Breastfeeding for me, was anything but plug-and-chug. In fact, my experience with breastfeeding was the polar opposite. It took many sleepless nights, tears, ointments, patches, potions and lotions, but without a doubt, I would have failed the task without my husband standing by my side cheering me on, and my breast pump.
It all started right after delivery when my baby started a full-on assault on my ta-tas. He was pissed I wasn't making enough milk for his super-sized needs. The realization that breastfeeding wasn't some beautiful, easy gift of nature set-in two days after delivery in the wee hours of the morning when I was desperate to sleep and my sweet son wanted to rip my nipple off.
A few hours later, I met my hospital appointed lactation consultant. I'm not even sure if I said, Hi, before blurting out, When can I start pumping, because this (sh!t) hurts.
I told her that my nipples were barely recognizable and if I didn’t get some relief soon, my son was going to get some formula. She told me to, "Pump his feedings for 24 hours straight so my poor nips could heal and then go see her for proper latching techniques once the pain subsided. God Love that woman, because she got my nips screwed back on, my son fed and my sanity restored.
I lasted two-years and never once gave my son a drop of formula. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt, I wouldn't be able to say that had I not had a breast pump to get my milk production up and running after my c-section, and most of all, my husband was able to take over a few feeding with pumped bottles, so I could have more than two hours of sleep!
I'd wager to say, many, many women would say the same about their breast pump being a saving grace. Thankfully, there were enough women and thoughtful dads sitting at the table during the creation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), because in 2010 when the ACA was signed into law, the miracle-mom-moment came; Health insurance plans were required by law to provide breastfeeding support, counseling, and equipment for the duration of breastfeeding. These services may be provided before and after birth. (NOTE: This applies to Marketplace plans and all other health insurance plans, except for, grandfathered plans.)
If you're thinking, Sweet! I need a pump but have no idea where to start; I also can't recommend enough letting Aeroflow help you get your pump. The company has been written up everywhere and repeatedly praised for what it's doing to get breast pumps into the hands of every new mom. It's a free service that helps you get what you need from your doctor, navigates the insurance forms, helps you chose the best pump to fit your needs, then has it shipped to your door. Most times, FREE! Seriously. You fill out one form, and Aeroflow breast pump specialists do the rest
You get to choose from the top breast pump manufacturers!
To get more information on how you can get your breast pump covered by insurance, click here.
