If you give breast milk to your baby, there will be times when a breast pump comes in handy. Regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, breast pumps are medical devices utilized to relieve engorged breasts, increase or maintain a woman’s milk supply, or pull out flat or inverted nipples to let the nursing baby latch on easily. However, there are a few things that you should know before shopping for a breast pump.

Will my health insurance pay for my breast pump?

According to the Affordable Care Act, health insurance companies are required to cover breast pumps. So, regardless of whether you shop for the best cheap breast pump or the most expensive one out there, you are covered. However, as this is a new rule, not all expecting mothers are aware of it. Nevertheless, you should know that every health insurance plan is different. So, it is best to communicate with your insurance provider and understand what all it covers.

Some questions that you can ask are:

• What are all brands of breast pumps covered?
• What types of breast pumps are covered?
• Will I require a doctor’s prescription?
• Can I shop for the pump via insurance before my baby is born?
• Is there a need to contact a particular durable medical equipment company for the pump to be covered under insurance?

Typically, almost every insurance company will pay for the best cheap breast pump or any good, basic double electric pump. However, if you wish to shop for a multiuser rental pump or an upgraded version, you will have to pay some price for it.

What kind of breast pump do I need?

If you wish to use a breast pump, you need to be aware of all the different kinds of breast pumps to pick the one that best caters to your needs. There are four kinds of breast pumps that you can find in the market.

• Manual
• Single electric
• Double electric
• Hospital-grade

You can read more about them to make an informed choice.

How should I clean my breast pump?
One should clean the breast pump properly as it can get contaminated easily. FDA suggests regular disinfection and cleaning of the pump in between two uses. You must carefully read the information from the manufacturer to keep your pump clean.

Some steps that you can follow for cleaning are:

• Rinse every part which comes in contact with the breast milk in cold water immediately after pumping
• Wash every piece separately with liquid dishwashing soap using warm water
• Rinse every piece thoroughly with warm water for 10-15 seconds, and
• Let them air dry on a clean paper towel