Renting a breast pump provides temporary access to specialized equipment without the expense of a full purchase. Parents often choose this option when they need a pump with a powerful motor for a limited time, such as establishing milk supply in the early weeks. This short-term need usually involves a hospital-grade machine, which is built for multi-user durability and superior performance.
Common Places to Rent Equipment
The hospital or birthing center where the baby was delivered is often the most direct source for securing a rental breast pump. Many hospitals maintain a supply of these professional machines and can facilitate a rental agreement before the parent is discharged. This option is convenient because the staff is familiar with the equipment and can provide immediate instructions.
Beyond the hospital, retail pharmacies, such as larger national chains, partner with medical equipment suppliers to offer rental services. These locations typically have a dedicated medical supply section where the process can be handled in person. The convenience of a nearby pharmacy makes ongoing monthly rentals more manageable for many people.
Specialized medical equipment supply companies and online rental platforms also provide hospital-grade pumps, often with nationwide shipping options. These companies focus solely on durable medical equipment, ensuring they stock the latest models and can manage the necessary insurance paperwork. Consulting a local lactation consultant can also lead to referrals to smaller, local rental stations or women’s health centers.
Understanding Hospital Grade Pumps
The equipment parents rent is distinctly different from the personal pumps typically covered by insurance for purchase. A hospital-grade pump is designed for multiple users and is characterized by a heavy-duty motor built to withstand thousands of hours of operation without losing suction strength or cycle rate. These machines are engineered with closed systems, meaning an internal barrier separates the motor mechanism from the milk collection kit, which prevents milk backflow and ensures hygiene for multi-user safety.
Personal pumps, in contrast, are built for single-user, everyday use and have a shorter lifespan, typically around 500 to 1,500 hours of use. Hospital-grade pumps are recommended when there is a medical need, such as establishing a full milk supply for a premature infant in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). They are also beneficial for parents who are exclusively pumping or attempting to increase a low milk supply, as the powerful motor can more effectively stimulate milk production.
Rental Costs and Insurance Coverage
The financial structure of a breast pump rental typically involves a monthly fee, with many companies offering discounts for longer rental periods, such as three or six months. Out-of-pocket rental costs can range widely, but a common monthly rate for a hospital-grade pump is around $70 to $90. A refundable deposit is often required at the beginning of the rental period.
While the Affordable Care Act (ACA) mandates that most health insurance plans cover the cost of a personal-use pump, coverage for a rental pump is more complex. Insurance plans generally only cover the rental of a hospital-grade pump if there is a documented medical necessity, such as a prolonged NICU stay or a diagnosed condition contributing to low milk supply. This medical necessity requires a prescription from a healthcare provider, often specifying an ICD-10 diagnosis code to support the claim for durable medical equipment. Contact the insurance provider or the rental company directly to confirm coverage details and understand any required paperwork before beginning the rental.
Required Accessories and Sanitation Guidelines
When renting a breast pump, the parent only receives the motor unit and must purchase their own personal accessory kit. This kit includes all components that contact the breast and milk, such as breast shields (flanges), tubing, valves, membranes, and collection bottles. Since the rental motor is a multi-user device, a personal kit is necessary to maintain hygiene and safety.
To ensure the safety of the expressed milk, the purchased accessories must be cleaned and sanitized after every pumping session. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends disassembling all parts that touch milk and washing them with soap in a dedicated wash basin, not directly in the sink, to prevent germ exposure. After washing, the parts should be rinsed under running water and allowed to completely air-dry on a clean paper towel or unused dish towel. Sanitizing the parts using boiling water or a steam sterilizer at least once daily is important if the baby is under two months old or has a compromised immune system.