Breast Pump Program

Choosing to breastfeed your baby is an important step in your child’s future. Your body naturally makes the perfect food. The cells, hormones, and antibodies in breast milk protect babies from illness. This protection is unique and changes to meet your baby's needs.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), breastfed babies have lower risks of the following:

  • Asthma
  • Obesity
  • Ear infections
  • Diarrhea and vomiting
  • Severe lower respiratory disease
  • Necrotizing enterocolitis, a disease that affects the gastrointestinal tract in pre-term infants
  • Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
  • Type 1 diabetes

In addition, breastfeeding can help lower a mother’s risk of the following:

  • High blood pressure
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Ovarian cancer
  • Breast cancer

During an emergency, such as natural disaster, breastfeeding can save your baby's life. How?

  • Breastfeeding protects your baby from the risks of an unclean water supply.
  • Breastfeeding can help protect your baby against respiratory illnesses and diarrhea.
  • Your milk is always at the right temperature for your baby. It helps to keep your baby's body temperature from dropping too low.
  • Your milk is readily available without needing other supplies.

Having trouble with breastfeeding or just need some assistance? There is help. The following resources can connect you with a certified lactation consultant (someone who can help you work through the challenges of breastfeeding):

  • Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) – 1-800-WIC-4030 (1-800-942-4030; the call is free.)
  • Nurse/home visit programs or your local public health department
  • Your primary care provider
  • PrimeWest Health Member Services – 1-866-431-0801; TTY 1-800-627-3529 or 711. These calls are free.

There are also national programs with resources to help you with breastfeeding.

What if you decide to breastfeed but are not able to be with your baby all day? You can still breastfeed by using a breast pump. If you have to be away from your baby and would like an electric breast pump, PrimeWest Health will provide one for you. To get a breast pump, first ask your health care provider for a prescription. Then go to your durable medical equipment (DME) supplier to get the prescription filled. Do NOT pay for the breast pump yourself because we cannot reimburse you. If the DME supplier says it cannot bill PrimeWest Health or you need help finding a DME supplier, call Member Services at 1-866-431-0801. TTY users call 1-800-627-3529 or 711. These calls are free.

PW_07-17_257
DHS_Approved_10/11/2023
Updated_10/12/2023