Aetna Breast Pump Coverage

Many Aetna plans provide coverage for breast pumps through insurance. Depending on your coverage plan, you can be entitled to an electric breast pump while you are pregnant and throughout the duration of your breastfeeding, and/or an additional set of breast pump supplies if you find yourself expecting another baby.  

Why Breastfeed?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies are fed breast milk exclusively for the first 6 months, and it is encouraged to continue breastfeeding for at least the first 12 months in addition to supplementary foods. It is important to note that not all mothers can breastfeed their babies, and nursing your infant is a personal choice. Thankfully infant formulas today provide healthy nutrition for growing babies to thrive. That being said, there are several proven benefits associated with breastfeeding, including but not limited to:

• Better immune system for baby and less risk of infection: When a mother nurses her baby, antibodies are passed along from the mother to the baby. This helps to boost your baby’s immune system and lower the risk of ear infections, respiratory infections, and other illnesses. Additionally, it is believed that breastfed babies have a lower risk of allergies, asthma, obesity, and several other conditions.

• Better digestion: Babies who are fed breast milk are shown to have better digestive processes than those who are fed formula. This is because formula is designed and regulated to fit the nutritional needs of all babies, whereas breast milk is uniquely made for each infant.

• It’s free: A mother who exclusively breastfeeds will hypothetically never spend a cent on formula. Of course, this is difficult for many mothers, which is why it is possible to receive free breast pumps through insurance. Additionally, through A Med Supplies, nursing mothers can receive discounted breastfeeding accessories like bottles, nursing bras, and other supplies. When you take into account less trips to the doctor’s office, feeding your baby breast milk - even when taking into account bottles and other supplies - is more cost effective than formula.

Free Breast Pumps Through Aetna Insurance

Many mothers do not breastfeed simply because they do not have the resources to do so. Without an electric breast pump, a mother who needs to return to work soon after her baby is born cannot store milk in the fridge and may opt for formula instead. Mothers who choose to breastfeed should be able to do so, and we want to help. Having a quality breast pump covered by insurance can allow a mother to pump at work and avoid painful swelling and leaking if her baby is not with her to nurse. Access to a breast pump will also allow dads and caretakers to bond with a new baby through feeding time while still using breast milk. In addition to good breast pump coverage, many new moms will be happy to know that most Aetna plans cover up to six visits with a lactation specialist if you need additional support with nursing.

If you have Aetna insurance and are interested in a free breast pump, head over to our insured breast pump page!