Receiving a prescription for a breast pump is the first step in acquiring the necessary equipment, navigating insurance, and learning the techniques to successfully express milk. This guide will walk you through converting your prescription into a functioning pump and developing an effective pumping plan.
Turning Your Prescription Into a Pump
The breast pump is categorized as Durable Medical Equipment (DME), and most health insurance plans are required to provide coverage for breastfeeding equipment, often at little to no cost. The first step is to contact your insurance provider or a specialized DME supplier that works with your plan.
DME suppliers act as intermediaries, verifying your coverage and handling the paperwork. They will confirm which specific models are included and if any out-of-pocket costs are associated with an upgraded model. You will need to provide them with your insurance information, the prescription, and your expected delivery date.
Timing your order is important to ensure your pump arrives before your baby does. Most insurance plans permit ordering during the second or early third trimester, often around the 30th week of pregnancy. Starting the process early allows you to familiarize yourself with the equipment and ensures all parts are clean, assembled, and ready for immediate use.
Choosing the Right Equipment
Once coverage is confirmed, select a pump based on your anticipated usage and lifestyle. The primary distinction among personal electric pumps is between a closed system and an open system. A closed system is preferred because it incorporates a barrier that prevents milk or moisture from reaching the motor and tubing.
The closed design makes the pump more hygienic, eliminating the need to clean the tubing and reducing the risk of contamination. Open system pumps lack this barrier, allowing milk particles to enter the motor, making the device unsafe for multiple users. If you anticipate needing to pump frequently, consider features like portability, a long-lasting rechargeable battery, and a quiet motor.
A hospital-grade pump is a multi-user device designed for establishing a full milk supply, especially in the first weeks postpartum. Rental is typically covered by insurance only if there is a medical necessity, such as a premature baby in the NICU or low milk production. These pumps offer powerful, reliable suction for heavy-duty use but are bulkier and intended for temporary periods until your supply is established.
Mastering Pumping Technique and Schedule
Effective milk expression relies on more than just the pump motor; the fit of the flange, or breast shield, is paramount. The flange is the funnel-shaped piece that fits over the nipple and areola, creating a vacuum seal for milk extraction. Using an incorrectly sized flange is a common cause of pain, nipple damage, and inefficient milk removal, which negatively affects your supply.
To find your size, measure the diameter of your nipple at the base, and then select a flange that is typically 2 to 4 millimeters larger. When pumping, the nipple should move freely in the flange tunnel without rubbing the sides, and only a small amount of the areola should be pulled in. A good fit ensures thorough breast drainage, which signals your body to produce more milk.
To establish a full milk supply, aim for a frequency that mimics a newborn’s feeding pattern. This typically means expressing milk at least 8 to 10 times in a 24-hour period, including at least one session overnight. Incorporate “hands-on pumping,” which involves massaging and compressing the breast while you pump, a technique shown to increase milk volume and fat content.
For a temporary boost to milk production, incorporate a “power pumping” session once a day. This technique mimics cluster feeding by using a specific on/off pattern over a one-hour period. A typical power pumping hour involves pumping for 20 minutes, resting for 10 minutes, pumping for 10 minutes, resting for 10 minutes, and then finishing with a final 10-minute pump. Once expressed, milk can be safely stored at room temperature for up to four hours, in the refrigerator for up to four days, or in a freezer for up to six months.
Pump Care and Troubleshooting
Maintaining the hygiene and functionality of your breast pump parts is essential for your baby’s health and the device’s efficiency. After every pumping session, disassemble all parts that contact milk and rinse them immediately under running water to remove residue. Next, wash them in a clean basin used only for infant feeding items, using warm, soapy water and a dedicated brush.
After cleaning, all parts must be allowed to air-dry completely on a clean paper towel or drying rack before storing them. Sanitize the cleaned parts at least once daily to remove germs, which can be done by boiling them for five minutes, using a steam sterilizer, or utilizing a dishwasher with a sanitize cycle. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure the parts are safe for your chosen method.
A sudden reduction in milk output or suction power often signals that a small component needs replacement, not a problem with the motor or your milk supply. The small silicone parts, like the duckbill valves or membranes, are the most fragile and require the most frequent replacement. If you pump multiple times per day, these parts may need to be swapped out every two to four weeks, as their wear reduces the vacuum seal necessary for effective expression.
Tubing should be replaced immediately if any moisture or mold is visible inside, as it cannot be thoroughly cleaned.