Pregnancy is the ultimate preparation period. Just as it’s advisable during this time to explore support you’ll need to physically recover from childbirth and begin breastfeeding, it’s smart to start thinking about pumping. Even if you’re not sure when you’ll start pumping, consider this: Pumping can help you reach your breastfeeding goals. 

Unless a C-section or other circumstances (usually pre-term time in the NICU or a latch issue) prevents you from establishing direct breastfeeding in the hours and days after your child’s birth, you’re not likely to start pumping until a few weeks after delivery. (And if you’re wondering whether you should pump before the baby is born, the quick and resounding answer is no.) 

If you do your pump prep homework ahead of time, you can buy some peace of mind and better prepare for the curve balls that childbirth recovery might throw you. Here are our expert’s recommended steps.

Check your insurance.  Some insurance providers permit pump purchases while pregnant; some require waiting until delivery. Depending on your policy’s requirements, create a plan. If you need a backup option, see if your hospital will rent you one.

Research and purchase a pump. Once you’ve sorted out the insurance details, do your research and purchase a pump (or add one to your registry!). You’ll also want to consider accessories such as bottles, flanges, inserts, and a pumping bra (yes, this is different from a nursing bra). Save your receipts for potential insurance reimbursement.

Find the right-size flanges. Pumps are one-size-fits-all, but their flanges, which should fit snugly over your breasts, come in different sizes. Using the right flange size could make or break your pumping experience; practice patience, and seek guidance from a lactation consultant, if you need it.

Prep your parts. Sterilize your pump parts right after you open your pump to prepare for your initial pumping session. You can place the flanges  in boiling water for 10 minutes or run them through the dishwasher (top rack only); in most cases, you’ll be able to clean them with warm, soapy water after this first pump.

Ask for a hand pump in the hospital. These are fairly basic but good to have in situations where you need to catch milk from a letdown in one breast while breastfeeding your baby on the other, or if you don’t have your pump. They are typically billable to your insurance as part of your labor and delivery.