subject: Breast Pump Rental - When Is It Better to Rent? [print this page] If you are a full-time working mother with a nursing baby at home, it would make a lot of sense for you to buy your own personal breast pump. You can use the pump while at work to express milk to feed your baby. However, there are instances when you will only need a pump for a short period of time. In this case, a breast pump rental may be cheaper and more practical.
Only hospital grade breast pumps are recommended for rental. This type of pump is more powerful and sturdier than others. It offers more powerful suction and a cycling time that duplicates the suckling of a baby. Hospital-grade pumps are capable of providing sufficient stimulation to the breast to maintain an adequate milk production. Medical grade pumps also drain the breasts more effectively. They are also designed to prevent cross contamination even with multiple users.
Because hospital grade pumps are costly, renting one is a more affordable option. One reason for renting a breast pump is when the baby is born prematurely and may not be able to nurse properly. It is also possible that the infant has complications such as neuromotor or oral dysfunction, or other congenital condition that prevents direct nursing for the time being.
Another reason why direct nursing may not be possible is when the mother is receiving medication that leaves her milk unsuitable for the baby while her therapy is in progress. Expressing the mother's milk for the duration of the therapy will ensure that milk production is maintained and the baby will not be weaned prematurely. The physician will provide the necessary documentation and recommend renting a pump for a specified length of time.
Check your insurance plan before renting one. The cost of pump rental may be covered by the insurance plan, especially if the baby is premature. Your insurance may also cover the expense if the hospital issues the pump to you before you are discharged.
You may be able to rent a medical grade pump from a hospital. If this is not possible, ask your lactation consultant about places that provide breast pump rental. While you're at it, compare the rates of different rental places.
Decide on the time frame for renting the pump. Rental rates may be cheaper on a monthly basis, but you do not want to hold on to a pump that you are not comfortable using. You may not be able to get a refund if you choose to return the pump early. It is better to consider renting short-term to make sure you can use the pump successfully.
There's another good reason why you should consider a breast pump rental. Before making a big investment on a pump, you can try renting the particular model you are interested in buying, and see how well it works for you.
Breast Pump Rental - When Is It Better to Rent?
By: Jenna Michaelson
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