Btdt moms breast pumps.

[aggiebug]

I could go search TB but that will give them more clicks so I am asking again here.

Let's talk about pumps.

I will be a SAHM. I am planning on breast feeding primarily but I like the idea of being able to pump and go out/ letting H feed her every once in a while. And who knows she might do better being bottle fed.

So the question is what brand do you recommend. I can't get a clear answer how much of a pump will be covered by my insurance. (oyi)

Would a manual be all I need? Or would an electric still be worth it? I know if I was working I would not consider a manual as my primary pump but I am not so sure about it being a SAHM.

And then should I order it now to have with me at the hospital so they can help me? Or wait and make a choice based on their suggestions?

Educate me you wise women.

[misshart00]

I'm a SAHM. I have the medela pump in style. While a manual might be fine, I enjoyed the ease of having a powered one. I could play on my phone or whatever while I pumped. I usually pumped about 2-3 times a day to build a stash to use when we left DD with someone else, etc.

[kricha2010]

It's also a good thing to be able to be distracted while pumping. It can help you get more. You're less focused on what's coming out then. So I vote the Medela electric as well. I do work and used that one. It was also what the MW recommended. If Insurance covers an electric one I would for sure do that!

[hollydfromtn]

I haven't BTDT but I'm in the same boat as you, planning on staying home but wanted to be able to pump also. My insurance gave me 2 options and both were electric. I went with the Medela pump in style , I think the other option was the Ameda Purely Yours (?). Both had great reviews but replacement parts for the Medela seemed to be easier to get since they're sold at most retail stores.

As for taking it to the hospital. I spoke with the lactation consultant at mine and she said that unless I'm just completely lost on how to use it, there's really no need to bring it with me. She mentioned that if there was a need for me to pump while I was there I would just use one of the hospital's pumps anyway.

[krispy83]

If your insurance will cover an electric, I'd go with that. If not, I think a manual would be fine. I work part time, SAH part time and never used my electric at home (other than a few initial trial runs to make sure I had everything figured out). If you can get the electric covered by your insurance, then they're great, but if you're going to stay at home, I don't think it's worth the cost of the electric.

I wouldn't bring it to the hospital. They're pretty easy to figure out and it's one less thing to haul with you.

[misshart00]

Also, FWIW, I did pay out of pocket for my electric one and I don't regret it.

[angeldcf]

Electric if insurance will cover it just to save your hand. I have Medela PISA.

No real need to bring it to the hospital (I didn't/won't) especially since you're SAHM. You could if you want to ask LC about it.

[magsame]

I was looking at the manual ones when I thought I'd have to buy my own as they are cheaper. But luckily insurance covered a electric medela. Def check your insurance. As a FTM I have no idea how this will go but we'll try!

[smyers2girls]

From my personal expierience I could never get the electric one to work very well for me. I could get two ounces out and then it was like it list suction or something. It was a used one from my SIL (with new tubes and everything) so maybe that's why I never had much luck. With DD2 I used a manual breast pump and it worked amazing. And I pump a lot, especially in the beginning to get a good back stock saved up. I think it's really up to you, but if you don't plan on pumping all the time I would go with a manual. I use the Lanisnoh manual pump, runs around $20 at Walmart.

[munchkin8590]

I have the Medela Pump in Style and love it. It's quiet, fast and easy to clean. It was 100% covered by my insurance so that was a plus.

I don't think taking it to the hospital is necessary. They usually have one on hand to show you how to use it and get you started.

[aggiebug]

Yeah the problem is I can't get an answer on how much I would have to pay out of pocket. Based on my conversation today I order it, they bill my insurance and then the insurance decides how much we will pay. So it won't be until after I get it and probably use it that I will know my cost. How dumb is that?

[munchkin8590]

Jan 21, 2015 18:12:59 GMT -5 aggiebug said:

Yeah the problem is I can't get an answer on how much I would have to pay out of pocket. Based on my conversation today I order it, they bill my insurance and then the insurance decides how much we will pay. So it won't be until after I get it and probably use it that I will know my cost. How dumb is that?

That's really dumb... my insurance was able to tell me all the info I needed before I ordered it. Did they at least tell you what brand/model they were giving you?

[kcrosem]

I had a pump in style too. I would take the flanges to the hospital to get an LC to advise on size.

I can't order mine till after birth so I don't know how dumb they are going to be yet.

[PikoPiko]

Your insurance actually cover the entire cost of it?

Mine apparently would only cover it if it were prescribed to aid in breastfeeding. Otherwise, I'd have to run it on my HSA - i.e. money I put in myself.

I'm looking at this getting the Medela - this set doesn't come with the cooler bag or the tote bag (which isn't that great looking anyway):
www.amazon.com/Advanced-Breastpump-Starter-Set-Model-57081/dp/B00IJJRVR4/ref=cm_cd_ql_qh_dp_t

Get the cooler bag separately:
www.amazon.com/Medela-67068-Breastmilk-Cooler-Set/dp/B00H5OI9XO/ref=pd_cp_ba_3

Works out cheaper than getting the set with the bags. Still got enough budget to get extra accessories.

[allonsy221b]

I had the medela pump in style and loved it but gave it to a friend to borrow and never got it back. I also have the manual medela and honestly I love that thing. So easy, so light, and I let down better to it. I would be totally fine with just the manual pump. This is the manual I have www.target.com/p/medela-harmony-manual-breast-pump/-/A-528690?ref=tgt_adv_XSG10001&AFID=google_pla_df&LNM=528690&CPNG=Baby&kpid=528690&LID=9pgs&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=528690&kpid=528690&gclid=Cj0KEQiAuf2lBRDW07y3z6f96awBEiQA0IngJgOb3xwfcEi6S2ow-a1pn9yvS2D_ECu1p8jKKgxxtf4aAkMG8P8HAQ

[aggiebug]

Jan 21, 2015 18:17:15 GMT -5 munchkin8590 said:

Jan 21, 2015 18:12:59 GMT -5 aggiebug said:

Yeah the problem is I can't get an answer on how much I would have to pay out of pocket. Based on my conversation today I order it, they bill my insurance and then the insurance decides how much we will pay. So it won't be until after I get it and probably use it that I will know my cost. How dumb is that?

That's really dumb... my insurance was able to tell me all the info I needed before I ordered it. Did they at least tell you what brand/model they were giving you?

Nope they said go to an authorized medical supply company (no direction as to who is authorized) and pick out my pump. With no direction as to how to get a price on the pump.

I think I may call the insurance back again. I was kind of floored when I asked how to find the pricing and the answer I got was useless.

[aggiebug]

PikoPiko the affordable care act requires some coverage of a pump but it doesn't mean they will cover the full cost of all pumps. The rest we would put on our HSA card.

[munchkin8590]

Jan 21, 2015 18:39:36 GMT -5 aggiebug said:

Jan 21, 2015 18:17:15 GMT -5 munchkin8590 said:

That's really dumb... my insurance was able to tell me all the info I needed before I ordered it. Did they at least tell you what brand/model they were giving you?

Nope they said go to an authorized medical supply company (no direction as to who is authorized) and pick out my pump. With no direction as to how to get a price on the pump.

I think I may call the insurance back again. I was kind of floored when I asked how to find the pricing and the answer I got was useless.

It kind of sounds like maybe the person you talked to didn't know a lot of information... I would try calling back and asking a different person the same questions. It seems really weird to me that they wouldn't give you more direction than that

[imamandaurnot]

I was able to log online and see my breast pump coverage. Edge park was my only in network option. It really sounds like the person you talked to just didn't know what they were doing.

[angeldcf]

Heads up: not all insurance plans must cover breastpumps under ACA.

Call your insurance company again & speak to somebody else. Mine required a doc Rx faxed to them. They gave me contact info for 4 medical supply companies. I contacted one of them & looked at my options online. The basic Medela PISA starter kit was covered 100%. The tote/backpack would have been an upgrade.

[chickenhawke]

I got the Medela PISA from insurance and ordered the Medela manual pump from Target (online was cheaper than in store for some crazy reason). The LC suggested the manual one for car rides and "an appetizer" at the beginning (this was NOT Dr. Buzz, but she did refer to it as "chips and salsa").

[aggiebug]

Jan 21, 2015 20:37:04 GMT -5 angeldcf said:

Heads up: not all insurance plans must cover breastpumps under ACA.

Call your insurance company again & speak to somebody else. Mine required a doc Rx faxed to them. They gave me contact info for 4 medical supply companies. I contacted one of them & looked at my options online. The basic Medela PISA starter kit was covered 100%. The tote/backpack would have been an upgrade.

I know they offer coverage I figured that much out online and via an email conversation, it is just very vague on how much is covered and for what pumps. Both in the email and the person I spoke to online. Its kinda stupid. 

I am hoping that if I can call and ask about specific pumps tomorrow I might get a better answer.  ahh the love/ hate relationship with insurance. 

[lrjjj08]

My insurance covered the Medela PISA at 100%. I picked it up at the local medical supply company. I just had to fill out a form, and have my doctor sign it. I have used the same one with my 2 older children and had no issues.

[Mom2Ms]

With DD I had an electric and a manual. Electric is SO much easier. I'd recommend that for sure.

[ambz06060]

I have really good insurance, so I hope they cover mine for a good portion. I can't however, get the "prescription" filled until 30 days before my due day...so this weekend. And I can't even know what I am getting. My prescription just says "Double Electric Breast Pump". So hopefully, it will be the Medela. I don't even know what brand I will get. I wish I could have this stuff taken care of, but I guess I should be happy that it is even covered.

[schnitz9]

I got mine last week from insurance. Got the Madela PISA starter kit. Covered 100% it did come with a battery pack which i was told it didn't so thank god for that. Do have to get the bag and bottles and FYI it only comes with the medium shields which are way too small for me so I will have to get bigger ones.

[misshart00]

Jan 22, 2015 11:55:01 GMT -5 schnitz9 said:

I got mine last week from insurance. Got the Madela PISA starter kit. Covered 100% it did come with a battery pack which i was told it didn't so thank god for that. Do have to get the bag and bottles and FYI it only comes with the medium shields which are way too small for me so I will have to get bigger ones.

There's a whole kit on amazon that includes shields, tubing, membranes, etc if you want back up stuff for like $13.

[schnitz9]

Jan 22, 2015 11:56:15 GMT -5 misshart00 said:

Jan 22, 2015 11:55:01 GMT -5 schnitz9 said:

I got mine last week from insurance. Got the Madela PISA starter kit. Covered 100% it did come with a battery pack which i was told it didn't so thank god for that. Do have to get the bag and bottles and FYI it only comes with the medium shields which are way too small for me so I will have to get bigger ones.

There's a whole kit on amazon that includes shields, tubing, membranes, etc if you want back up stuff for like $13.

Saw that and the tote bag kit is only $71 as opposed to $99 everywhere else.  Gonna grab em there prob....

[maddscientist]

yummymummystore.com/insurance/insurance-pumps.html?dir=asc&mode=grid&order=sort_priority

This is the site I used. I didn't call my insurance once. Just click on what your insurance is, and it will give you a list of approved pumps. Pick out the one you want and they ship it to you. No cost. Very simple. It looks like they have a lot of insurance companies too - so maybe yours (or anyone else looking at this site) will be listed and you will be able to use it as well.

[aggiebug]

Jan 22, 2015 13:04:19 GMT -5 maddscientist said:

yummymummystore.com/insurance/insurance-pumps.html?dir=asc&mode=grid&order=sort_priority

This is the site I used. I didn't call my insurance once. Just click on what your insurance is, and it will give you a list of approved pumps. Pick out the one you want and they ship it to you. No cost. Very simple. It looks like they have a lot of insurance companies too - so maybe yours (or anyone else looking at this site) will be listed and you will be able to use it as well.

Holy amazeballs you are my hero.  My insurance is on there and lists what I can get fo free.