Breast Pump Cost

Typical costs:

• Single breast pumps are usually manually-operated and are the least expensive types of pumps, ranging from $20 to $60.
• Single battery-operated or electric pumps cost between $40 and $185.
• Double (or dual) pumps typically run on electricity, although some also provide the option of battery operation. Double pumps can cost anywhere from $60 to $3500.
• Hospitals and medical supply stores rent pumps. These are specially designed to minimize the risk of contamination between renters. For sanitary purposes, each renter must purchase their own collection kit of breast shields, tubing and bottles or bags. The FDA says only hospital-grade pumps can be safely shared. Renting a pump will cost between $40 - $65 per month, while the required collection kit costs about $50. Many hospitals require a deposit of anywhere from $50 to $200.

• According to the FDA, all breast pumps should consist of a breast shield, which is a cone-shaped cup that fits over the nipple and areola. They should also have a pumping mechanism (manual or electric) that creates a vacuum to extract the milk, which is transferred through a plastic tube into the milk collection container. The container, which is detachable, can be either a bag or bottle.
• Single pumps typically include one or two bottles or bags, while double pumps generally include two or four bottles or bags.
• Electric pumps should always include an AC adapter.
• The Department of Health & Human Services' National Women's Health Information Center^[2] provides information about storing breast milk, bottles and containers, and storage bags.

• Additional storage containers cost anywhere from $1 to $3 each, and are typically sold in packages of 4, 6, 10 or 12. Additional storage bags are less expensive and cost less than $1 per bag.
• There are also products to sterilize the breast shields, bottles or nipples. Those designed to be used in the microwave for speed and convenience cost between $18 and $30.

• Some health insurance plans may cover or partially cover breast pumping equipment, so check with your insurer before making a purchase.
• Most states offer low-income women assistance with buying breast pumps, through the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program. The U.S. Department of Agriculture^[3] provides a state-by-state listing of WIC programs.

• There are approximately 85 FDA-approved breast pumps currently on the market, available at stores like Walmart, Target and Babies R Us, as well as online-only stores like Amazon, Drugstore.com, and Babycenter.com. They are often available at hospitals as well. The FDA provides an online list^[4] of all approved breast pumps, including manufacturer names and the date the device was approved. Some manufacturers' websites, like Medela^[5] also have helpful buying guides, and the Mayo Clinic^[6] and BabyCenter.com^[7] offer tips on how to select the right breast pump.
• Before buying a breast pump, always check the store's return policy. Many will not accept returns of breast pumps and accessories due to health concerns.
• As with most consumer products, always check for recalls. Because breast pumps are FDA-regulated, you can search the FDA website^[8] for recalls.
• The FDA^[9] advises parents to NEVER buying a used pump. Breast pumps that are not hospital-grade cannot be safely sanitized, and may carry virus that can be transmitted through human milk, such as cytomegalovirus (CMV) and HIV (AIDS). Sharing a pump or buying a used pump may also violate the manufacturer's warranty.
• Check the FDA Buying Online ^[10] guide for information about buying medical products on the Internet.
• A February 2008 report^[11] by Work Group for Safe Markets^[12] , a coalition of 17 public-health and environmental groups, raised concern about plastic baby milk containers. The report says bisphenol A (BPA), a compound used to make the plastic, may leach out. In animal experiments, BPA has been linked to obesity, cancer, early-onset puberty and other conditions. The Green Guide^[13] suggests choosing glass baby bottles or plastic bag inserts, which are made of polyethyelene, or switching to polypropylene bottles that are labeled #5 and come in colors and are milky rather than clear.

1.  www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/HomeHealthandConsumer/Cons...
2.  www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding/index.cfm?page=237
3.  www.fns.usda.gov/wic/Contacts/statealpha.HTM
4.  www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/devicesatfda/index.cfm?st=breast%20pump
5.  www.medelabreastfeedingus.com/productselector
6.  www.mayoclinic.com/health/breast-feeding/PR00002
7.  www.babycenter.com/0_how-to-buy-a-breast-pump_429.bc
8.  www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfRES/res.cfm
9.  www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/HomeHealthandConsumer/Cons...
10.  www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ProtectYourself/index.htm
11.  www.chej.org/documents/BabysToxicBottleFinal.pdf
12.  www.chej.org/BPA_Website.htm
13.  www.thegreenguide.com

Check Out All Costs for Babies & Children		How Much Does a Crib Cost?		How Much Do Baby Immunizations Cost?		How Much Does Baby Delivery Cost?

Today's Featured Cost Articles

Looking for help to take care of your garden? How much does garden service cost. The hot summer weather is here. How much does central air conditioning cost? Usage of streaming services is skyrocketing. We list the latest offerings and deals. Staying cool during the summer also means on the road. We cover the cost of car air conditioning. A BBQ grill can come in handy during the summer.

About CostHelper

CostHelper is based in Silicon Valley and provides consumers with unbiased price information about thousands of goods and services. Our writers are experienced journalists who adhere to our strict editorial ethics policy.

CostHelper Community

Low cost baby shower Paid: 600.00 I spent about $200 on food/snacks/simple decor- where I served Packaged desserts (due to covid) and deli sandwiches, bbq chicken and Bread/cheese/fruit... [more] -Mommy to be Baby Shower Cost TSLIM Insulin Pump Paid: 1131.20 I have Federal Blue Cross, the most expensive Self Plan. The insurance company paid $5,584.20 for the TSLIM, and I paid $1,131.20 out of pocket. Medtronic Insulin pump was quoted at the same price... [more] -Read by EOB Insulin Pump Cost Prescription Eye Glasses Paid: 380.00 Eye exam was less than $60. Frames alone were about $118. Extra-wide progrssive lenses an additional $80. Polycarbonate thin lens with blue light filter, UV protection, anti-glare, 1-year warranty on frames & lenses... [more] -Lady 70 Eyeglasses Cost About the free dog food Paid: 100.00 I'm a 70 year old retired senior citizen I have two dogs Lily is Irish Terrier weighs about 15 lb very good dog Jade is a blue nose pitbull and she's 5 months old and weighs about 55 lb cost me $100 or better a month to feed them I like to ... [more] -Robert moneyhan Dog Food Cost DIY Front End Paid: 965.00 Front: 2xCV axel, 2xball joints, 2x Sway bar end links,sway bar bushings, 2xrotors, 2x brake pads. $500Rear: brake pads. $35New Tools (yay!):3 ton floor jack, 20v impact wrench, 2x Jack stands, tube lock-tite, can of pb blaster. $430.$965... [more] -Mr. Gillis Car Suspension Cost Fujitsu split single unit Paid: 3400.00 I was charged 3400 which include electrical work. The contractor was referred to me by a neighbor. I asked about a rebate and was informed the cost included any rebate money and he (the contractor) would take care of it... [more] -A wary lake resident Ductless Air Conditioner Cost