The Affordable Care Act has given new rise to breast pumps and breastfeeding benefits and rights. At “no-cost” to the insured party, insurances will not be providing breastfeeding support including lactation consulting/support, as well as a breast pump.
But – beware and be sure to contact your insurance provider to verify what EXACTLY they will provide for you. Many insurance plans have been sneaking by these guidelines by giving new mothers a hand pump for manual expression of breast milk. It is a “breast pump” albeit a shy excuse for saving some pennies. Other plans have been contracting off-brand personal pumps for distribution.
And the kicker – many distributors are out of pumps! The contracted manufacturers are unable to keep up with the demand. Some are 3-4 weeks out, and in some cases they have been reported to be 3-4 MONTHS out.
Typically, a rental of a hospital-grade breast pump is covered if your baby must remain hospitalized and mom is discharged from the hospital, or there is a congenital failure in baby (cleft pallet or tongue tied) that limits their ability to feed directly from the breast.
However, moms that are in need of assistance to reach full milk production after giving birth or are looking to exclusively pump will not be successful on a light duty personal pump – especially a manual pump.
To either cover the gap between when an insurance provided pump arrives, or to help establish milk supply and production, new moms should consider the rental of a hospital grade pump. Most hospitals with full maternity/delivery care can provide mom with a hospital grade accessory kit (valued at $50+) during their stay that can be used on a hospital grade rental. Often a 1 month rental of a current market, hospital grade, double electric pump to facilitate the needs of a mom can be rented for $50-$65 dollars. And, that comes with FREE delivery to your home and FREE pick up when you have concluded your rental period. For more information, or to schedule a delivery – call today!
