Breast PumpsMar 17, 2015 18:34:58 GMT -5via mobile
Post by sbrittin on Mar 17, 2015 18:34:58 GMT -5
So, I met with my company's HR/benefits department rep today to talk about maternity leave and medical coverage... might be a little early to do so at 10 weeks, but I'm a planner, what can I say.
Among all of the oh-so-pleasing news (sarcasm) I heard about my maternity leave options, they also dropped another bombshell: no coverage for a breast pump under my health plan. Apparently mine is a grandfathered plan, and exempt from the new laws that require coverage. But "you can pay for it from your FSA if you wish." Awesome.
I've heard/read that some mamas got theirs from others who never used theirs - friends of friends and whatnot. Still others find theirs in consignment, buy/sell groups, etc. Others go on Craigslist or eBay (which seems a little iffy to me!)
Any thoughts/ideas/leads to share, before I spend a ton out-of-pocket? I vaguely recall that someone is a member of buy/sell groups... mind letting me know what those are, or keeping an eye out for me?
Yeah, used pumps can be a little iffy. How long are you planning to BF? If may be worth it to look into renting one. I did that for a while with a hospital grade one when I was having supply issue early on and remember it was somewhere around $40ish a month? I think, memory is failing me at the moment. If you have short term BF goal, that may be your best option. Otherwise, start setting aside a little money here and there now to save up. Luckily you are planning ahead!
And if you end up buying.....put a fake due date on your registry (like s couple months early), put the pump on your registry, then buy the pump when on sale and with your registry completion coupon. You could do a little scheming and save yourself some money.
And lastly... That sucks about the insurance! Sorry
Post by sstwinklinglites on Mar 17, 2015 19:19:22 GMT -5
I second not getting a hand me down pump. I got my Medela on sale at WM for $240, which I find very affordable as far as pumps go, especially for a Medela.
Breast PumpsMar 17, 2015 19:47:42 GMT -5via mobile
Post by babylove518 on Mar 17, 2015 19:47:42 GMT -5
I rented the symphony to help build up my supply, then ended up with a medela of my own. If you are not wanting to spend hundreds on one, I agree about not buying used... Not such a good idea. So if you're not wanting to spend much, I have this one that I bought new, and never opened it since I ended up with the medela m.target.com/p/the-first-years-breastflow-memory-pump-double-electric-breast-pump-with-tote-and-accessory-kit/-/A-14354359 I'm just not sure if it has the bag... I'll have to check tomorrow (it's in dd's room and she's sleeping right now). If you're interested, I can sell it to you for $50. I was gonna put it on one of the fb yard sale pages, but if you are interested, I won't. It had decent reviews when I looked.
Post by jmebormann on Mar 17, 2015 19:48:00 GMT -5
I definitely recommend a Medela and not getting a used one. Pumps can easily gather mold if not cleaned properly and well, I wouldn't risk it. Medela also has a battery-option which I've found sooooo useful when we drive long distances, or out and about and baby is sleeping to feed. I've heard some pumps don't have a battery option. I don't blame you for planning ahead so much, I'm the same way. GL!!
Yeah, used pumps can be a little iffy. How long are you planning to BF? If may be worth it to look into renting one. I did that for a while with a hospital grade one when I was having supply issue early on and remember it was somewhere around $40ish a month? I think, memory is failing me at the moment. If you have short term BF goal, that may be your best option. Otherwise, start setting aside a little money here and there now to save up. Luckily you are planning ahead!
And if you end up buying.....put a fake due date on your registry (like s couple months early), put the pump on your registry, then buy the pump when on sale and with your registry completion coupon. You could do a little scheming and save yourself some money.
And lastly... That sucks about the insurance! Sorry
Definitely raised my antennae when thinking of used breast pumps, or even ones that are "new" from others - how on earth do I really know that it hasn't been used? Not sure how long I'd BF, but have definitely considered renting one. If I bought, it'd be Medela. All of the reviews I've found (both online and personally from friends) indicate this one's a winner.
LOVE the idea of putting a fake due date on the registry!
Post by mrscatfarmer13 on Mar 17, 2015 20:26:43 GMT -5
Sorry to post and run like that, and for the book I'm about to type
. Used pumps with an open system (all Medela's except Symphony and Lactina) can contain mold or particles from the previous user's breastmilk, which is essentially a bodily fluid. Closed pumps have a barrier that prevent spores and other particles from entering the pump, which is why renting a hospital grade pump is safe. Here's some helpful links from KellyMom kellymom.com/bf/pumpingmoms/pumping/buying-a-used-or-new-pump/ kellymom.com/category/bf/pumpingmoms/pumping/
If I agree that renting a Medela Symphony is a good option, especially if you aren't sure how long you want to BF. I rented a Symphony from BRU for a month while I waited to get my pump from insurance. I believe it was $60/mo, but they also had a 3mo rental agreement that made each month cheaper. There are a few other places that rent pumps that are cheaper than BRU, check with your OB or call the Lactation Consultant at your delivering hospital.
I rented the symphony to help build up my supply, then ended up with a medela of my own. If you are not wanting to spend hundreds on one, I agree about not buying used... Not such a good idea. So if you're not wanting to spend much, I have this one that I bought new, and never opened it since I ended up with the medela m.target.com/p/the-first-years-breastflow-memory-pump-double-electric-breast-pump-with-tote-and-accessory-kit/-/A-14354359 I'm just not sure if it has the bag... I'll have to check tomorrow (it's in dd's room and she's sleeping right now). If you're interested, I can sell it to you for $50. I was gonna put it on one of the fb yard sale pages, but if you are interested, I won't. It had decent reviews when I looked.
Thanks for the rec, babylove518 - might be interested, but admittedly prefer Medela. But, beggars can't be choosers, right?
Any reason in particular why you chose Medela over this First Years? Medela's been the one that's the most recommended, hence my preference. Was that the case with you, too?
I rented the symphony to help build up my supply, then ended up with a medela of my own. If you are not wanting to spend hundreds on one, I agree about not buying used... Not such a good idea. So if you're not wanting to spend much, I have this one that I bought new, and never opened it since I ended up with the medela m.target.com/p/the-first-years-breastflow-memory-pump-double-electric-breast-pump-with-tote-and-accessory-kit/-/A-14354359 I'm just not sure if it has the bag... I'll have to check tomorrow (it's in dd's room and she's sleeping right now). If you're interested, I can sell it to you for $50. I was gonna put it on one of the fb yard sale pages, but if you are interested, I won't. It had decent reviews when I looked.
Thanks for the rec, babylove518 - might be interested, but admittedly prefer Medela. But, beggars can't be choosers, right?
Any reason in particular why you chose Medela over this First Years? Medela's been the one that's the most recommended, hence my preference. Was that the case with you, too?
Well, that, and the medela was free for me Lol I got the first years before I discovered I could get the medela for free. If you could swing it, I'd definitely recommend a medela... Just wanted to give you options!
Sorry to post and run like that, and for the book I'm about to type
. Used pumps with an open system (all Medela's except Symphony and Lactina) can contain mold or particles from the previous user's breastmilk, which is essentially a bodily fluid. Closed pumps have a barrier that prevent spores and other particles from entering the pump, which is why renting a hospital grade pump is safe. Here's some helpful links from KellyMom kellymom.com/bf/pumpingmoms/pumping/buying-a-used-or-new-pump/ kellymom.com/category/bf/pumpingmoms/pumping/
If I agree that renting a Medela Symphony is a good option, especially if you aren't sure how long you want to BF. I rented a Symphony from BRU for a month while I waited to get my pump from insurance. I believe it was $60/mo, but they also had a 3mo rental agreement that made each month cheaper. There are a few other places that rent pumps that are cheaper than BRU, check with your OB or call the Lactation Consultant at your delivering hospital.
Again, sorry for the book.
No need to apologize - appreciate, need and love the book... and all the advice I can get. Thanks for the short primer on open vs. closed - honestly had no idea about the difference.
Definitely adding the pump rental question to the growing list I have for OB at my 12-week appointment - we'll see what she knows!
I have two Ameda Purely Yours pumps. I got them free and used both- one home And one at work. I have breastfed for 10 moths and should have just bought a medela since those seem to be so highly rated. Ameda is a closed system pump- so you actually could get a used one and not have to worry at all about germs.
If you personally know someone that got a free pump and then decided not to breastfeed, you could buy their pump from them. If not, use a 20% coupon and buy one from brus or buybuybaby. Watch for sales and then use your coupon.
Post by bluerainfire on Mar 17, 2015 21:40:36 GMT -5
check now for services that will rent out a pump for free- I learned that I could of gotten a free medela pump, after my mom bought me one. I had the backpack medla, she got a great deal at a baby sale at target
Post by mom2boxers on Mar 17, 2015 21:43:15 GMT -5
I recommend also contacting your insurance company directly to verify you don't have the benefit. HR people can be helpful but I've heard horror stories where they aren't 100% correct when it comes to short term disability, bonding leave (the 4 or 6 weeks unpaid after you are considered medically recovered from birth), and what an insurance plan covers.
Our HR people don't even oversee our leaves any longer. We have a 3rd party plan administrator.
I recommend also contacting your insurance company directly to verify you don't have the benefit. HR people can be helpful but I've heard horror stories where they aren't 100% correct when it comes to short term disability, bonding leave (the 4 or 6 weeks unpaid after you are considered medically recovered from birth), and what an insurance plan covers.
Our HR people don't even oversee our leaves any longer. We have a 3rd party plan administrator.
Unfortunately, the company I work for also administers the plan itself... so they are well aware of the coverage they can and cannot provide. In the short time I've worked there, basic medical costs have been fine, but specialized procedures have been a nightmare to go through to get covered. Definitely a headache I'd rather not deal with at work!
The woman I spoke with is part of our benefits team, and she was really helpful about telling me some tips and tricks to get the most out of our short term disability and leave policy... it was like she knew it was awful and wanted to help. However, she wasn't a "leave" specialist, so it might be worth reaching out again once the time gets closer.
Fyi grandfathered plans don't have to cover preventative services either, so things like your flu shot and Pap smear can have a copay- whereas most plans under ACA don't.
You've gotten great advice already. I second the breast pump rental if it could be short term. I rented one from mercy Anderson I don't remember exactly how much right now, it might have been 35 or 40 a month. Also check out blue cocoon. They do rentals and are a wealth of advice for BFing moms. Oh and also second using a 20% off q at buy buy baby. In case you don't know already you can use bed bath beyond q's on products there as long as they are not expired and not in the exclusions. GL!
Post by narbuckle01 on Mar 18, 2015 9:10:41 GMT -5
I second what mrscatfarmer13 said about open and closed systems. I looked into getting a second hand pump so I would not have to haul mine back and forth from home to work. When you really get down and dirty into the reading about open and closed systems there are a couple super gross stories about mold/infections, etc.
What is convenient is to purchase replacement parts so you don't have to tote back and forth.
You guys all rock, with awesome suggestions for options to either rent or spring for one. Thanks for all the tips on sales, and even places to start looking to rent one. Ignorance would definitely not have been bliss on this one...
Post by mominthemaking14 on Mar 18, 2015 10:12:47 GMT -5
Last thing is ask your friends ... I had a friend who has 3 free pumps and never BF, she just got them so she could "give" them to other moms. I have two pumps, one for work and home. Good luck, once you learn the tricks of the trade you'll be good.
I second what mrscatfarmer13 said about open and closed systems. I looked into getting a second hand pump so I would not have to haul mine back and forth from home to work. When you really get down and dirty into the reading about open and closed systems there are a couple super gross stories about mold/infections, etc.
What is convenient is to purchase replacement parts so you don't have to tote back and forth.
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