Soldier's Wife, Crazy Life

The Breastfeeding Shop

Is More Flexibility the Best Way to Go?

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This post is sponsored by the Breastfeeding Shop!

The Breastfeeding Shop

I became a SAHM when I had my first baby, almost 20 years ago. During those first few months I was able to spend most of my time being a mom to just him. I didn’t have any other children to worry about.

Fast forward about six years when I had my third baby. I also had a four year old and a six year old. And a deployed husband. Taking all three of them anywhere was a challenge. I literally had my hands full.

It was during those years where I would try to find ways to make life a litter easier. I used a front baby carrier to wear the baby leaving my hands basically free to help with the other two.

When it comes to baby products, portability can be so important, especially when raising multiple children. But there are other factors to think about. At the Breastfeeding Shop, you can find a variety of breast pumps, from a more traditional table top pump to a portable wearable pump. TRICARE covers different types of pumps so you can go with what will work best for you and your lifestyle.

The truth is there are pros and cons to both table top breast pumps and wearable ones. It will boil down to what works best for you. There is a lot to think about.

Benefits of a Wearable Breast Pump

A wearable breast pump such as the Momcozy M5 Wearable Double Breast Pump or the Medela Freestyle Hands-Free Breast Pump is going to be a much more portable option. Whether you need to pump on the go, at work, or just around the house, a wearable pump is going to give you the flexibility to do so. With a wearable pump you don’t have all the tubing and you don’t have to be plugged in to use it. The wearable pump also weighs less.

Benefits of a Table Top Breast Pump

A more table top breast pump such as a Spectra S2 Breast Pump or a Medela Pump In Style With Max Flow Tech Basic has its own benefits. These types of pumps might be best for those who are exclusively pumping. They have a stronger motor, and can fully empty your breast. They might be what you need to feed your baby.

A Free Breast Pump

If you are pregnant, or even if you have already had your baby, and you have TRICARE, you should be able to get a free breast pump from the Breastfeeding Shop. You can qualify for a new breast pump for each and every birth event. That means you either gave birth to a baby or have adopted one and plan to breastfeed them.

The Breastfeeding Shop is the best place to order your free breast pump and supplies from. The Breastfeeding Shop is a family owned business who offers a range of supplies for whatever a new mom or a breastfeeding mom needs to nourish their babies.

To get your breast pump with insurance, you can fill out a form right on the Breastfeeding Shop website. Make sure you have your prescription handy. While they can contact your doctor to obtain it, providing it yourself will make the process much easier.

They have many different breast pumps to choose from. So whether you decide on a wearable breast pump for flexibility, or would rather have a more traditional pump, you can get something perfect for your baby and your lifestyle.

Preparing For Baby With a New Breast Pump

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This is a sponsored post!

Preparing For Baby With a New Breast Pump

Having a baby changes your life, whether they are your first child or your fifth. Whenever you add to your family, you change the dynamic and end up asking yourself the question, “What do I really need to prepare for this baby?”

When we got pregnant with our third child, we had a three and five year old, and didn’t have a lot of baby stuff. We had gone through a few PCS moves since they were babies, and had gotten rid of a lot of baby items. We had to ask ourselves, what do we need and what can we live without?

I remember going to yard sales, letting family know what we needed, and shopping for sales to find a few deals. There is a lot to do to get ready for a new baby.

You probably need to buy a crib for them to sleep in, diapers and wipes, and of course a carseat. You also need to think about feeding the baby. What will you need to make breastfeeding more successful? A nice nursing chair, and a quiet space is important. Buy beyond that, you could get a breast pump.

The good news is, as a military spouse or service member with TRICARE, you do not have to buy a breast pump. That’s right. TRICARE covers breast pumps. One for each and every baby.

Although this benefit started after I had my last child, I know it would have been an amazing thing to have had back when I was getting ready for my babies.

TRICARE will cover a breast pump, breast pump supplies, and breastfeeding counseling at no cost to the mom.

Who qualifies for a breast pump?

All TRICARE eligible female beneficiaries with a birth event qualify for a breast pump. A birth event is a pregnancy or someone who legally adopts and plans to breastfeed. This is valid for each baby you may have. All TRICARE plans and all sponsor status qualify for this benefit.

What about breastmilk bags and accessories?

In addition to the breast pump, you will also receive 1 breast pump kit per birth event. These other accessories are also included in the benefit:

  • Breastmilk storage bags – 100 bags come with the pump and you can get 100 more every 30 days.
  • Standing power adapters
  • Locking rings
  • Bottles
  • Bottle caps
  • Valves/membranes
  • Supplemental Nursing System (SNS)
  • Nipple shields/splash protectors

You can qualify for more quantities of supplies with a prescription from your doctor when medically necessary.

The Breastfeeding Shop ships across the United States, and Overseas APOs, FPOs, and DPOs.

Where can you get a breast pump and order supplies?

The best place to order your free breast pump and supplies is from the Breastfeeding Shop. The Breastfeeding Shop is a family owned business who offers a range of supplies for whatever a new mom or a breastfeeding mom needs to nourish their babies.

They have a wide range of breastfeeding accessories, products, storage products, breast pumps, breast pump accessories, and more. They ship throughout the US, as well as overseas locations with APO, FPO, and DPO addresses.

What breast pumps does the Breastfeeding Shop offer?

You can head on over to their Breast Pump page to see what they have to offer as far as breast pumps for military moms. They have many to choose from based on your needs and what you are looking for in a breast pump.

How do I order my breast pump and supplies?

To get your breast pump with insurance, you can fill out a form right on the Breastfeeding Shop website. Make sure you have your prescription handy. While they can contact your doctor to obtain it, providing it yourself will make the process much easier.

If you are expecting a new baby, you might be feeling a bit overwhelmed with all the decisions you need to make. If you are curious about a breast pump, take the time to head on over to the Breastfeeding Shop. They should be able to help!

And remember, you can qualify for a new breast pump for each and every birth event.

5 Misconceptions About Breastfeeding

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5 Misconceptions About Breastfeeding

This is a sponsored post! 

Before I ever had children, I knew I wanted to breastfeed once I had them. I was committed to doing this. But once my first baby was born, I realized that I had been wrong about some parts of breastfeeding.

I just assumed that because I wanted to breastfeed my son, and breastfeeding was natural, breastfeeding would be easy for us. That he would be born, I would start to nurse him, and everything would fall into place. In reality, things were more complicated than that.

5 Misconceptions About Breastfeeding

We eventually figured out how to make breastfeeding work, but not without help, many tears, and many frustrating nights.

Although many women do breastfeed successfully, there are many misconceptions about breastfeeding, here are five of them:

Breastfeeding will be easy since it is natural

As I mentioned above, I thought that since I wanted to breastfed so badly, things would work themselves out. In reality, breastfeeding doesn’t always come easy for everyone for many different reasons. A lactation consultant can be a great person to go to if you are struggling to get started with breastfeeding. Give yourself some time and patience and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it.

You won’t need a breast pump if you breastfeed

Did you know that with your TRICARE benefit you can receive a no-cost breast pump? You might be thinking you won’t need one if you are planning to breastfeed and be a SAHM. Or that you might not need one until the baby is a little older and you feel comfortable leaving them.

The truth is, a breast pump can be so helpful even in those early weeks. Breast pumps can build up an emergency supply of milk, relieve pain from engorgement, and help with your milk supply. Since you can easily order your breast pump through The Breastfeeding Shop, having one available to you from day one is a good idea.

The Breastfeeding Shop has many different choices of breast pumps, and you can easily order your pump through their app or online. You can also order your breast pump accessories or supplies through them. You can start by using their breast pump order form.

5 Misconceptions About Breastfeeding

You have to feed your newborn on a strict schedule

Feeding your baby on demand can be one way to feed your newborn. You don’t have to feed on a strict schedule. Your baby will give you cues to let you know when they are hungry. And in those first months, they will go through different growth spurts where they need to eat more than usual.

Not having your baby on a strict schedule doesn’t mean you can’t have a routine. Establishing routines with a baby can be very important. But not having too strict of a schedule with feeding can make the breastfeeding experience a little easier for everyone.

You can’t breastfeed and go back to work

You might be going back to work after your baby is born and not sure if you should continue to breastfeed. The truth is, you totally can. Going back to work doesn’t mean you have to stop breastfeeding. And can be another reason to order your TRICARE benefit breast pump.  Some breast pumps work better for everyday use than others so make sure to check into what the right breast pump would be for you.

You have to stop breastfeeding at a year

There is no rule that says you have to stop breastfeeding your baby at a year, or at nine months, or at six months. You need to do what works for you and your baby. Different people will have different comfort levels with how long they want to continue breastfeeding for.

Looking for more information on your TRICARE benefit breast pump? Here are some posts for you:

What You Need To Know About Ordering Your TRICARE Benefit Breast Pump Accessories and Supplies

FAQs About Your TRICARE Benefit Breast Pump Through The Breastfeeding Shop

How to Decide What Breast Pump is The Best One For You And Your Baby

Preparing For Your Fall or Winter Baby

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Preparing For Your Fall or Winter Baby

This post is sponsored by The Breastfeeding Shop!

Preparing For Your Fall or Winter Baby

It doesn’t seem like it was that long ago that I was pregnant with my first little boy, waiting for the long summer to end. The last trimester of pregnancy isn’t fun, but if you are due during the fall and the winter, you really can’t wait for days to get cooler, and summer to be over.

14 years ago, I was due with my first baby on October 13th. I knew when he was born we would be right in the middle of fall, with winter coming soon. We were in California at the time, so winter meant colder weather, but I knew I wouldn’t have to deal with snow.

I was due December 18th with my second little boy. This time, snow was a concern, I was in Germany.

With my third, I was due December 1st, in Tennessee, where snow and freezing temperatures are also possible.

If you are having a baby in the fall or winter, you simply have to prepare a little differently than if you are going to have a baby in the spring or the summer. You have to think about the cooler weather, what a snowfall would mean, and even the start of school for your older children.

Preparing For Your Fall or Winter Baby

There is always a lot going on during that time of year and it is best to prepare. Here are 5 things you can do to prepare for a fall or winter baby:

Buy the right clothing

Make sure you have the right clothing for your baby. You do not want them to freeze, but you also don’t want them to overheat. The fall can be tricky. Some days can be warmer than others, and then one day, temperatures will fall and what felt comfortable won’t anymore.

Layers are a good idea. That way, you can add or take off depending on the weather and where you are. Sleepers with a sleepsack can be a good option. That way baby can stay warm without overheating.

Warming your home

Think about how you will warm your home. You don’t want your baby to get too cold or overheat. You might need to change the temperature you are comfortable with once baby comes home. Keeping your home between 68-72 degrees is a good idea.

Get your breast pump ahead of time

You will want to make sure you receive your TRICARE benefit breast pump before the baby comes. While you can get the breast pump later, having the pump ready before your baby comes will help you learn how to use the pump, and figure out how you will set it up in your home. Through The Breastfeeding Shop, you can order your breast pump through their website or their app. They have quite a few types of breast pumps to choose from and offer excellent customer service.

Preparing For Your Fall or Winter Baby

Plan for the holidays 

Make plans for the holidays ahead of time. Ideally, staying in your own home would be best, especially if your baby is due right around the holidays. Traveling with a newborn can be pretty stressful, and traveling around the holidays is a very hectic time to do so. Tell family and friends that you want to plan for a visit sometime in the new year or invite them to come to visit you.

Back to school

Back to school time can be stressful for any child. Adding a new baby to the mix can be difficult. Make sure that your other children know what is going on with the new baby and are still able to spend some time with you. Let them talk about their school days and any fears they could be having with the new school year.

Want to read more about The Breastfeeding Shop? Here are a few other posts about what they can do to help you get your pump:

How To Order A Breast Pump That Is Covered By TRICARE

What You Need To Know About Ordering Your TRICARE Benefit Breast Pump Accessories and Supplies

FAQs About Your TRICARE Benefit Breast Pump Through The Breastfeeding Shop

What You Need To Know About Ordering Your TRICARE Benefit Breast Pump Accessories and Supplies

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What You Need To Know About Ordering Your TRICARE Benefit Breast Pump Accessories and Supplies

This is a sponsored post by the Breastfeeding Shop. 

What You Need To Know About Ordering Your TRICARE Benefit Breast Pump Accessories and Supplies

If you don’t already know, you can receive one breast pump at no cost through your TRICARE benefit, for every birth event. A birth event would be giving birth to a baby or an adoption. This started in 2014 and allows military spouses and service members to be able to have a new breast pump for each baby that they have.

Learn How To Order A Breast Pump That Is Covered By TRICARE, if you would like more information on the breast pump part of this benefit. You can order your pump easily through The Breastfeeding Shop’s website, or app.

If you have ever used a breast pump before, or are planning to, you might be curious about accessories and supplies and how TRICARE works as far as those go.

TRICARE does cover the following supplies, up to 36 months after the birth event:

  • Standard power adapters
  • Tubing and tubing adaptors
  • Locking rings
  • Bottles and bottle caps
  • Shield/splash protectors
  • Storage bags

You will also be able to get two breast pump kits per birth event.

What You Need To Know About Ordering Your TRICARE Benefit Breast Pump Accessories and Supplies

If you are interested in ordering accessories or supplies, you can easily do that through The Breastfeeding Shop’s website. They have an Accessory Resupply Order Form that makes ordering easy to do.

You will need to upload a prescription if you did not order your breast pump through them, or if your previous prescription does not state supplies or accessories. It is very important that your prescription says this. If your original one does not, you will need to get another one.

You can also put down your physician’s name and information, and The Breastfeeding Shop will be able to contact them directly. However, this will take more time than if you can upload the prescription yourself.

You can specify which brand of supplies you need. The Breastfeeding Shop also offers two types of storage bags, the Lansinoh Breastmilk Storage Bags or the Kiinde Twist Pouches Breastmilk Storage Bags. You can also order a mix of the two.

What You Need To Know About Ordering Your TRICARE Benefit Breast Pump Accessories and Supplies

Make sure to also visit some of my past blog posts with the Breastfeeding Shop to learn more about what they offer and how they can help you receive your TRICARE breast pump benefit:

 The Breastfeeding Shop Has a New App and it is Amazing

How to Decide What Breast Pump is The Best One For You And Your Baby

FAQs About Your TRICARE Benefit Breast Pump Through The Breastfeeding Shop

And here is the Accessory Resupply Order Form if you are in need of ordering them 🙂

How You Can Prepare For A Summer Baby

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How You Can Prepare For A Summer Baby

This is a sponsored post!

 

How You Can Prepare For A Summer Baby

If you have ever been pregnant over the summer, you know how difficult it can be to get through those hot and humid months not quite feeling like yourself. If your baby is due in the summer, you probably have a lot of planning to go along with trying to stay cool during those months.

Here are a few ways to prepare if you are expecting a summer baby:

1.  Drink your water

You need to be drinking enough water so you stay hydrated during this time. Not only is this good for you as a pregnant woman, but it also helps you prepare for breastfeeding and how you need always to be hydrated when you are feeding your baby in that way.

You don’t want to suffer from dehydration. That can cause you to go into premature labor or cause other issues that you don’t want to be dealing with. Always carry a water bottle around with you and make sure you are drinking enough every day.

2. Stock up on onesies

When your baby comes, the weather is still going to be quite warm if not overly hot. You don’t want your baby to overheat. The best way to do this is to make sure you have a lot of onesies available as well as cotton clothing. That type of clothing is cooler and is perfect for those hot months.

When you are putting your baby to bed, you can still put them in sleepers or swaddle them in blankests, but you want to make sure they are not overheating. While having a baby in the summer means you don’t have to worry about them being too cold, you also don’t want them to get too hot.

3. Make sure your AC works

If you have a working air conditioner, make sure it is in good working order before the baby comes. Have a company come out to double check that it is working the way it should. You want to be able to keep your home at a comfortable level. If you live somewhere that gets very hot and humid, your home might be the only place you can be where you and your new baby will feel comfortable.

If you do not have AC, make sure you have enough working fans for your rooms. A baby who is too hot will have trouble sleeping, and you don’t want that to happen during those early months. It is also not safe for a baby to overheat.

4. Get your breast pump 

You will need to make sure you have all your supplies for baby ready to go, including your breast pump. You can receive a no-cost breast pump through your TRICARE benefit. You will be able to pick the one that will work best for you and your baby and The Breastfeeding Shop will help you do so. They make it easy and you can order from their website, from their amazing app, or even give them a call to do so. You will need to have a prescription from your doctor or allow the Breastfeeding Shop to get that for you.

5. Set up for the new baby

You want to have everything set up for the new baby before they come and you want to do this with summer in mind. What will you be doing each day after the baby is born? Will you be at home or do you plan to go places? Do you have a cool place in your home to breastfeed and use your breast pump?

Think about all of these things as you are getting everything ready. What might be a nice spot in the dead of winter could be too warm for you to sit in the middle of summer. You want to be comfortable and stay cool.

As you are getting ready for your baby, make sure to learn about your TRICARE breast pump benefit and order yours in enough time to be ready for your new family member.

Here is a little bit more about The Breastfeeding Shop and what they can offer you. 

FAQs About Your TRICARE Benefit Breast Pump Through The Breastfeeding Shop

The Breastfeeding Shop Has a New App, and it is Amazing

Which Breast Pump Is Best For You?

The Easy Way To Order Your No Cost Breast Pump

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The Easy Way To Order Your No Cost Breast Pump

If you don’t already know, you can receive a no cost breast pump through your TRICARE benefit. Any military woman service member or spouse can receive one for each birth event she has. This is a fantastic benefit that makes sure that all of these moms have access to a breast pump to help them with feeding their baby.

The Easy Way To Order Your No Cost Breast Pump

This is a sponsored post by The Breastfeeding Shop!

The Breastfeeding Shop is a company that you can work with to receive your breast pump, and they make ordering your breast pump super easy. They have a new order form and I wanted to walk you through the steps you have to take in order to place your order.

You can do so on their website or on the app. If you don’t want to fill out the order form you can also call them to place your order.

Here is a video of me filling out the order form. As you can see all the information is laid out well and I was able to complete the form in about five minutes.

Here is what you will be asked about:

1. Insurance provider

Find TRICARE or TRICARE Overseas.

2. Select your breast pump

You have a lot of options on what breast pump to pick. Make sure to read Which Breast Pump Is Best For You? You can also talk to friends about breast pumps they have used and loved. If you don’t see what you want, pick “other” and call 866-255-6779.

3. Name, phone number, email, and address

Please put your current information here.

4. Your birthday

They want to know your date of birth.

5. Due Date of your baby

This is your baby’s due date. If your baby is already born, make sure to put their birth date there.

6. Insurance number

This would be your service member’s social security number, or your own if you are the service member.

7. Seconardy insurance

If you happen to have secondary insurance.

8. Physician’s name

Your doctor’s name.

9. Physician’s phone number

Your doctor’s phone number.

10. How you will submit your prescription

There are a few different ways you can submit your prescription to The Breastfeeding Shop. You can upload it, email it, fax it, or have them contact the doctor for you. If you choose for them to do that, know that it will take longer for you to receive your breast pump.

11. Important info

You will check if you agree here.

12. Privacy notice, etc

You just need to acknowledge that you have received this information.

13. Signature

You can use your mouse or your finger to sign.

14. Comments

If you need to leave any comments.

You can also read more about this amazing TRICARE benefit and what you need to know in order to receive yours:

FAQs About Your TRICARE Benefit Breast Pump Through The Breastfeeding Shop

The Breastfeeding Shop Has a New App and it is Amazing

How to Decide What Breast Pump is The Best One For You And Your Baby

 

FAQs About Your TRICARE Benefit Breast Pump Through The Breastfeeding Shop

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FAQs About Your TRICARE Benefit Breast Pump Through The Breastfeeding Shop

This is a sponsored post!

An amazing benefit from TRICARE for new moms is the breast pump benefit. This started in 2014 and allows each mom, one pump, for every birth event. This will allow each new mom to have a breast pump whether they need one for everyday use or to have on hand to help their milk supply.

The Breastfeeding Shop is a retailer where you can receive your pump. They offer a wide selection of breast pumps to choose from. There are a lot of questions about how all this works and everything you will receive with this benefit.

FAQs About Your TRICARE Benefit Breast Pump Through the Breastfeeding Shop

Here is a list of FAQs to help you understand more about this and how to get your own breast pump.

1. Where do I go for my breast pump?

Head on over to The Breastfeeding Shop and start the process. They have a form to fill out which makes ordering your breast pump through them easy to do.

2. What type of RX do I need to have and what should it say?

You do not need a specific RX form, but your RX does need to be signed by your doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. You also need to have certain wording on the prescription. Here is an example of an RX form that you can download and take to your doctor. The RX does need to have Double Electric Breast Pump / E0603 and Accessory Kit / Supplies as well as the length of need, Up to 36 Months on the form. You can also have the Breastfeeding Shop contact your doctor for you but getting the RX yourself will make the process go faster.

3. How many pumps can I get? I had my babies close together.

Through TRICARE you are allowed to have one breast pump for every birth event, no matter how close your babies are. A birth event means either giving birth or adopting a baby. You can receive your breast pump before you deliver your baby and up to 36 months after they are born.

4. What breast pumps does the Breastfeeding Shop have?

The Breastfeeding Shop has 10 pumps for you to choose from. You can find the one that will work best for you and your needs. Not every breast pump is the same and will work for every mom.

5. I live overseas in Germany, can I still get a pump? What about if we are stationed in South Korea?

Yes, they can ship your breast pump to anywhere in the world.

6. How long will it take me to get my breast pump?

This might depend on the insurance verification process but you should receive your breast pump within 2- 5 business days. A little longer if the pump is being shipped overseas. If you feel like it has taken too long you can call The Breastfeeding Shop at 866-255-6779 or email at customerservice@thebreastfeedingshop.com

7. What is my flange is the wrong size?

You can re-order the right size with your TRICARE benefit.

8. What do I do if I have an issue with my breast pump after I receive it?

If you are having mechanical issues, you will need to call the customer service line for your breast pump’s brand. Here are the numbers:

Medela customer service 800-435-8316
Spectra customer service 855-446-6622
Ameda customer service 866-992-6332
Ardo customer service 844-411-2736
Lansinoh customer service 800-292-4794
Evenflo customer service 855-334-2229
PJ Bliss customer service 818-566-3060
Bellema customer service 800-385-6819

9. I need more breast pump accessories, how can I order those?

After your baby is born you can receive additional accessories. TRICARE will pay for two additional accessory kits and you can order them through this accessory kit order form.

10. What if I have more questions?

If you need extra help, you can fill out a form on the Breastfeeding Shop’s website and customer service will get back to you shortly.

Receive your no-cost breast pump is an amazing TRICARE benefit. Going to The Breastfeeding Shop is the best idea, they will help you get your pump in a timely manner so you can start using it with your new baby.

Make sure to learn more about the Breastfeeding Shop app and read about how to decide on which breast pump is right for your baby.