5 things expecting mothers need to know about breast pumps

Expecting parents have a lot to think about: Preparing a nursery, outfitting a baby, going back to work (or not), childcare, choosing a pediatrician...the list goes on. One decision new moms sometimes leave until after delivery is which breast pump to choose. Breastfeeding offers incredible health benefits which transfer from mother to baby, especially during the first few months of development. Selecting the right breast pump that works best for you is a necessary step in the process. But choosing the right breast pump can mean the difference between a breastfeeding experience that works well for both mom and baby or one that feels like a struggle. In this article, we'll cover five things expecting mothers need to know about breast pumps before delivery so breastfeeding gets off to a smooth start.

1. Health insurance may cover the cost of an electric breast pump

Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), health insurance carriers are required to cover the cost of a breast pump as part of women's preventive health services. ACA does not require insurance carriers to cover an electric pump, but many insurance plans provide electric pumps at no charge to new mothers. It's also important to note that other than hospital-grade pumps, most breast pumps are designed to last through normal use for one baby, so new mothers may qualify for breast pumps under their health insurance plans with each pregnancy. Some insurance carriers have preferred pumps or manufacturers, so it's important to check with your insurance plan regarding your benefits before delivery.

Two exceptions to this rule are that healthcare plans "grandfathered in" to ACA may be excluded from this breast pump provision requirement, and women who are covered by Medicaid may need to get their pumps from their local WIC program, depending on their state's requirements.

2. Different breast pumps are made for different situations

There are several different types of breast pumps available. Expecting mothers may need to investigate the various types of pumps and choose one that will best suit their lifestyle and work situation.

• Manual pumps are hand-operated and can be used in places without electricity. Manual pumps are intended for temporary and occasional use, such as for a mother who is with her infant most of the time but occasionally needs to be away for a few hours. Manual pumps are not as efficient as electric pumps and can be tiring to operate. Breasts must be pumped one at a time.
• Battery-operated electric pumps may be single or double. Like manual pumps, these pumps can be used in places where electrical outlets are not available, although care should be taken to keep spare batteries on hand. Battery-operated pumps are easier to operate than manual pumps, but they're not as efficient as corded portable electric and hospital grade pumps, which generally have more power.
• Portable electric pumps are designed for mothers who will routinely be separated from their babies, such as working moms. Powered by electricity, corded portable pumps are efficient and effective, and they pump both breasts at once.
• Hospital grade pumps are the only type of breast pump designed for use by more than one mother. As the name implies, these corded pumps are often found in hospital mother-baby units. They may be rented by mothers who need more powerful pumps, such as moms of preterm infants or twins.
• Hands-free/wireless pumps are the newest type of breast pump available on the market. These pumps sit directly on the breast and have milk collection cups built-in. These pumps are designed for active moms who want to pump while on the move. One thing to keep in mind: Even though it's possible to pump while doing a wide variety of activities with a hands-free pump, most mothers need a quiet place to relax in order to achieve the best milk production.
  
  

3. A good flange fit is the key to successful pumping

The part of a breast pump that sits on the breast is called the flange. Flanges come in different sizes, from 14 millimeters to 36 millimeters. A flange that is too small or too large will cause pain during pumping, and it will lead to a decreased volume of expressed milk. Many manufacturers deliver pumps with just one 24-millimeter "standard" size flange. A knowledgeable lactation consultant can help determine the right size flange for your breasts.

4. Using a breast pump before delivery can be risky

Expecting mothers should refer to their obstetrician prior to pre-delivery use of their breast pump. Using a breast pump prior to delivery can lead to an increase in oxytocin — which is a hormone that can cause uterine contractions. This can result in preterm labor, so it is best to avoid breast pump use before your baby is born.

5. Don't be alarmed if your breast pump doesn't work immediately after delivery

Using a breast pump during the first few days after delivery may not yield any milk, and that's normal. Right after delivery, a new mother's breasts produce a small volume of colostrum, a sticky fluid full of antibodies, proteins, and other factors designed to build up a baby's immune system. Somewhere between days two and four after delivery, most mothers' breasts begin to transition from colostrum to milk. At this time the volume of fluid in the mother's breasts increases, and she may need to use her pump.

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