Here’s How Homefront Pumps Can Meet Your Breastfeeding Needs

Editor’s note: This post is sponsored by Homefront Pumps.

I can vividly remember those first feelings of excitement, confusion, panic, and overwhelming joy when I first found out I was pregnant. I was the wife of a junior enlisted service member who had just returned from his first deployment to Iraq, and this was exactly what we wanted after a year of chaos. Our future might be uncertain and our time in the military might be unclear, but our family path was carving itself out and we couldn’t be happier. 

For some of you, this might be your first baby, your third, or maybe you are further along on your journey to gathering your family together. Maybe you’re doing this without your partner nearby, maybe your family is close or maybe they are hundreds of miles away. One thing is for certain: you don’t have to be alone. There are many resources available to support you, including when you’ve made the decision to breastfeed or pump for your baby.

TRICARE covers supplies for breastfeeding moms

Did you know that TRICARE covers not only one double electric breast pump per pregnancy, but they also cover a host of other things including breast milk storage bags? That’s right, and Homefront Pumps is there to cover these for you, every step of the way! Homefront Pumps offers the best of everything, at no out of pocket cost, so you don’t have to worry about pinching pennies or splurging on breastmilk storage bags when you can use that money for something else that you or your baby might need. Homefront Pumps offers pumps from Spectra, Medela, and Baby Buddha, as well as the best breastmilk storage bags like Kiinde Twist, Medela, and Lansinoh. 

If you already have your breast pump, you are still eligible to receive breastmilk storage bags. Regardless of where you received your pump, Homefront Pumps will get you set up to receive the 90 breastmilk storage bags covered each month by TRICARE. With a prescription, Homefront Pumps can supply more than 90 as well.

At any time during your pregnancy, you can visit Homefront Pumps to place your no-cost order for the items you need. Homefront Pumps will do the legwork to verify your eligibility with TRICARE. Once you hit the 27-week mark, Homefront Pumps can ship you everything you need.

Free breastfeeding support, from the comfort of your home

Aside from your covered supply needs, Homefront Pumps is also available to support you in your journey through your pregnancy by offering twice monthly, live, virtual Q&A sessions called “Conversation Series.” These conversations are hosted by an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and include topics like: 

• Pump 101
• Breastmilk Storage Tips and Tricks
• Away from Baby
• Returning to Work
• And more! 

If classes near your installation are cut, families aren’t nearby, and you just might not be able to make it to see a lactation professional, this may be just what you need to keep powering through your next pump session. You can take advantage of this free support at any time during your pregnancy. Go here to register, and Homefront Pumps will send you an access code to attend. Along with the advice and education shared during the Conversation Series, our IBCLC is also available for questions by email at lc@homefrontpumps.com.

Homefront Pumps offers the best breastmilk storage bags

A premium breastmilk storage pouch, Kiinde Twist pouches are covered under TRICARE insurance.  Eliminating the need for transfers, risk of spills, or risk of contamination, the Kiinde Twist system allows you to direct pump, store, warm, and feed, all from one pouch. Everything you need to use the system, including the adapters for your pump, a bottle, a nipple, and 90 breastmilk storage pouches every 30 days, is provided by Homefront Pumps. You can watch this video for a complete overview of the Kiinde Twist. 

Frequently asked pumping questions

Our IBCLC, Dominique Gallo, answered some often asked questions involving all things pumping.

1. When should I start pumping?

Since the U.S has no guaranteed maternity leave for mothers, some have to return to work very soon after delivery. I normally suggest that mothers with a maternity leave of four to six weeks directly breastfeed for the first two weeks, in order to work on and get supply established. After supply is established, start pumping after nursing at least two times per day to help store milk for your first day of work.

2. What breast pump is the best out on the market?

There are several pumps on the market, and they all are useful depending on your frequency of use. For those that stay at home and put the baby to breast and have no desire to pump frequently, a hand pump may be a good option. If you are an exclusive pumper and not putting the baby to the breast at all, then a stronger, sturdier pump like the Spectra S1, Spectra S2, or Medela Pump In Style would be best.

3. What is the best way to store breastmilk?

The best way to store breastmilk is in storage bags like Kiinde Twist, Lansinoh, and Medela pump bags. Storage bags like Kiinde Twist pouches allow you to pump directly into the bags and then store them. There’s zero need to transfer from bottles. Its best to always store your milk in the freezer from the oldest to the newest so you are pulling the oldest stored milk first. Breastmilk can stay in a standard freezer for up to six months (not in the door) and up to 12 months in a deep freezer.

4. After pumping, what is the best way to clean my pump parts?

For first responders, nurses, and doctors, I recommend using a microbial spray or wipe to clean pump parts while at work. For all others, using basic soap and water will be best after pumping. There used to be a recommendation to store the pumps in a ziplock bag and place the bag in the fridge then do a deep wash when you get home. The CDC has made recommendations against this; however, parents should make a decision that works best for their family.

5. What is the best bottle to use when I have to give bottles?

There really is not the “perfect” bottle. The baby will pick what bottle works best for them. When choosing a bottle, you want to make sure that you are using a slow flow nipple and doing the feeds via paced bottle feeding. Paced bottle feeding is the best way to present the bottle to the infant whether or not they are going to the breast regularly.

 

To learn more about Homefront Pumps, go here, or be sure to tune in to Army Wife Talk Radio on Sept. 28, 2020, when we chat with IBCLC, Dominique Gallo.