Alcohol can be detected in breast milk.

Moms must realize that if they have a few drinks, some of that alcohol can indeed make its way into breast milk. This does not necessarily mean that moms cannot drink any alcohol throughout the many months they are breastfeeding. In all circumstances, alcohol is best enjoyed in moderation! According to the Centers for Disease Control, alcohol from one drink can be detected in breast milk for about two to three hours, and alcohol from two drinks can be detected for about four to five hours. The more alcohol a new mom consumes, the longer it will take for the alcohol to fully exit her system and for breast milk to be safe again.

Breast pumping immediately after drinking will not reduce the amount of alcohol in breast milk.

Although the idea of “pumping and dumping” has been around for generations, science does not back up this belief. The amount of alcohol that can be found in breast milk is essentially equal to the alcohol level of a mom’s bloodstream, which does not change simply by pumping and discarding any amount of breast milk. The best way to breast pump or breastfeed safely after drinking is to wait at least two hours per standard alcoholic drink consumed. After waiting the appropriate amount of time, a mom’s breast milk will return to normal and will not have detectable amounts of alcohol. If parents want to be extra safe, they can always use expressed breast milk that has been properly stored for the first feeding after drinking alcohol.

Moderate alcohol consumption is not known to be harmful to breastfeeding infants.

Moderation is the key to safely drinking alcohol while breastfeeding! Moderate alcohol consumption is considered one standard drink per day or less. The key to safely drinking alcohol while breastfeeding is to moderate your consumption and give yourself a few hours to ensure all of the alcohol has left your system before breastfeeding or pumping. By waiting at least two hours after finishing a drink, moms can keep their little ones safe from breast milk that may have traces of alcohol. 

There’s no such thing as a perfect mom—only moms who are doing their best to take care of themselves and their babies! And it is possible for breastfeeding moms to enjoy alcohol in moderation while providing breast milk to their little ones. Pumps For Mom is proud to support moms through their breastfeeding journey by providing the best breast pumps through insurance. Explore our available products and qualify for your breast pump through insurance today!

Benefits of Medela

Medela is one of the top breast pump brands. These breast pumps provide proprietary technology that makes mom’s life easier. An added bonus? Depending on your unique coverage, you may qualify for a Medela breast pump for free through insurance. We’ve done the research to find out exactly what makes Medela breast pumps so popular.

• Original 2-Phase Expression Technology: Medela developed this patented and research-based technology that imitates the way an infant naturally feeds. It helps moms maintain optimal milk supply. In the Stimulation Phase, Medela’s breast pumps mimic how a baby begins a feeding with fast and light sucking to stimulate letdown. This phase is followed by the Expression Phase, where the pump uses deeper, slower suction to express more milk quickly.
• Flexibility: Medela offers breast pumps that allow comfort and flexibility for every lifestyle. They come with optional battery power, different carrying options, or a range of prices for every budget.
• Double Electric Pump Options: Double electric breast pumps enable moms to express milk from both breasts simultaneously with an electronic pump. Medela creates several double electric breast pumps so that moms can pump with efficiency.
• Trusted Performance: Medela has been the #1 recommended breast pump brand for over 20 years. Although warranties vary from pump to pump, Medela commits to working with nursing moms to ensure their pumps are helping moms breastfeed with ease. 

What Are My Choices for Medela Breast Pumps?

Pumps For Mom offers new moms multiple choices so you can find the best breast pump that fits your lifestyle. When you work with us, you’ll find some of the most popular Medela breast pumps that can work with your insurance. 

• Advanced Personal Double Breast Pump Starter Set: Insurance frequently covers this compact pump that comes in a soft, easy-to-carry case. Additionally, this product comes with Medela breast shields, breast milk bottles, tubing, and more to keep your pump running at its best. 
• Medela Pump in Style® Advanced: One of the most popular pump options from Medela, the Pump in Style® Advanced, comes in four styles to fit the needs of every nursing mom. The pump can operate from a power adapter plugged into the wall or from a battery pack for moms on-the-go. Additionally, breastmilk bottles, breast shields, and portable coolers are included with each pump. Work with us to see how you can get the Medela Pump in Style® Advanced through insurance.
• Medela Freestyle®: With a lightweight pump, rechargeable battery, and options to personalize and control each pump session, moms can pump freely with the Medela Freestyle®. Each pump comes with a backlit display and timer so you can keep track of your pumping time. Medela Freestyle® pumps also come with a tote bag to keep you organized no matter where you pump.

Can I get a Medela Breast Pump Covered by Insurance?

Get a Medela breast pump through your health insurance with Pumps For Mom. After the passage of the Affordable Care Act, most insurance plans must cover the cost of a breast pump. Moms shouldn’t have to shoulder the financial burden of breastfeeding. Work with us to take advantage of breastfeeding benefits and get a Medela breast pump through insurance. 

At Pumps For Mom, get certain breast pumps completely free with insurance. Upgrade pumps may have a small fee out-of-pocket. Our simple qualification form makes it easy to see which breast pumps and upgrades are covered by your insurance. Moms have enough on their to-do lists. Let Pumps For Mom check off your breast pump through insurance.

Your Breast Milk is More than Great Nutrition

Mom’s liquid gold is more than just a yummy and nutritious staple to help your baby grow. It is completely natural and designed for infant digestion. It is easy on your newborn’s sensitive stomach and reduces instances of diarrhea. This wonderful, all-natural substance contains a balance of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and vitamins that meet the unique nutritional needs of growing babies. Breast milk also has bioactive components specifically designed to help your little one fight bacteria, viruses, and infections. Additionally, breastfed babies may grow into children with fewer instances of allergies, asthma, childhood cancers, diabetes, respiratory illnesses, and more. 

The Milk Will Change

If your breast milk seems to be changing, there’s no need to panic! It is designed to adapt over time to meet the changing needs of your child. For example, your first few days of feeding or pumping will produce milk. Known as colostrum, this first milk helps your newborn transition to life outside of the womb. It is packed with protein and other nutrients designed to fight infection and promote healthy digestion. Your breast milk changes over the next few weeks, becoming transitional and then mature milk as your baby continues to grow. The progressive evolution of your milk over the first few weeks after delivery meets the developing needs of your little one.

You also produce breast milk with unique properties at each feeding. At the beginning of a feeding, your body releases foremilk. It is high in volume but low in calories to help your baby feel full and eliminate immediate hunger. As the feeding progresses, you will produce hindmilk, which is low in volume and high in nutrients and calories to help your baby grow. Additionally, if you are breastfeeding through cold and flu season, your body will also produce antibodies that add an extra layer of protection to help your baby stay healthy.

Diet Affects Your Breast Milk

Although breastfeeding is a natural process, your body works extremely hard to produce enough milk to keep your new child full. You need to consume around 400-500 additional calories and at least ten 8 ounce glasses of water each day to make up for what you’re working off when you are breastfeeding. It’s also important to take a multivitamin to make up for whatever nutrients you aren’t getting in your diet. Ask your doctor about the best breastfeeding vitamins or supplements for you!

Remember that baby eats whatever mommy eats! Be sure to stick to a balanced diet full of protein, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats so your baby gets the most nutritious breast milk. The color and flavor of your milk may even change based on what you eat! 

Proper Breast Milk Storage is Essential

Breastfeeding is not easy, and you won’t want a drop of breast milk to go to waste. That’s why proper storage is so important. According to the CDC, freshly pumped breast milk can stay at room temperature for up to four hours, in a refrigerator for up to four days, and in a freezer for about six months. The milk must be stored in an airtight container to ensure safety and quality for your little one. 

Your Baby Will Set the Pace of Feedings

When it comes to breastfeeding, your child can set the pace of feedings depending on their needs. Feeding on demand instead of on a rigid schedule is better for meeting your baby’s evolving hunger needs and increases your milk supply. It is especially important to let your little one set the pace of feedings, so your body is ready for the inevitable growth spurts in the first few weeks. Your little one may initiate cluster feedings, where the baby feeds for a short period of time but more frequently throughout the day. Their instincts during these cluster feedings promote an increase in your milk supply to make sure you produce enough milk to support your child’s crucial growth spurts. 

Your baby will also develop distinct signs when they are hungry and when they are full. Crying is one of the later signs of hunger, so be aware of early indicators such as restlessness, rooting, putting a hand to the mouth, or smacking the lips to avoid a breakdown. During a feeding, your child will also let you know when they get full. If your baby turns their head away from your breast or bottle, closes their mouth, or relaxes their hands, your little one may be done eating. If your baby seems to get full after feeding from just one breast, it’s important to pump from your other breast to promote steady milk supply and to make sure none of your breast milk goes to waste!

Pumps For Mom is Here to Help

Though the benefits of breast milk are numerous, breastfeeding is easier said than done. Feedings every few hours can be exhausting for new moms, but the use of a breast pump may take some of the pressure off. Is your little one having trouble latching to the breast? Want to pass the baton to your partner for some nighttime feedings? Heading back to work but want to continue breastfeeding? A breast pump is your solution! 

Pumps For Mom is here to streamline the process of getting a free breast pump through your health insurance.  We have been providing insurance-covered breast pumps for moms across the country for over 15 years, and our expertise can’t be matched. With our simple qualification form, you can immediately see what breast pumps you qualify for through your insurance. Pumps For Mom does the legwork to make sure your ideal breast pump gets to you as soon as possible and at the lowest possible cost. We would love to work with you and your insurance to provide your ideal breast pump, so you and your baby can experience the joys of breastfeeding!