Breast Pumps...did you buy or rent one?

I just came back from starting my registry at Babies R Us and the breast pumps sure are expensive. My friend said I should rent one but I have no idea. I'm completely overwhelmed by everything, so I wanted to know from you all which do you think is best, rent or buy?

My friend has Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance and told me this tip (which I pass onto everyone I know even though I'm not a mom yet): most often your insurance will pay for a pump.  When you are in the hospital, ask the doctor to write you a prescription for a pump.  It is considered medical equipment and, from what I understand, you often get the Medela brand (which I understand is the best) and you purchase it from the lactation specialist at the hospital for the  price of your co-pay and insurance pays the rest!!  My friend paid around $25 for hers.

Not sure if the docs only do this for working moms or not but PLEASE check and tell your friends to do the same.  Women are wasting hundreds of dollars on equipment their insurance might very well cover.  Best of luck to all you new moms and moms-to-be.

There are affordable breast pumps at Walmart. Roughly $50 for a dual breast pump. I highly recommend any Evenflow product if price is a concern. If not, go with Medela.

I DO NOT RECCOMMEND renting, borrowing, or purchasing a used one for the simple reason of germs! Most stores and companies will not accept a return of their product because of germs. You gan boil, sanatize it till the cows come home, but there is still the chance of getting infections! Also, you can never be sure just how long/often the product was used if you rent or borrow, so there could be a malfunction.

I just checked with Aetna and they will not cover a breast pump unless one or both the mother and newborn are detained at the hospital after delivery. That sucks!! I guess I will check back again while I'm in the hospital after having the baby. Maybe something will change with the plan that I will be on.

Original Post by nenewa:

I just checked with Aetna and they will not cover a breast pump unless one or both the mother and newborn are detained at the hospital after delivery. That sucks!! I guess I will check back again while I'm in the hospital after having the baby. Maybe something will change with the plan that I will be on.

Well that does suck!  I wonder if some companies are better about that than others.  I was so proud of my great advice too!!

yeah it does suck! I can't believe it. Everyone tries to make everything so difficult nowadays. I really didn't want to have to come out of pocket for a pump, but I may have to.

Not sure if you still need info... but I say buy...If you are truly committed to breastfeeding., Buy one, i suggest the Medela Pump in STyle,

My husband bought me mine when I was engorged after my 1st child (who is now almost 9)... I would have never kept nursing if it wasn't for that pump...

I have since loaned it to numerous family members, used it for 3 children total all while working 12 shifts, for over a year for each.   Still in great shape.. I am attached to it..lol I am afraid as soon as I give it away I will get pregnant again.lol.

Your work may also offer a breast pump at a discount as part of their working mom program.  I got lucky this way - I think mine was a Medela pump in style.  I pumped at work for a year and it is still in great shape!