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

The hot summer weather has started. How much does central air conditioning cost? We give our advice on where to buy Purell and hand sanitizers. Looking for an indoor pet? Usage of streaming services is skyrocketing. We list the current deals. Staying cool during the summer also means on the road. We cover the cost of car air conditioning.

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

economics Paid: 200.00 ... [more] -rishabh sharda Summer School Cost Cost of painting a car Paid: 1500.00 I've been doing body work and painting cars for nearly 40 years and watch the cost of paint and materials increase drastically. The old saying you get what you pay for absolutely applies to painting a car... [more] -D's Nutz & Bolts Auto Painting Cost Bookkeeping,Payroll,legal issues for llc, and tax prep Paid: 400.00 new business looking for bookkeeper, tax prep , and knowledge of LLC regulations and required tax forms sent out for states requirements (Arizona)... [more] -Bonnie Rose (Owner)/A.Freeman Bookkeeper Cost Clearing land and debi Paid: 300.00 Burnt trailer needs bee tore down and drive way needs to be pushed some trees has falling down... [more] -Jewel singletary Backhoe Cost 1 hour later, no results, no Paid: 1956.00 I was charged already by University Physician Group:$190 for Spiromatry$40 for the test$30 for CO2 Diffuse CapacityI spent $40 on the copayI was later sent a bill for $1,956 additional directly from the hospital and not insurance paid... [more] -Robby E. Pulmonary Function Test Cost Foundation Repair Paid: 22250.00 1800 Sq ft house, 1 level:Diagonal cracks in brick all around the house; exterior right front wall of attached garage appeared to have heaved; patched interior walls were revealed as cracks after purchase; door casings separated at top corn... [more] -Cheney Foundation Repair Cost