Breast Pumps Can Help Make Breastfeeding Easier

Nourishing your newborn baby is an important part of your role as a parent. Breastfeeding is a popular option for many parents — and for good reasons. Breast milk provides ideal nutrition that supports a baby’s growth and development. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC) reports it lowers an infant’s risk for ear infections, asthma, Type 1 diabetes, obesity and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Anytime, Anywhere Convenience

Along with important health benefits, breastfeeding does away with the need to mix formula or prepare bottles. It makes on-the-go feeding easy. Also, when traveling it can give comfort to babies when their normal routine has been disrupted.  

Breast pumps play a vital role in this flexibility. Pumping and storing breast milk allows both parents and others to share in feeding duties and increases your supply of breast milk. When you need to be away from your baby, there is a supply of milk ready to go.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana covers a variety of breast pumps for members whose health care plan includes this benefit. If you have a Flexible Spending Account, you can use your FSA dollars toward any out-of-pocket costs for a breast pump. 

Which Breast Pump Is Right for You?

Every pump is designed with a shield that covers the breast and a container that collects milk. There are some basic variations, though. Before choosing, you’ll want to do a little research to learn about your options.

Manual breast pumps don’t require batteries or electricity. Instead, the pump is worked by hand so it can be used anywhere. A manual pump is best for parents who don’t need to pump a lot of milk at one time.

Electric pumps have a motor that uses electricity or batteries. They come in single- and double-pump models. Single-pump models collect milk from one breast at a time. Double-pump models can collect milk from both breasts at the same time. Many parents who attend school or work away from home choose double pumps because they work faster and are more convenient.

Hospital (or Medical)-grade breast pumps have a more powerful motor for better suction. They are typically used in a hospital setting. The purchase cost of these pumps isn’t usually covered by a health plan. However, they can be rented by the month for home use.

Hospital-grade breast pumps are usually only recommended for:

• Moms who have trouble establishing their milk supply
• Parents with premature babies, babies with health issues that may impact feeding, or those infants in the NICU
• Parents of multiple babies

Things to Keep in Mind

You may not know how often you’ll need to pump until your baby arrives. Your third trimester is a good time to consider ordering your breast pump to ensure you have it before the delivery of your baby.  

If you’re not sure what kind of pump is best for you, talk with a trained breastfeeding counselor. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health also offers  helpful information about breastfeeding,  including Your Guide to Breastfeeding,  which you can download to refer to when you have questions.

We’re Here to Support Parents

BCBSMT benefits help support families as they prepare for their new baby. We offer breastfeeding support, counseling and supplies through our maternity benefits. You’ll find a lot is covered by your health insurance plan when you use an in-network provider — even manual and electric breast pumps.

Let Us Help You Find a Breast Pump

To get started on getting a breast pump, call the number on your member ID card or send a secure message through your member account online. Our Customer Advocates can tell you:

• If your plan covers a breast pump. If it does, ask if both electric and hospital-grade models are covered. Some plans cover both an electric pump and the rental of a hospital-grade pump up to a certain dollar amount. Other plans may only cover one type of pump. Be sure to ask if there will be an out-of-pocket cost and what that cost may be. Full coverage may only apply to certain models of breast pumps.
• If your health plan requires a prescription for a breast pump.
• Which in-network providers or durable medical equipment (DME) suppliers in your network and state offer breast pumps and how to contact them.

Depending on your health plan, your benefits may include Women and Family Health. The program offers access to a nurse case manager who can help you find breast pumps and connect you with other breast-feeding resources.

Sources: Breastfeeding Benefits Both Baby and Mom,  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2025; How to Use a Breast Pump,  WebMD, 2025; What to Know When Buying or Using a Breast Pump,  U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2023;  Breastfeeding,  American Academy of Pediatrics, 2024