Whether you plan to nurse, pump, or both, I recommend ordering a breast pump before baby arrives. It's a good idea to bring your pump with you to the hospital, even if you don't plan to use it. That way, if you need to use it while in the hospital, you can get used to using your own pump and the inpatient lactation consultants can help you fit and use the pump.
Speaking of fitting, consider purchasing one of our unique nipple sizers to bring with you to the hospital to help the lactation consultants evaluate your flange fit. Nipple sizes may change dramatically after delivery, so purchase now and save for postpartum!
All insurance companies are required to completely cover a breast pump, but the types of available pumps vary greatly depending on your insurance company. I recommend you reach out to your insurance company, either by their online portal or a direct call, to ask which pumps are covered. You can do this research step at any point during your pregnancy.
Insurance companies will also vary on when they'll pay for a breast pump. Some will cover a new pump with every pregnancy, whereas others may cover a new pump every 1-3 years. Some insurance companies will cover the cost of a breast p
ump at any point in the pregnancy, whereas others will declare a time when they'll cover the cost (ie after 28 or 36 weeks). Again, the best way to research this information is to contact your insurance company directly.
There's no right time to buy a breast pump. Ordering as soon as insurance allows gives you time to play around with the pump, learn how to assemble it, and figure out which accessories you may want. However, some pumps have a warranty period from the date of purchase, so it may be advisable to wait to order/purchase a pump until closer to your delivery date to not "waste" the warranty period while waiting for baby to arrive. I personally recommend to begin researching pumps by 16-20 weeks gestation, request a prescription for a "double electric breast pump" by 24-26 weeks, and to order/purchase one by 28-30 weeks to allow time for delivery prior to baby's arrival.
It's worth noting that, although health insurance companies will only cover specific pumps (which vary insurance to insurance), you may choose to purchase any pump (and breastfeeding accessories!) with HSA, FSA, or HRA funds. Our Nipple Sizer and Ceres Chillers are both FSA, HSA, and HRA reimbursable!
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