If you're planning to breastfeed your baby, there's a lot you'll need. A quiet space to nurse, a nursing pillow for those early days, and a lot of patience in the beginning. You've probably already started looking at breast pumps, but you might not be the one deciding which breast pump you'll take home. Before your bundle of joy arrives, there are quite a few things you need to know about insurance and your breast pump.
Here's great news for all moms that are planning to breastfeed. According to HealthCare.gov, all health insurance plans must provide breastfeeding support for all mothers. This means your insurance company must cover all or part of your breast pump for the entire duration you plan to breastfeed your baby, as well as counseling for those times that breastfeeding isn't so easy.
Since every insurance plan is different, so is what you'll be offered by your insurance company. According to The Bump, your insurance plan may have guidelines on what is covered. This means you can't just head out to the store and select the breast pump you want. Different insurance plans cover different styles of pumps, like manual and electric. Your insurance will decide if you can purchase or rent the breast pump as well the length of the rental. Finally, they also have a say if you receive the pump before or after the birth of your baby.
What To Expect notes your first step should be contacting your insurance company to have them explain your benefits. Have your list of questions ready and ask them to also send all their answers to you in writing. This will help clear up any confusion during those early sleep deprived days of having a newborn. Your insurance company will be able to tell you which type and brand of pumps are covered and how much is covered, where you need to purchase or rent the pump, if you need a prescription to get the breast pump, and if you can purchase the pump before your baby is born. As you get closer to the due date, make sure you contact the place you'll be getting your breast pump to ensure your specific type is in stock.
Even if this seems like a lot of steps just to get a breast pump, take the time before you have your baby to have all your questions answered so when it's time to pump you'll be fully prepared.
