Breast Flanges

Moms are probably most familiar with breast flanges or breast shields because they come in direct contact with these breast pump parts during every pumping session. Usually made of sturdy plastic, breast flanges rest directly on a mom’s breast and form the seal that uses suction to express breast milk. Unlike many other breast pump parts, breast flanges come in several different sizes. To express breast milk effectively and comfortably, moms just starting their breastfeeding journeys should be sure to find the right size for them. 

Tubing

All breast pumps, except for some hands-free or wearable breast pumps, come with tubing. This particular breast pump part is essential in expressing breast milk and ensures optimal suction that corresponds to the correct device setting throughout a breast pumping session. Tubing is specialized for each specific pump, and it looks different depending on if a device is a single or double electric breast pump. When used with backflow protectors, breast pump tubing prevents breast milk from flowing back into the motor. 

Backflow Protectors

Although this particular part of a breast pump was once a groundbreaking innovation, backflow protectors are now common in most devices available today. Backflow protectors can be separate parts or incorporated into the design of a breast pump, like with the Elvie wearable breast pump. Breast pumps with tubing often come with backflow protectors that separate the breast pump motor from the parts that come in contact with breast milk. These small but mighty components keep the device from getting damaged and ensure breast milk stays contaminant-free by only entering the parts designed for collection.

Valves and Connectors

Every breast pump brand seems to use a different name for these breast pump parts, but valves and connectors keep all essential pieces together without letting contaminants into breast milk. Valves and connectors are most commonly used to connect a breast flange to the storage container and the tubing. Along with backflow protectors, valves and connectors help keep breast milk separate from parts that are exposed to outside germs or the pump motor. These may not be the most glamorous parts of a breast pump, but they keep the whole system running smoothly.  

Storage Containers

These parts of breast pumps may be self-explanatory, but there would be no breast milk without them. Breast pump storage containers can look different depending on the pump, but their role is simple—collect expressed breast milk. From BPA-free bottles to pre-sealed storage bags, breast milk storage is getting increasingly convenient. Whether designed for long-term breast milk storage or only for a pumping session, breast pump storage containers make it possible for moms to get expressed breast milk safely into the mouths of their little ones.

At Pumps For Mom, we are passionate about helping new and expectant moms learn everything they can to make the most of their breastfeeding journey. Our maternity product specialists work directly with moms to verify their insurance coverage and help them find the best breast pump for them. Explore our insurance-covered breast pumps and qualify through insurance today!

Freedom and Flexibility

When it comes to enjoying the most freedom during the many months of breastfeeding, it’s hard to beat the flexibility offered by a breast pump. Breast pumping gives moms the ability to provide breast milk for their baby, even when they are away from their little one. New moms can return to work, go on a vacation, or even just enjoy a few hours away from home without worrying about a feeding. With typical breastfeeding, the burden is entirely on new moms to give breast milk every time their baby is hungry. Exclusive breast pumping helps moms share the responsibility of breastfeeding with partners or other family members who can easily offer a bottle of expressed breast milk to a hungry newborn. They say it takes a village to raise a child, so why not let the village lend a hand with breastfeeding too! 

Control Over Breast Milk Supply

One of the biggest worries on a nursing mom’s mind is usually related to breast milk supply. From having low supply and worrying if a newborn is getting enough nutrients to struggling with engorgement, breastfeeding leaves a lot up to chance. Breast pumping assists moms in having more control over their breast milk supply by making it easy to see exactly how much milk is expressed during each pumping session. If a mom notices her breast milk supply is getting low, she can increase the frequency of her pumping sessions to signal her body to make more breast milk, also known as “power pumping.” A lot is unknown about breast milk supply when breastfeeding, but by pumping exclusively, moms enjoy increased awareness and control over their breast milk.

Easy to Adapt into a Routine

Thanks to advancements in breast pumping technology, today’s pumps are adaptable to any and every breastfeeding routine. From home to the office to a road trip, moms can continue to express breast milk according to their routine with help from a breast pump. Additionally, if a mom is having trouble breastfeeding, she can introduce a breast pump into her normal breastfeeding routine as often or as rarely as she wants. And even if a mom uses a breast pump exclusively, she always has the option to shift back to breastfeeding if she needs to, depending on her circumstances. While breastfeeding may seem easy at first, introducing a breast pump or pumping exclusively helps moms enjoy more flexibility throughout their breastfeeding journey.

Pumps For Mom is proud to support new and expectant moms by offering a wide range of breast pumps through insurance. We make it easy to qualify with your insurance provider and browse the breast pumps that best meet your needs. We will even reach out to your doctor to request a prescription if your insurance needs it! Work with the maternity product specialists at Pumps For Mom and get the best breast pump for you without the stress.

A Breast Pump

It should come as no surprise that the number one essential item for breast pumping is the breast pump. But with so many different breast pump options, expectant moms may be tempted to hold off on ordering a breast pump until they actually start breastfeeding. Don’t make this mistake, mama! Pregnancy is the perfect time to consider what your breast pumping needs will be when your little one arrives. Will you be pumping in the same place every day, or will you need a pump that prioritizes portability? Will you need a powerful breast pump to express enough breast milk to feed your little one exclusively? Or will you only need to pump occasionally when you are away from your baby? Consider these questions to find the right pump for you, and work with Pumps For Mom to qualify for your breast pump through insurance!

Breast Milk Storage Bags

While a breast pump may be a common-sense item on a list of breast pumping essentials, some moms-to-be might not think about where the breast milk goes after it is pumped. That’s why breast milk storage bags are another essential item for expectant moms who plan on pumping. Once you express your breast milk using a breast pump, it is critical that parents store this liquid gold in a safe, secure container like a specialized breast milk storage bag. These breast pumping accessories provide a sterile place for expressed breast milk that can easily be stored in the refrigerator or freezer until your little one is ready for a feeding.

Wearable Collection Cups

Moms who want to take their breast pumping game to the next level will absolutely consider wearable collection cups a must-have item. Designed to be compatible with multiple different breast pumps, brands like Freemie or Spectra offer collection cups that can easily fit inside of a regular or nursing bra and give moms some freedom from the bottles and flanges that are typically necessary for a breast pump. Moms almost always have their hands full, both literally and figuratively, so wearable collection cups can give moms the flexibility they need to pump while they are on the move. 

There is no single right way to breastfeed. As long as moms are providing the proper nutrients for their little one, it doesn’t matter if it is through a breast pump, breastfeeding, formula, or a combination of all three! Pumps For Mom is proud to support moms through their breastfeeding journey by making it easy to get a breast pump through insurance. Our maternity product specialists will work with you through every step of the process so you feel ready to pump as soon as your little one arrives. Qualify for your breast pump through insurance today!

Find the Best Breastfeeding Positions for You

There is no one right position that will guarantee successful and comfortable breastfeeding. Every mom and baby breastfeed differently, and a position that worked for your friend or relative may not work for you and your little one. Try out different feeding positions until you find a setup that is comfortable for you and helps your little one feed to their heart’s content. Breastfeeding may be exhausting, but it shouldn’t be painful, so keep trying new positions until you find one that works for you.

Help Your Baby Get a Good Latch

As simple and natural as the idea of breastfeeding may seem, getting your little one to latch properly is harder than it sounds. Encouraging your baby to latch can be a time-consuming process, so don’t be afraid to keep trying different positions throughout feedings until you notice signs of a good latch. When beginning a feeding, you can encourage proper latching by tickling your baby’s lips to get them to open their mouth wide and extend their tongue as they latch to the nipple. If the latch is painful, put a clean finger in your baby’s mouth, gently break the latch, reposition, and try latching again. 

Don’t Be Afraid of Cluster Feeding

As your little one experiences growth spurts, he or she will likely ramp up the frequency of feedings–as often as every 30 minutes for some–to make sure they have enough breast milk to grow. These frequent meal times, known as cluster feedings, prompt your milk supply to increase so your baby has enough breast milk to meet their growing demand. Use a breast pump as often as you can to increase your milk supply and keep a bank of expressed milk on hand if cluster feedings become overwhelming. These frequent cluster feedings can be exhausting for moms, but they are based on your little one’s instincts for what they need to grow. Embrace the extra time you get to spend with your baby during these feedings!

Not All Breast Pumps Are Created Equally

Although the Affordable Care Act makes it possible to get a free breast pump through insurance, don’t just select the first breast pump that your insurance recommends without doing some research first. For moms looking for maximum breastfeeding efficiency, a double electric breast pump is the way to go. Moms can pump from one or both breasts and easily become pros at breast milk storage. The best hospital-grade breast pumps, such as the Spectra S1, Ameda Mya, and Spectra S2, mimic an infant’s natural feeding behavior and help moms pump quickly and easily. Do some research to see how to get the best breast pump through insurance for you and your little one.

Look Out for Feeding Cues

Each baby has unique feeding cues that help them communicate with mom or dad about their needs. It will become easier to detect these cues over time, but some common indicators of hunger can be seen when babies bring their hands to their face, suck on their fingers or hands, or flex their arms or legs. Some signs that your baby may be full include turning away from a bottle or breast, becoming disinterested in feeding, or starting to fall asleep. 

Stock Up on the Best Foods for Breastfeeding

As tempted as new moms may be to immediately cut out carbs to lose any pregnancy weight, a balanced, nutritious diet for moms is essential to breastfeeding success. Some of the best foods for breastfeeding moms include protein-packed foods for energy like lean meats, beans, lentils, and fatty fish like salmon, as well as fruits and vegetables full of vitamins and minerals. The omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon and other fatty fish promote heart health for breastfeeding moms and encourage infant brain and nervous system development, while vitamins and minerals keep mom and baby feeling their best. Additionally, staying hydrated is necessary for breastfeeding moms to feel their best. Breastfeeding is a lot of work for moms’ bodies, and it’s important to drink enough water to keep your body working well for your little one.

Don’t Put Too Much Pressure On Yourself

Even if new moms follow all of these tips to try and master breastfeeding, it still may not come easily, so don’t put too much pressure on yourself to be the perfect breastfeeding mom. Ready for a breastfeeding break? Express milk using a breast pump and hand that bottle off to a loved one while you rest. Using a different breastfeeding technique or position than one that a family member suggested? Zone out unwarranted advice, and remember that you know what is best for yourself and your baby. There is no one right way to breastfeed your little one, so be kind to yourself as you learn what works for you. 

Breastfeeding is no easy task. Whether you receive guidance from a lactation consultant or rely on tips and tricks shared from other moms online, be patient with yourself, and remember that practice makes perfect.

At Pumps For Mom, we are passionate about helping new and expectant moms through the breastfeeding journey with a breast pump through insurance. Pregnancy and motherhood can be challenging, but getting a free breast pump with insurance doesn’t have to be. Our qualification form makes it easy to see which insurance breast pumps you qualify for immediately without having to wait for a member of our team to get in touch with you. Simply fill out your insurance information, browse our selection of top breast pump brands, select the best breast pump for you, and we’ll take care of the rest. Order your breast pump through insurance with help from Pumps For Mom today!