How Do I Determine Which Breast Pumps Are Covered Under My Insurance?

Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, breast pumps are now covered for expectant mothers—at no cost—under most health insurance policies.

This is a fabulous advance in healthcare, standards of living, and convenience for every new mother—whether you plan to pump exclusively or supplementally.

And the process of receiving your covered breast pump is actually simple!

As a medical supplier, Byram Healthcare’s role is to get you your breast pump quickly and easily so you can direct your time and energy towards preparing for your new baby’s arrival.

Because we partner with hundreds of insurance providers nationally, odds are we got you covered. The following steps will help you to determine which breast pumps are covered under your insurance plan and then place your order.

Apricots Are A Delicious Feeding Food

Juicy, delicious apricots are full of beta-carotene and fiber. One of the first signs of summer, this happy orange fruit is a fabulous addition to the balanced diet of a breast-pumping mama.

The University of Wisconsin’s School of Health and Public Medicine recommends apricots as a natural galactagogue. Apricots (especially dried apricots) contain phytoestrogens, which help to balance the hormones involved in lactation.[1]

But wait. If you’ve been following our blog closely, you’re likely confused. The last post included apricots on a list of foods that may cause dehydration and should be avoided for breast-pumping mamas. So what’s the real deal with apricots?

Balance is the key.

Affordable Care Act Recap

In case you missed it, it’s now 2016. Six years ago, in 2010, President Obama enacted the Affordable Care Act.

And if, by chance, you’re still not sure what that means and how this legislation impacts your life as a new mother here’s a recap of the items specifically affecting maternity care and breastfeeding.

The Affordable Care Act provides unique coverage allowances to women in the form of prenatal, delivery, and preventative child illness considerations.[1]

Under this canopy breastfeeding gets commensurate attention as the practice has been documented as a highly effective preventative measure for child development and overall health.[2]

Rejuvenating Ideas for a Pumping Mama

You are a mother. You’re radiant. Nurturing. Alluring. You’re bosomy. Curvaceous. Buxom. Yes, you are sexy.

But odds are—with all the pumping and feeding, pumping and feeding, pumping and feeding—you don’t feel sexy. These days, most likely you feel more like a sweaty, pungent, engorged cow.  

We know.

So here are a few tips on bringing your sexy back in the New Year.

Happy Holidays to You and Your New Pump

Happy Holidays, Mama!

Although your new breast pump might not be the shiniest or fanciest package under the tree, it may well be your favorite.

Actually, if you’ve never used a breast pump before, it’s more likely that the contraption is still in its box, unopened, menacing you from across the room. Hardly a favorite. Unimaginably a lifesaver. Frustratingly complicated with its tubes and funnels and dials and hum bugs!

People Say The Oddest Things

Kids do the darndest things. People make the oddest comments. Strangers overstep the boundaries of obvious propriety. If you don’t agree with these statements, odds are you haven’t been a breast-pumping mama.

Just for fun (and as a way to commiserate through the awkward) we compressed versions of the best/worst breast pumping stories we have recently heard.

A breast pump is a tool. Used by many. Loved by lots.

Opinions. We all have them. We all seek them. And we all become offended by particular ones. But if we can resist the urge to become defensive when a family member, colleague, a store clerk, or a blogger starts spouting his or her truths, we could actually benefit from connecting with one another through our opinions.

Breast feeding always seems to be a topic rife and reeking with opinions—from experts, physicians, celebrities, third cousins, vaguely familiar around-the-block neighbors, that “judgy” mom-friend who always knows what’s best for you, even our own usually well-meaning but terribly vocal mothers.  And by extension, breast pumping gets a healthy corner of the now all-too-public conversation on how moms should best feed our babies.

Cluster Feeding Support

Cluster feeding is exactly what you think is would be: when your baby wants to feed a number of times, close together, at specific times of the day (especially in the evening). Your darling will give you her familiar signals. He will chew or suck on his hands. She will root. He might cry. This is completely normal.[1]

However, as a pumping mama, you’re likely frustrated when your darling wants to cluster feed—especially if you haven’t stockpiled enough reserves.

Pump and Dump

Here’s the good news: It’s the holiday season. No doubt you have many opportunities to gather with friends and family to celebrate. And if you enjoy a beer, a cocktail, or a glass of wine there’s a good chance each party will be stocked with liquid cheer.

Here’s the bad news: Just as there’s no magical cure to hastily speed a hangover, there’s also no quick fix to clearing alcohol from your system. As an adult enjoying adult beverages, it’s your responsibility to know when it’s safe to drive and when it’s time to call a cab. As a breastfeeding mama, it’s your responsibility to know when it’s safe to feed your baby your breast milk and when it’s time to “pump and dump.”

Thankful for Breast Pumps

Yes, we know breast pumping is hard work. We’ve done it. We are doing it. Likely, we will do it again in the future. It takes time, dedication, and perseverance. We know.

And we are thankful to have our breast pumps, to best nurture and feed our precious little ones.

So in the spirit of this Thanksgiving holiday, we’ve compiled a list of ten reasons we most love our breast pumps (in no particular order).

Breast Shells

Breast shells are soft, plastic, cup-shaped devices worn to protect irritated nipples or pull out inverted nipples.

Breast shells are worn inside your bra, just against the breast, between or before nursing or pumping sessions.

This device is quite simple. It’s comprised of two parts: a back with a small, circle opening and a rounded front case.

Breast shells that protect irritated nipples have a (comparatively) larger circle opening. The purpose of these shells is to safeguard nipples so sore it’s painful to have them in contact with even the softest of bras.

12-Week Benchmark

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: every woman’s nursing experience differs—whether it’s your first child or your fifth, if you’re exclusively pumping or just supplementing with expressed milk, regardless if you’ve read every book on the subject or rely solely on first-hand experiential learning. Your experience and your timeline will be unique.

But just as a guideline, here’s an overview of the first three months—what you might expect, how to prepare, and how to augment your breast pumping routine as you reach the 12-week mark.

Breast Pumping Rights

If you are a new mother you’re consumed with the well-being of your precious little one. You’re trying to figure out his sleep while desperately scrounging together the hours for your own shut-eye. You’re entranced by her every move, coo, wiggle, and smile. And yes, you’re challenged with the often heart-wrenching and nipple-crushing efforts of nursing. You barely have time to figure it all out, shower, remember your own name and eat your own few bites of food.

Who has time to research (and then remember) your breast pumping rights?

Who knows? But what we do know is that it is important to have the knowledge to advocate for yourself and your child (and your plump and pump-able breasts) when and if it becomes necessary to pump in a public/work setting. So here is a brief overview to get your started and some links for further reference (if needed and time-willing).

Nipple Shields

Nipples shields—in their current form—are artificial nipples made of rubber, latex, or silicone. They fit over a nursing mother’s natural nipples to assist in the feeding process.

Nipple shields are introduced for a variety of reasons. The most common of these reasons include:

·      Facilitating latching when a mother presents flat or inverted nipples.

·      Supporting the nursing process for premature infants or infants with suck challenges.

·      Overcoming breast refusal.

·      Assisting in latch challenges due to engorgement.

·      Protecting and/or preventing sore and damaged nipples.

Essentially, a nipple shield negotiates an infant’s approach to the breast, making the nipple more accessible or attractive when the bare nipple has been unsuccessful.

Hygeia’s Q Model Breast Pump

You’re expecting a baby. Hoorah! And a breast pump is now covered by most insurance policies. Yahoo!

But which one should you choose?

The last thing you have time or patience for right now is an exhaustive search into customer reviews of popular breast pumps.  So we’re compiling them for you.

Breast Pumping Etiquette

Let us first say—we know this might be a touchy subject; but it’s also one that moms want to discuss. Because breast pumping can be difficult—physically, emotionally, and mentally—and it’s a challenge further compounded by time restrictions due to busy family schedules, work commitments, and the normal desire for us moms to get out of the house and return to social and community life. So even though most of us moms would prefer to pump in the quiet sanctity of our homes—at times we simply need to breast pump in public.

So what etiquette should be considered?

Etiquette is the set of commonly accepted rules of conduct for a specific community.  It’s the balance between attending to your needs while acting with consideration for the needs of those around you.

Freemie Freedom Hands Free Breast Pump User Reviews

You’re expecting a baby. Hoorah! And a breast pump is now covered by most insurance policies. Yahoo!

But which one should you choose?

The last thing you have time or patience for right now is an exhaustive search into customer reviews of popular breast pumps.  So we’re compiling them for you.

What Is An Ideal Pumping Schedule?

An ideal pumping schedule is the one that works best for you and helps you meet your breastfeeding goals. Maybe you’re an exclusive pumper mama, expressing all your milk via this method. Maybe you’re pumping so you can establish a supply of breast milk for your child while you’re away or at work. Maybe you’re pumping to ease the burden and fatigue of nighttime feeds or to share the bonding experience with your partner. Depending on your goals, your schedule will vary.

Spectra User Reviews

You’re expecting a baby. Hoorah! And a breast pump is now covered by most insurance policies. Yahoo!

But which one should you choose?

The last thing you have time or patience for right now is an exhaustive search into customer reviews of popular breast pumps. So we’re compiling them for you.

Ameda User Reviews

You’re expecting a baby. Hoorah! And a breast pump is now covered by most insurance policies. Yahoo!

But which one should you choose?

The last thing you have time or patience for right now is an exhaustive search into customer reviews of popular breast pumps.  So we’re compiling them for you.