To help new mothers store all the breast milk they need to feed their little ones, CDPHP® covers the purchase of a standard electric breast pump or rental of a hospital-grade breast pump with a doctor’s prescription on most plans.
Why use a breast pump?
The biggest perk to pumping is the greater flexibility you get when you’ve stocked up on milk, because instead of having to feed your baby every few hours like clockwork, you can pass bottle duties on to a partner or family. It is your right to breastfeed in public, but if you’re uncomfortable doing so, you can choose to bottle feed your breast milk to your baby without worrying about finding a comfortable space or privacy.
Pumping also helps to maintain your milk supply, relieve uncomfortable pressure in engorged breasts (but be careful; over-pumping can make things worse), and help out your baby if he or she can’t quite latch on yet. Just remember that most pediatricians recommend waiting two to three weeks after birth to introduce a bottle if you plan on breastfeeding, as it can interfere with successful nursing.
How to get a breast pump
Follow these steps to get your pump:
- Get a prescription: You’ll need a prescription from your doctor to order a pump. For help finding a CDPHP participating provider, visit Find-A-Doc.
- Contact a participating vendor: Find out which vendors are covered within your network, and decide which type works best for you and your family. You can find a list of participating vendors on the Breastfeeding Support Guide.
- Order your pump: When you find one that your plan covers and that works for you, you can take the (well-informed) leap and order a pump by phone or online from a durable medical equipment vendor. Some vendors will mail the pump directly to your home.
Breastfeeding isn’t always easy, but your CDPHP team can help. For additional assistance finding a pump, contact CDPHP at 518-641-4800 option 1.
To find a lactation consultant near you, search “lactation” on CDPHP Find-A-Doc, or ask your OB/GYN, child’s pediatrician, or place of delivery for their recommendations. To access lactation support from the comfort of your home, visit SimpliFed to meet 1-1 with a SimpliFed lactation provider.
Participation in these services is dependent on plan type. Please check your member contract or call the number on your ID card to see if you’re eligible. Tap the button below to learn more about your benefits from your CDPHP online member account.
Sources
- “Breast pump benefits and Insurance Coverage: What You Need to Know.” gov. US Department of Health and Human Services, Sep 30 2014. Web.
