while you will be away. Or if you need to exclusively pump if nursing doesn’t work out or you just choose not to.
If you’re exclusively nursing but want to collect breast milk to have on hand, you can pump in the morning after you nurse your baby or anytime of the day that is convenient for you!
You can also use a Haakaa silicone breast pump on the opposite breast that baby is nursing on to collect breast milk.
Is it necessary to buy breast pump?
It is not completely necessary to buy a breast pump. However, if you plan to be away from your baby whether for work, date nights, or to run errands, you’re going to need some type of pump to express breast milk for your baby to have while you’re gone.
You can choose from an electric double breast pump, manual breast pump, or a silicone pump. You don’t have to get a double electric pump if you’ll be mostly nursing.
Should I get a new breast pump for second baby?
Yes, it’s recommended to get a new breast pump for each baby. This is because oftentimes the motor from your old pump does not produce as great of suction power anymore. And low suction power can be detrimental to your milk production and cause a low milk supply.
Most insurance plans will cover a new breast pump for each new pregnancy.
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- The 2 Shirt Method for Breastfeeding in Public
- How Many Baby Bottles Do I Need?: Guide for New Moms
