How to Pick the Perfect Breast Pump for You
This post was created in partnership with Aeroflow Breast Pumps. Thank you for supporting the advertisers that keep Momma Society going!
The world of breastfeeding + pumping can be completely overwhelming - especially for a new momma. What size should your flanges be? Does your pump have an expression setting? Are you going manual or electric? And for goodness sakes, how and where do you get one?!
Before you hit the panic button, take a breath because not only is it easier than ever to pick a breast pump for your needs, but you can also get one covered 100% by your insurance provider. As stated on HealthCare.gov, your health insurance plan is required to provide breastfeeding support, counseling, and equipment for the duration of breastfeeding! Further, your plan is required to cover the cost of a pump, whether it’s rented or purchased, for each new birth.
Now that you know what you’re entitled to, you’ll need to decide what type of pump is right for you and your baby’s needs. There are two types of pumps: manual and electric. A manual pump is hand operated while an electric pump is operated using a motor, which can be made hands-free using accessories like a pumping bra. There are even some options that are completely cord free and can be worn inside your bra.
Most insurance plans won’t approve the purchase of a pump until later in the pregnancy (think late second to third trimester), which gives you plenty of time to review the options out there and make the choice that will work best for you. As I approached the end of pregnancy with Luca, I started exploring the breast pump options out there and was excited to see that not only could I qualify for a pump through insurance with Aeroflow, but also that they had a brand new option that I hadn’t seen before, the Motif Luna.
With both Brody and Isla, I was not a fan of pumping. I always felt like the pump options were noisy and generally uncomfortable and I tended to save pumping for a last resort. However, a lot can change in breastfeeding technology between kids one and three, and it seems that things have absolutely changed for the better.
I’ve been using the Motif Luna pump over the past few weeks and I truly love it! It is so much quieter than my previous pump. I can even use it in our room at night and it doesn’t wake Luca or JD. I also love that it has fewer pieces than other pumps and is really compact. It easily fits in my postpartum cart so I can keep all of my pumping, nursing, and diaper supplies in one convenient spot.
In addition to breast pumps and information regarding insurance coverage, Aeroflow also offers pregnancy and postpartum support products on their website (which can typically also be covered by insurance!). Currently, they offer pregnancy and postpartum support bands as well as compression socks to keep you feeling supported throughout your pregnancy and postpartum journey. I used the Motif pregnancy support band when we were in France this summer and throughout my second trimester. It supported both my back and belly while I was walking and I felt that it was an awesome addition to my pregnancy toolkit.
So whether or not you intend to pump, start your research now so that you’re prepared to make the choice that’s right for you once your little bundle arrives! And make sure to reach out to the awesome team at Aeroflow if you have any questions about the products they offer or what your insurance plan will cover - they are awesome to work with and want what’s best for momma’s everywhere.
Have you purchased a Motif Luna breast pump? Leave me a comment below to share your thoughts with the Momma Society community or join me on Instagram @MommaSociety to share your experiences!
