Hellobee Boards

I have the basic Medela pump you mentioned and I think it's great! I would do that if it's free.

$50 PISA sounds like a great deal for this Canadian mom who paid over $200 for hers! I'm not sure how long I'll keep up with pumping (I EP) but I love mine and it has held up incredibly well.

I had the exact same options and up charge. The way I understand it the basic medela and the Pisa are exactly the same pump, but the Pisa has a battery option, cooler bag, and "stylish" carrying case. The basic comes in a tan bag that has a cooler section in it but it's oddly shaped and I've never stores bottles in it, but actual motor is just as good. I got the basic bc I'm sahm so I figured it didn't matter but the battery option and the more convenient case might be nice. I heard mixed things about the freestyle suction but you cannot beat the convenience. If you think you might be pumping in different places and stuff that might be worth the extra money?

The few times I've travelled with my pump I ended up bring the pump bag in another tote so I could keep all the parts in a separate ziplock.

I voted free hospital pump for three months, then buy a subsidized pump.

I am a WOHM and EBFed for a year. I LOVED my Freestyle and would recommend it to anyone. If you're not sure how committed you are to breastfeeding, I'd suggest you see how it goes and use the hospital grade pump at first.

You might become very committed to breastfeeding, you may decide its not for you. This way you aren't paying a bunch of money for something that you might need and might use. If you are committed to breastfeeding and you're a WOHM, the $100 for a Freestyle is absolutely worth it!!

I has the same options. I chose the $100 Freestyle for mobility. Love it.

I had similar options-my insurance covered roughly up to $173 so my options were basic. I have the Ameda Purely Yours, and it works fine for my needs! But because you're worried about establishing/maintaining breastfeeding due to a high-stress job, I think a hospital grade pump would really help you. You could establish a supply and even get a stash going in the 3 months it's free, then reevaluate and decide if you want to continue, which pump you want. What do you have to lose?

@lilteacherbee: I could be wrong, but I thought that under the Affordable Care Act, all health insurance companies had to provide some type of coverage for breast pumps and lactation services, even if very basic. It may not start until 2014, but maybe there's still hope!

Thanks for the reminder. I need to call my provider and get an idea of what they'll cover!

@futuremama: I know the state teachers insurance was grandfathered in sometime in the past regarding the pumps. I think you're right though- the new coverage may start in 2014, but my baby will be here in a couple weeks! Still though, if it changes in Jan, maybe I can get a pump then?

@futuremama: @lilteacherbee: I was told my plan was also grandfathered (I'm on BCBS through my husband at a university) and they didn't have to provide pump coverage. They also said perhaps, maybe, someday that would change - but not likely. So I paid full price I wonder if that will change in 2014?

@ShootingStar: Very frustrating!

I'd call back one more time, and ask for their policy and then get that person's name and extension # so you can refer back to the time/date/person you talked to if there's an issue.

As to where you stand now, I'd probably compare the options you do have available and go with whatever you find is best and pay that difference (as lame as that is!). I know my friends overwhelmingly recommended the PISA and I ended up going with that one.

Another avenue to try, for those who have "grandfathered" plans or those whose policies try to get by the ACA requirements that kicked in last year by just offering a manual single pump, is to ask about if an electric/double electric breast pump falls under your Durable Medical Equipment policy if purchased from a DME provider. That's how I ended up with mine at 20% cost to me. They were "covered" by giving me the option of a single pump, but I could get a double electric of my choice through a DME for my 80/20 split, without a prescription and before delivery. Isn't 100% covered like the ACA hoped to provide (just the manual pump was), but 20% is much better than full price. Can't hurt to ask!

Look online, the policies are pretty clearly written out and that's the standard. My insurance would only cover a rental, not a straight out purchase.

The freestyle was great during maternity leave, but as a WOHM the medela dbl electric (that i got free from ins) is my GO TO pump. the wall plug power is unbeatable (similar to PISA).

I would get the policy in writing. Especially if you are considering renting a hospital grade and buying one. My insurance company would cover the cost of a pump up to $250 from one of their authorized distributor OR they would cover a hospital rental for 3 months. I could only choose one of those options, if I went with the hospital rental I was on my own for a personal pump after the rental term was over.