breast pumps and prices and renting???

[JennJenn84]

There is a place in my town that you can rent an electric breast pump from. I have to go electric as my hands and wrist cannot handle the constant hand pumping (my hands will lock up and the pain is comparable to csection pain for me.) I was wondering, have any of you ladies ever done this? And is it safe? The prices to buy a good pump are crazy! I just can't afford that. My daughter I was only able to breast feed for 6 weeks and had to go to formula. This go around, I REALLY want to breast feed for at least a year, and not do ANY formula if I can help it.

[Quinalla]

I rented a hospital grade pump when my double electric pump went out and I was waiting for my warranty covered replacement. It's safe as the only part that is rented are the parts that don't come into contact with milk. You still have to buy the tubing, flanges, etc. to connect to the rental. If you are going to be using it for a shorter time or if your insurance will cover the rental (rare IME), it can be cheaper, if you are going to use the pump for a long time, it is usually cheaper overall to buy, but yeah it's a big investment up front. Insurance will sometimes cover buying a pump, but its rare. Maybe start out renting and if you are going to make it for the long haul, then consider purchasing a pump?

[JennJenn84]

Thank you :-) they sell the stuff seperatly so that wouldn't be a problem. I might still look into buying one, like you suggested. My boyfriend is encouraging me to breastfeed which is nice. Might just have to either save up for one or use tax money.

[rtjunker]

If you qualify, I know WIC in some areas will give or loan breast pumps, or if you have a local breastfeeding support group, you might want to try contacting them.

[JennJenn84]

I get WIC, so I will have to ask about that at my next appt, I never thought about that! Thanks :-)

[Harmony96]

Our WIC offices here are super breastfeeding friendly. I even was able to rent a free hospital-grade pump from them for when my angel was in the NICU.

[Caracol8]

If you have private health insurance, breast pump support and equipment are now 100% covered by your insurance, because of the new Health Care Act