How to Choose and Get a Free Breast Pump

Photo by: Osato Erebor

*This post is in partnership with Aeroflow Breastpumps, however all opinions are my own*

How to Choose and Get a Free Breast Pump 

       After writing Breastfeeding Essentials for Nursing Moms  I received many questions and comments about different aspects of some of the products that I linked including breast pumps. A lot of the comments had to do with choosing the right breast pump and how to get one at a discounted price.  Unfortunately, I am no expert and it took me hours of research, chatting with a lactation consult and referrals from friends before I selected the pump that I currently use.  Looking back, it was an overall confusing experience. I wanted to do this post to share some useful resources with you.

 A couple of weeks ago I found out about Aeroflow Breastpumps.  Aeroflow Breastpumps is a US based company that was founded in 2013 in conjunction with the Affordable Care Act. They specialize in helping pregnant and nursing mothers obtain free breast pumps through insurance. Their website also contains tons of breastfeeding and breast pump resources including an extensive Aeroflow Breastpumps' Lactation Support Directory.  It's a comprehensive resource for moms to find local lactation professionals and groups. It's a great resource if moms have any questions about how to put their breast pump together, how to use their breast pump, and breastfeeding questions. When I did my own research on Aeroflow breastpumps they had numerous positive reviews among moms in mommy forums. Unfortunately, this service is only available in the U.S. but I do encourage my fellow Canadians to look into the resources being offered in their provinces

How to get a free Breast pump through insurance using Aeroflow:

The process of getting a free breast pump through insurance using Aeroflow can take up to 30-60 days to complete. The process is explained below:

1. Complete the Aeroflow Qualification form, found (here)

2. An Aeroflow Breastpump Specialist contacts your insurance company and verifies your coverage

3. Your Aeroflow Breastpump Specialist obtains the prescription from your health provider and submits the required paperwork to your insurance company

4. Aeroflow contacts you to review your benefits and pump options

5. Your breast pump is shipped to you

Things to consider when selecting a pump:

Since there are many breast pumps out there, it can be difficult to navigate. The Aeroflow program also offers experts to help navigate through the different brands and pumps to help you choose the right one for you. Listed below are the following things to consider when selecting a pump.

1. Electric/battery-powered vs manual: If you are only pumping once a day a manual hand pump is ideal. If you are pumping more than once or in a time restricted environment, an electric pump may be better. Do keep in mind that electric pumps are more expensive than manual ones. 

2. Easily assembled and transportation: It is important to also consider how easily the pump can be disassembled and reassembled for cleaning purposes. Some pumps are more difficult than others. If you’re planning to transport the pump consider how portable it is. Pumps vary in size and some even come with their own discrete bags. Lastly, consider (if it is an electric pump) if the pump also has batteries and the battery life. A battery with a long battery life allows women to pump anywhere without requiring an electrical outlet.

3. Noise: If you will be pumping at work or anywhere in public you will probably do better with a discreet and less noisy pump. Therefore, noise level is an important consideration.

4. Consider if suction is adjustable: Everyone’s discomfort tolerance is different. Therefore, you may have to consider the pump’s degree of suction, cycling speed and whether it can be adjusted or not to make pumping comfortable for you.

Hope you enjoyed the post.  
Until Next Time, 

Sincerely Miss J 

Do you have any additional tips on how to choose a breast pump? Have you heard of Aeroflow Breast pumps?

For more information visit: Aeroflow Breastpumps