There is no doubt that breastmilk provides babies with the nutrients and immune-boosting components that they require. However, modern moms have a tough time balancing daily feeding sessions with the demands of work and home life. Conventional pumps require you to stop whatever work you are doing and find a spot where you can pump in privacy. Of course, this disrupts your routine and reduces your productivity. This is where wearable pumps come in – these devices are perfect for the modern mom as they allow you to pump while you go about your day as usual.
The Cost of Wearable Breast Pumps vs. Conventional Pumps
Cost is one of the main considerations when investing in breastfeeding equipment. When wearable breast pumps first hit the market, they cost almost $1000. Many of these early models also had lower suction power compared to conventional pumps. However, as more brands entered the market, the price dropped drastically and the quality improved significantly. Today, you can get a reliable wearable breast pump with good suction power in under $200 which is reasonable considering that most conventional pumps cost about $150. However, not all wearable pumps are equally good, so reviews and advice on the best wearable breast pumps from independent experts can help you make a decision.
Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), your health insurance plan has to cover breast feeding essentials such as breast pumps without any co-pay. Most plans only cover conventional pumps but many insurance companies will allow you to upgrade to a wearable breast pump where you only need to pay the difference in cost. You will need to check with your insurance company to find out what type of breast pump is covered under your plan and your options to upgrade.
The Benefits of Wearable Breast Pumps
Even if you choose to go with one of the more expensive brands of wearable breast pumps such as Elvie or Willow which are priced between $400 and $600, you will find that the benefits of wearable breast pumps far outweigh the cost. Some of the benefits of wearable breast pumps include:
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Ability to Multi-task
No other pump offers as much freedom and convenience as wearable breast pumps. With a conventional pump, you have to either remain tethered to a power outlet or a bulky battery. Wearable pumps are small and compact and fit right into your bra for hands-free operation. This means that you can work at your desk or even handle household chores while pumping. This ability to multi-task is a game changer because you can maintain your milk supply without sacrificing your productivity. Unlike conventional pumps that are noisy and draw attention, wearable pumps are discrete so that you can pump even when you’re running errands or attending a meeting without anyone knowing.
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Comfort through Customization
Conventional pumps have just a few settings for vacuum strength (how hard the pump pulls) and cycle speed (how many times the pump pulls in a minute. Fewer settings mean that very often, it’s difficult to find a setting that is just right for you – a lower setting is not enough but a higher setting can cause pain. One of the best things about wearable breast pumps is that they have apps that you can use to control and finetune the settings on your pump. This customization ensures that the vacuum and speed is exactly what you need so that you are comfortable throughout. Wearable pumps also have two phases which are the stimulation and expression phases based on a baby’s natural sucking pattern. Studies show that this is more comfortable and increases milk output.
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Easy Cleaning
One of the biggest drawbacks of pumping is that you have to clean all parts that come in contact with milk after every use. This is particularly challenging if you are using a conventional pump as most of these have tubing that has to be cleaned with a special brush. Most wearable pumps are designed with a closed system which means that the milk does not come in contact with the pump’s internal tubing. They are also designed to be easier to clean with fewer parts and some of them can even be washed in the top rack of your dishwasher.