

Note that these exact pumps may not be available through your insurance company’s DME (durable medical equipment provider) - but they may offer a watered-down version (i.e., it’s the same pump housing, but doesn’t come with a bag, or they offer the S2 but not the S1). Okay, mama - here we go (are you ready?) - here are our favorite electric pumps, in order of price, lowest to highest… In other words - unless there is some particular feature that is *super important to you (wearability, say, or smart data tracking - which some traditional pumps also offer), we think you’re better off shopping for a traditional (and potentially more cumbersome, yes) type of pump. Not to mention that they may simply not be as efficient or as effective at achieving their main goal: extracting enough milk. They have limits: they can be finicky, for one thing, and they tend to come with a steep learning curve. They may work well for some women - and we appreciate that these developers are pushing the envelope when it comes to pumping tech - but in reality we don’t see these as universally superior upgrades. The “niche” pumps, including wearable options like the Elvie or the Willow, are marketed as lifestyle products. *A point: among these options, there is no single best breast pump for everyone - much like your favorite jeans, everyone has a different body and different personal preferences.

We’ll elaborate slightly on each below, but the long and short of these distinctions (and trying decide what might suit you best) is that a traditional pump is probably going to be the best (and primary) pump for most women.

Spectra’s reps are even excited about the prospect of placing the S3 in “lactation centers” set up across public areas and workplaces, where women could bring their own parts, pump, and depart. Instead of using a single-user pump and then having to throw it out (at least, this is what the companies advise), multi-user rental machines amount to much less waste. Many a working mother also opts for these powerhouses to help them maximize their stash (yes, even if you WFH, this can be a big help).Īnother plus with renting is that this is a much more eco-friendly way to go. Thus, renting a pump is a great option for mothers with specific needs, such as moms of preemies (or sick babies in the NICU), moms of multiples, or those who have a weak supply. If you’re interested, it would probably be a Medela Symphony Plus (or maybe an Ameda Platinum) - both of which are no-frills, double-electric commercial-grade behemoths that are designed to be used by multiple users, so you will have to buy your own collection kit.įirst, hospital-grade devices are hands-down more powerful than “at-home” units (yes, even the ones that say they’re “hospital-strength”) and are better/more efficient at pumping milk, which in turn means they’ll do the best job of stimulating your supply. Given the changes in insurance and the availability of at-home double electric pumps these days, renting a hospital pump is not as popular as it once was - but it’s still an option and some may actually prefer it. Get an electric pump (read: get through your insurance).You’ve got three options, mummy mumskins: It’s best to make this phone call earlier rather than later – sometime in the second or third trimester.įurthermore, if you want to purchase a type of pump that isn’t covered, know you can use your HSA (or FSA) account. Every plan is different, so you need to call your insurance company to find out what your options are. Obamacare) requires health insurance providers to cover pumps, lactation consulting, and other related equipment at no cost: get the lowdown here. Since 2013, the Affordable Care Act (a.k.a. *Before you spend your own money on any of this:
