If you’re pregnant in Atlanta and starting to prepare for your baby, you may already be researching breast pumps in Atlanta and wondering whether your insurance will cover one. But figuring out how to get a breast pump through insurance in Atlanta can feel surprisingly confusing.
Which pumps are covered? Where do you order one? Do you need a prescription? What if the pump you actually want isn’t fully covered?
And perhaps most importantly: How do you know which breast pump will actually work for you?
I’ve learned that last question is harder to answer than it sounds.
When I was preparing to breastfeed, I went through the list of pumps my insurance company provided and chose a Medela. It seemed like a straightforward choice. Unfortunately, it didn’t work well for me at all. I wasn’t able to effectively express milk with it.
After meeting with a lactation specialist, I was introduced to a Unimom pump and flexible Pumpin’ Pals flanges. That combination worked much better for me.
When I had my twins, I reached out to Breastfeed Atlanta for recommendations. They recommended Unimom again, this time a newer version of the pump. It wasn’t completely covered by my insurance, but I only had to pay a small portion out of pocket.
That experience taught me something I wish I’d known the first time around: the pump your insurance covers isn’t necessarily the pump that will work best for you.
Here’s what I would do if you’re preparing to breastfeed in Atlanta.
Finding a Breast Pump in Atlanta
When you’re looking for a breast pump in Atlanta, your insurance company is usually the best place to start. Most insurance plans offer some type of breast pump benefit, but the details vary by plan.
Your insurance company may provide a list of approved breast pumps, approved medical equipment suppliers, or both. Some plans cover a basic pump at no cost, while others may give you the option to upgrade to a different pump for an additional fee.
Before ordering anything, call your insurance company and ask exactly what your plan covers.
1. Call your insurance company
Ask about your breast pump benefit and find out:
- When you are eligible to order your pump
- Whether you need a prescription from your OB or midwife
- Which breast pumps are covered in Atlanta
- Which medical equipment suppliers you can use
- Whether the pump is completely covered or requires a copay
- Whether you can choose an upgraded pump and pay the difference
- Whether you can purchase a pump yourself and receive reimbursement
- How long it takes for the pump to arrive
Don’t assume that every insurance plan works the same way. Your specific benefits are what matter.
2. Check the medical equipment supplier list
Your insurance company may direct you to a medical equipment provider, sometimes called a DME supplier.
You’ll typically choose your pump from the options that supplier offers through your insurance plan.
This is where I would take a little time to research the pumps instead of simply choosing the first familiar brand on the list.
Look at the pump specifications, read reviews, and, if possible, talk with a lactation professional before making your decision.
3. Ask about pumps that aren’t fully covered
If the pump you want isn’t completely covered, don’t automatically assume you can’t get it.
Depending on your insurance plan and supplier, you may be able to choose a different pump and pay the difference. Some plans may also have reimbursement options.
This is exactly what happened with my Unimom pump. It wasn’t fully reimbursed, but my out-of-pocket cost was small enough that it was worth it to me.
Always ask your insurance company what your options are before paying for a pump yourself.
Why Might You Need a Breast Pump?
There isn’t one reason to use a breast pump, and you don’t have to be exclusively breastfeeding to have a reason to pump. Your needs may also change after your baby arrives.
You might consider a breast pump if:
- You decide not to nurse directly. Some moms choose to exclusively pump and feed their baby expressed breast milk.
- Your baby has difficulty latching. Pumping can allow you to provide breast milk while you work with a lactation professional on feeding and latch.
- You want to know how much milk your baby is getting. Nursing directly doesn’t give you a measurement of how many ounces your baby takes at each feeding. Pumping and bottle-feeding allows you to measure the amount offered and consumed.
- You need to increase your milk supply. Your lactation consultant may recommend pumping in addition to nursing depending on your individual situation.
- You have an oversupply. Pumping or expressing milk may sometimes be part of managing an oversupply, although it’s worth getting guidance from a lactation professional because pumping more can also signal your body to produce more milk.
- You’re planning to return to work. A breast pump can allow you to continue providing breast milk while you’re separated from your baby during the workday.
- You simply want the flexibility of having someone else give the baby a bottle. Pumping can allow a partner or another caregiver to participate in feeding while you still provide breast milk.
And you don’t necessarily have to decide exactly how you’ll use a pump before your baby arrives. Whatever your reason for needing a breast pump, understanding your options before your baby arrives can make the process much easier. If you’re looking for a breast pump in Atlanta, start by checking your insurance benefits and learning what local breastfeeding support is available.
You may have one plan during pregnancy and discover that your needs are completely different once your baby is here. That’s another reason I think it’s helpful to understand your insurance benefit and know where to find lactation support in Atlanta before you need it.
Different Types of Breast Pumps
If you’re researching a breast pump in Atlanta, you’ll quickly discover that there are many different types and styles to choose from.
Breast pumps can look very different from one another, and the right option depends on how you plan to use it. Some are small and portable, while others are larger and designed to be used while sitting in one place. There are also wearable pumps, rechargeable pumps, and traditional electric pumps that plug into the wall.
Traditional electric pumps are often the more substantial option. They usually plug into a wall outlet and are designed for regular pumping. They can be a good choice if you’ll primarily be pumping at home and don’t need to carry your pump around frequently.
Rechargeable pumps give you more flexibility because you don’t have to stay near an outlet. Some charge with a USB cable, making them convenient for travel or moving around the house. If you expect to pump frequently, not having to find an outlet every time can make a big difference.
Wearable pumps are designed to fit inside your bra, allowing you to move around while pumping. They’re small, discreet, and convenient for moms who want more freedom during the day. They can be especially appealing once you’re back to work or trying to pump while caring for an older child. However, wearable pumps don’t work equally well for everyone, and some moms find that a traditional pump is more effective for them.
Hospital-grade pumps are generally larger and more powerful and are commonly used in hospitals and lactation settings. They can be particularly useful when establishing milk supply or when you’re pumping frequently. Some lactation consultants and breastfeeding practices offer hospital-grade pump rentals, which can be a good option if you want to try one without purchasing it.
Small, portable pumps can be convenient if you travel often or want something easy to keep in a diaper bag. The tradeoff is that smaller doesn’t always mean better. Depending on your needs, you may prefer a larger pump with more settings or stronger performance.
There isn’t necessarily one “best” type of breast pump. A wearable pump might be perfect for one mom and frustrating for another. A large traditional pump may feel cumbersome but work beautifully for someone who needs to pump frequently.
That’s why I’d look beyond the brand name and consider how you’ll actually use the pump, how often you’ll pump, whether you’ll be home or away from an outlet, and whether portability matters to you.
And if you’re unsure, this is another good reason to talk with a lactation consultant. They can help you figure out what type of pump makes sense for your situation—and, in some cases, you may even be able to rent a pump before committing to buying one.
Don’t Assume the “Best” Pump Is the Best Pump for You
This is probably the biggest thing I learned from my own experience.
I chose Medela because it was on my insurance company’s list. But despite being a well-known brand, it simply didn’t work for me.
After working with a lactation specialist, I learned that there was more to finding the right pump than choosing a recognizable brand.
The pump itself matters, but so can:
- Flange size
- Flange shape
- Pump settings
- Suction patterns
- Your individual anatomy
- How frequently you are pumping
- Whether you’re primarily nursing, exclusively pumping, or doing a combination of both
For me, switching to Unimom and using flexible Pumpin’ Pals flanges made a significant difference.
That doesn’t mean Unimom is the right pump for everyone. It means your experience with a pump can be very different from someone else’s.
If you are struggling to express milk with your pump, consider talking with a lactation professional before assuming you simply need to pump more or use a higher setting.
Sometimes the equipment or fit needs to be adjusted.
Where to Get Breastfeeding Help in Atlanta
If you’re preparing to breastfeed in Atlanta, you don’t have to figure everything out on your own.
Your hospital may have lactation consultants available during your stay, and you can also seek help from an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) before or after your baby arrives.
A lactation professional can help you with more than breastfeeding technique. They can also help you evaluate your pump, check flange fit, and troubleshoot problems you’re having with expressing milk.
When I was preparing for my twins, I reached out to Breastfeed Atlanta for recommendations, and they recommended the newer version of the Unimom pump that ultimately worked well for me.
If you’re pregnant and already thinking about pumping, it can be worth establishing where you will go for lactation support before your baby arrives rather than waiting until you’re exhausted and trying to figure everything out in the hospital.
Should You Bring Your Breast Pump to the Hospital?
This one is a little bit of a yes and no.
You don’t necessarily need to bring your personal breast pump to the hospital.
If you’re delivering at a hospital that has lactation support, there will generally be a hospital pump available if you need to pump during your stay. You can also work with the hospital’s lactation consultant, who can help you learn how to use the equipment and troubleshoot your setup.
For some moms, that’s more than enough.
There’s also something nice about not having to haul one more piece of equipment into the hospital when you’re already bringing everything else.
You may want to bring your own pump if:
- You already have it and want help learning how to use it
- You want a lactation consultant to look at your specific pump
- You want help checking your flange fit
- You already know you’ll be pumping frequently
- You simply feel more comfortable having your own equipment with you
If you’re unsure, you can also ask your hospital ahead of time what equipment they provide and whether their lactation team can help you with your personal pump.
Consider Renting a Breast Pump Before Buying Another One
If you’re not sure which pump will work for you, renting can be another option worth exploring.
Some lactation consultants and breastfeeding practices in Atlanta offer breast pump rentals, including hospital-grade pumps. This can be especially helpful if you’re having difficulty expressing milk with the pump you received through insurance or if you’re trying to determine what type of pump works best for you.
Instead of buying another pump and hoping it works, you may be able to work with a lactation consultant, try a different pump, and see how your body responds.
This can also be helpful when you’re figuring out flange size and fit. A lactation consultant can help you evaluate your setup and make recommendations based on your individual needs.
For me, this is part of what I wish I’d known the first time around. I assumed that because I had a pump through insurance, I had the pump I needed. I didn’t realize there could be so much trial and error involved.
If you’re struggling with your pump, ask your lactation consultant whether they offer rentals or can recommend a rental option in Atlanta. You may be able to try before making another purchase.
You Don’t Have to Have Everything Figured Out Before Your Baby Arrives
There is so much pressure during pregnancy to have every decision made before the baby arrives.
The perfect stroller. The perfect bottles. The perfect nursery. The perfect breast pump.
But breastfeeding and pumping don’t always go according to plan.
The pump you think you’ll love may not work for you. You may discover that you need a different flange. You may decide that you want to pump more—or less—than you originally planned.
That’s okay.
What I would recommend is simply doing enough preparation that you know where to turn for help.
Check your insurance benefits. Look at the pumps available to you. Ask about upgrade or reimbursement options. Find a lactation professional in Atlanta before you need one.
And if your first pump doesn’t work for you, don’t assume that means you can’t pump.
Sometimes you just need different equipment, a better fit, or someone who knows how to help you figure it out.
My Advice for Atlanta Moms Choosing a Breast Pump
If I could go back and do it again, I wouldn’t choose my pump based solely on the insurance list.
I would:
- Check my insurance benefits early.
- Find out which medical equipment suppliers I can use.
- Compare the pumps available through my insurance.
- Ask about upgrading to a different pump if necessary.
- Talk with a lactation professional about pump and flange options.
- Find Atlanta breastfeeding support before the baby arrives.
- Remember that a pump that works beautifully for one mom may not work for another.
Your insurance benefit is a great starting point. But it doesn’t have to be the end of your research.
And if you’re preparing for your baby in Atlanta, knowing where to get breastfeeding and lactation support can be just as valuable as knowing which pump you’re going to bring home.
Continue Reading
If you’re preparing for a baby in Atlanta, you may also find these helpful:
- Atlanta Lactation Consultants: Where to find breastfeeding support before and after your baby arrives.
- Atlanta Baby Boutiques: Local places to find thoughtful baby essentials and gifts.
- What to Wear for Newborn Photos: What to consider when planning your baby’s first portraits.
- When to Book Newborn Photos: Why it’s worth thinking about your newborn session before your baby arrives.
If you’re looking for Atlanta newborn photography, I offer relaxed, lifestyle-focused newborn sessions in the comfort of your own home, with a simple studio setup brought in for timeless newborn portraits.
