Question About Breast Pump Through Insurance

So, I just got the name of Byram Healthcare from my insurance (Oxford/United Healthcare) as a medical supply provider for breast pumps. I called them up and the process was extremely simple...up until the very end when they told me the expected ship date of my pump will be the baby's due date. I asked what would happen if the baby was born earlier and they said I would call and they would immediately ship it and it would take 3-5 business days to arrive. This gives me pause, but I confirmed with Unitedhealth Care that they can't ship until the baby is born. Do you think it will be a big deal if I'm home from the hospital for a few days and still don't have my pump? I was planning to exclusively feed my baby breast milk but to do a lot of it via the pump. Should I be ready to supplement with formula just in case I have trouble actually breast feeding?

Re: Question About Breast Pump Through Insurance

I had my pump in advance but never needed to use it until recently. You don't get that much milk right away so you can breast feed and there is no need to pump. To be safe I would get formula just in case...a friend had her newborn home night one and he wouldn't latch and they had no formula in the house...she said if was a miserable night until they got to the store. I believe the hospital may even give you if you ask
Call your insurance the day the baby is born and you should be fine

Message edited 3/1/2013 10:33:44 AM.

Re: Question About Breast Pump Through Insurance

Thank you for the advice! I literally have not even contemplated feeding with formula and I am 35w!! Do you have any recommendations about which kind of formula for an emergency stash?

Re: Question About Breast Pump Through Insurance

I've been having this same thought, I was thinking about buying a manual pump since they aren't as expensive and then getting the electric whenever it gets here. I'm not quite sure if that will help or not but it's a thought.

Question About Breast Pump Through Insurance

I would think the first few days you'll want to use just the breast to make sure baby latches properly. That gives you time til the pump arrives.

Question About Breast Pump Through Insurance

my insurance company had said the same thing and I was concerned if I went early since the pump wasn't going to ship until my due date. Needless to say I was so excited when my pump arrived last week. I'm 33 weeks!

Re: Question About Breast Pump Through Insurance

I didnt pump with my ds until he was around 2weeks- I wanted to get bf'ing down first and then deal with that... so I think you'll be fine!

Re: Question About Breast Pump Through Insurance

It will take a few days for your milk to come in and you'll likely be too exhausted to pump that early anyway! Is there a reason you want to pump so early? You won't be able to pump extra yet since your supply won't be established yet.

You can definitely ask to use a pump in the hospital if you're trying to establish your supply early, but there isn't really a need.