Frequently Asked Questions

Only you can decide that. Everyone's situation is unique, so it is important to evaluate your lifestyle and needs. Will you be going out or working outside of your home after the baby is born? If yes, and you are planning on continuing to breast feed, then a pump would be a must-have. This is because it will allow you to prevent painful engorgement and maintain your supply to meet your baby's needs. Pumps can also be helpful to maintain your supply, Sometimes your baby may not nurse, or you may be dealing with an illness or medication that isn't safe for breastfeeding.

There is no "wrong" answer. While there is no such thing as a "one size fits all" pump, there are several pumps available that will accommodate your needs. With that being said, there are still some things you will want to consider to help determine what is right for you. Here are some questions to ask yourself (the order of importance depends on your lifestyle and needs): Your needs and lifestyle - Will you need portability? Is discreet pumping needed? Loudness - Does the noise level matter? Pumps are generally quiet, but some are quieter than others. Price point - what is the maximum you wish to spend? Which pumps will your insurance cover? Comfort - Breasts come in all shapes and sizes. What is comfortable for some is not for others. Does the pump you like offer a variety of flange sizes? Time - How much time will you have for your pumping sessions? How long you breastfeed and pump depends on your unique situation. Strength and Variability - While all pumps serve the same function, many pumps offer a variety of settings to assist with speed, comfort, and ease of use.

This will vary depending on the situation, but it is recommended to wait until you and the baby have become comfortable with breast feeding (often around four weeks old). If your baby is having trouble with breastfeeding, is in the NICU, or you wish to pump exclusively, then there is no need to wait. Ultimately, it will depend on what is best for you and your baby.

You may feel a little uncomfortable when starting out (about 10-15 seconds) as your nipples start to stretch, but pumping should not hurt. You may experience some tenderness of the nipple especially as your milk releases (or "let's down"). If you experience pain you should pause, check to make sure the sizing is correct and try a lower setting. If the pain continues, it is best to reach out for a consult.

Bacteria and viruses from the previous owner could get trapped inside the pump. This could be potentially hazardous to your baby's health, even with repeated sterilization. The only pumps that can be shared safely are those labeled "Hospital Grade Multi User." For these pumps each user needs their own sterile kit which contains tubing and collection bottles. We do not recommend borrowing or using someone else's personal pump, unless it is still sealed in its original packaging.

It is best to wash all parts that encounter breast milk in warm water and dish soap. You will also want to make sure these parts are sterilized for use, please refer to the manufacturer's guide for the best procedure. Remember it is best to replace tubing and flanges every few months to avoid breakdown. A clean breast pump means safe breast milk, so it's best to try to develop a routine for keeping it clean.

A prescription is only needed if you want to proceed through insurance. If you wish to pay out-of-pocket, no prescription is necessary.

Yes, you can!

At Reliable Maternity, we endeavor to ship every order the day that it is received. Usually, orders that are placed prior to 11:00am EST will ship the same day. If your order requires expedited shipping, please call us at (866) 551-3335 so that we can find a solution that meets your needs. Orders are processed Monday through Friday. We do not fulfill orders on the following holidays: New Year's Day 4th of July Martin Luther King Jr. Day Labor Day President's Day Thanksgiving and the day after Thanksgiving Memorial Day Christmas We do not fulfill orders to resale companies, and we reserve the right to cancel your order if we believe that you are buying on behalf of a re-seller. Shipping Options Free Standard Shipping - Via Standard Shipping, your order should reach you within 4-7 business days of leaving our facility 2-Day Shipping - 2-Day Expedited Shipping is available for a flat fee of $25 on select orders Priority Next Weekday Shipping - Priority Next Weekday Shipping is available for a flat fee of $50 on select orders High value orders ($250+) will require a signature upon delivery

Let's be real, size does matter. There are a wide range of flange sizes, but most breast pumps only come with one or two "starter sizes". You may in fact need a smaller or bigger size to start, and for some, you may need a different size for each side. Having the correct size is important for a comfortable experience. Keep in mind that your size may change once your baby is born and you begin your breastfeeding and pumping journey. The flange will create a seal around the areola. The nipple should be able to move freely within the tube. Each pump offers slightly different sizing, so it is best to check the manufacturer's site to determine the proper size. If they don't offer the size you need you will want to look for one that can accommodate. Finding the right size and accessories can take some trial and error, but rest assured our team at Reliable is here to help!

Breast pumps and supplies wear over time. The amount of time you spend pumping can affect this, but the recommendation is to replace your pump supplies every 90 days. This includes flanges, tubing, and collection bottles. Not all supplies wear at the same time so you may need to replace some more than others. Watch for: Stretching: You may notice your tubing has thin spots or is starting to split Buildup: No matter how much you clean and sanitize, you will start to see evidence of bacteria buildup or residue, especially in the hard-to-reach areas like tubing Decline in pump function: As your parts wear down, you may find they don't fit together as snugly as before, creating leaks and a decline in suction