Types of pumps

Choose a breast pump before your baby arrives and you’ll be good to go.

• Manual pumps
  • are operated by hand
  • Good to relieve engorgement
  • Good if you only rarely need to pump breast milk
  • Easy to carry with you
  • Not very practical for pumping several times a day
• Electric pumps
  • Good for frequent or regular use
  • More comfortable than manual pumps
  • Fastest way to express breast milk
  • Closely imitates the action of a breast-feeding baby
  • Help you maintain your milk production if you bottle-feed breast milk often
  • Newer models are lightweight, but may be larger and heavier than manual pumps
• Battery-operated pumps
  • Good for occasional use
  • Easier to use than a manual pump

If you only plan to be away from your baby for a few days, think about renting an electric pump from a hospital or breastfeeding specialist. Your health plan coverage may include the use of an electric breast pump, at no cost to you. Please call Membership Services at 1-800-464-4000 for assistance.

Breast pumps under the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare)

Plans under the Affordable Care Act cover a breast pump. Please call Membership Services at 1-800-464-4000 for assistance.