Soldier's Wife, Crazy Life

TRICARE

Top Five Tips For Increasing Milk Production

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Top Five Tips For Increasing Milk Production

Top Five Tips For Increasing Milk Production

This is a sponsored post by the Breastfeeding Shop. 

Breastfeeding was something I knew I always wanted to do with my babies. However, getting started with breastfeeding wasn’t easy for me, especially with my oldest son. I had a lot of concerns about if he was getting enough of my milk. If only I could go back in time, I would have made things a little easier for myself through the process.

There are things you can do as a new mom to help increase your milk supply. This helps the breastfeeding relationship as well as making sure your baby is getting all the nutrition they need.

1. Nurse your baby often

Make sure you are nursing your baby often. Breast milk is digested quickly and the more you nurse, the more milk you will make. Feeding on-demand vs a rigid schedule is the best way to go. That way you are meeting your baby’s needs as much as you can. If your baby is going through a growth spurt, they will want to nurse even more, and that is okay too.

2. Double check your latch

Sometimes our milk supply issues are due to a bad latch. When your baby is not latching on the breast correctly, they are not getting all of the milk that they should. If you have a question about your latch, you should go and see a lactation consultant. They will be able to check on your latch or help you with other breastfeeding questions.

3. Drink water, eat healthy foods

When you are nursing you want to make sure you are drinking enough water, as well as eating a healthy diet. Doing both of those things will help your milk production if you are struggling. Keep a water bottle within reach when you are nursing or pumping and try to have a lot of healthy snacks available for you as you go about your day.

4. Use your breast pump

Pumping in between feeding sessions can help with your milk supply. While you are pumping, you will be making more milk, and that will increase how much milk you should be making. Make sure that you have taken advantage of your TRICARE benefit regarding breast pumps. You are eligible for one breast pump for every birth event. Head over to The Breastfeeding Shop to find your breast pump and start the process. They make ordering your breast pump pretty easy too.

5. Get enough rest

While this is much easier said than done, especially with a newborn, make sure you are getting as much rest as you can. Say no to unnecessary commitments while you are trying to build up your milk supply. See if you can hire a babysitter for your older kids and if your spouse is home, make sure they are helping you with everything that needs to get done. Try to sleep when you can and take the time to rest as much as possible.

Interested in more information about your TRICARE benefit breast pump and The Breastfeeding Shop? Check out these blog posts too:

The Easy Way To Order Your No Cost Breast Pump

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

 

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.

The Breastfeeding Shop Has a New App and it is Amazing

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

The Breastfeeding Shop Has a New App and it is Amazing

This is a sponsored post by the Breastfeeding Shop. 

Technology is amazing! There seems to be an app for everything. As of last week, there is now an app made by the Breastfeeding Shop just for moms and those who want to take advantage of the no-cost breast pump you can get with TRICARE.

The Breastfeeding Shop

 

On the home screen of the app, you see what your options are. The layout makes it easy to find what you need, whether you want to track your baby’s feeding patterns or order your breast pump.

Here is everything you can do on the Breastfeeding Shop app:

Order Forms: You have access to the order forms you need to receive your no-cost breast pump or accessory kit right on the app. This will also give you more information on calling to place your order if that is what you want to do.

The Breastfeeding Shop

Rx Form: You can download or email the RX form to your provider so that they can fill the form out for you. Then you or your provider can upload it or fax it to the Breastfeeding Shop.

The Breastfeeding Shop

Flange Sizing Chart: You can easily download this chart to help you figure out what size flange you might need.

The Breastfeeding Shop

Record your baby’s sound: Here you can record your baby’s sound with the recorder.

Pump production log: This part of the app is super handy. You can log your pumping time as well as which side you used and how many ounces you produced. You can then go back to your saved logs to see what you have been doing.

The Breastfeeding Shop

Feeding tracker: This is handy as well. You can log when your baby sleeps and eats whether you are breastfeeding in addition to pumping or only giving breast milk in a bottle.

Find a lactation consultant: This handy tool will help you pull up a lactation consultant in your area in case you are looking for one.

As you can see the Breastfeeding Shop’s app has a lot to offer new moms and makes ordering your breast pump even easier. You can find the free app in the iTunes as well as Google Play stores.

If you are curious about how to receive your pump in the first place or are looking for more information about this benefit and The Breastfeeding Shop, check out these posts to help:

How You Can Get A Breast Pump Through TRICARE for $0

Which Breast Pump Is Best For You?

Can You Really Get A No Cost Breast Pump For Each Baby Through TRICARE?

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

Why You Don’t Have to Buy Bottles For Your Breast Pump

 

 

Why You Don’t Have to Buy Bottles For Your Breast Pump

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The Breastfeeding Shop

This is a sponsored post by the Breastfeeding Shop. 

Why You Don’t Have to Buy Bottles For Your Breast Pump

If you don’t know already, TRICARE has an amazing benefit for pregnant or new moms. You can receive one breast pump for every birth event from TRICARE through a company like The Breastfeeding Shop. They will help you receive your pump through their website.

In addition to a breast pump, you can also receive free breast pump supplies which includes bottles. This means, you don’t have to buy any on your own, you can get them with your benefit. When you are using a breast pump, a good bottle is a must. You will need to them to be able to feed your baby. While some breast pumps use bags, others you can connect the bottles right to the machines for easier feeding.

Here are a few things to know about receiving bottles and other breast pump accessories from the Breastfeeding Shop:

  • You can only receive the additional accessories after the birth event.
  • If you have already received your initial pump and accessories and your baby has been born, you must wait 60 days to reorder.
  • Your bottles will come with an accessory kit.
  • Your accessory kit will depend on the brand of your breast pump. For those with Medela, Ameda, and Spectra pumps, you will receive specific accessory kits for those brands. All other pumps will receive the same type of kit.
  • You can order breast milk storage bags and flanges separately.
  • The Breastfeeding Shop has an easy TRICARE accessory kit order form you can fill out online.
  • If you don’t want to order online, you can also order over the phone by calling them at 866-255-6779.

If you are curious about how to receive your pump in the first place or are looking for more information about this benefit and The Breastfeeding Shop, check out these posts to help:

How You Can Get A Breast Pump Through TRICARE for $0

Which Breast Pump Is Best For You?

Can You Really Get A No Cost Breast Pump For Each Baby Through TRICARE?

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

If you have any questions about how to receive your pump, make sure to contact The Breastfeeding Shop. They can help you with the paperwork and everything you need to do in order to receive your benefit.

Have you received a no cost breast pump with your TRICARE benefit? What brand did you go with?

 

Can You Really Get A No Cost Breast Pump For Each Baby Through TRICARE?

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The Breastfeeding Shop

This is a sponsored post by the Breastfeeding Shop. 

Can You Really Get A No Cost Breast Pump For Each Baby Through TRICARE?

Are you pregnant or have you just had a baby? Did you know that you can receive a no cost breast pump through TRICARE? This is a fantastic benefit that we military spouses qualify for if we have a baby, either by birth or adoption. This applies for any of the TRICARE benefits and any status the service member might have to include Reserves and the Guard.

Not only that but you qualify for a new pump for each baby that you have. This is a plus as having a new pump can be a good idea, even if you have already used one in the past. TRICARE pays for one pump per one birth event.

Why would you want a new breast pump for each baby? Here are a few reasons:

Technology Changes

Times change and technology gets updated. Even in just a couple of years. If you haven’t had a baby in a while, you will find that there are many new products out on the market that they didn’t have before. Even between my two oldest boys, there were some changes, and they are just over two years apart. Like anything else, breast pumps can be approved upon. There could be new ones put out on the market in between the time you had your baby, and you get pregnant with your next one.

Lifestyle Changes

Another reason for getting a pump for each baby is because your circumstances can change as well as your needs. You probably picked out your first pump based on what you needed at the time. If you were a working mom, you would need something a bit more portable. If you were a SAHM, you looked for a pump that worked for your schedule.

Some moms either quit their jobs to stay home with a second or third baby or start working after time at home. This can change their pumping needs and why being able to get a new pump is a good thing. They can find exactly what will work for them and that baby, not having to rely on a pump that works for a different type of lifestyle.

You Didn’t Like Your Old One

You might not have been a fan of your last pump. The pump you had didn’t work as well as you thought it might. With the ability to get another pump for your next baby, you won’t have to stick with a pump that doesn’t make you happy, and you can find something different this time around.

How To Get Your No Cost Breast Pump

Getting your breast pump is an easy process by going through a company like the Breastfeeding Shop. They have a variety of breast pumps so you can find one that suits your needs. They make it easy to turn in your paperwork and will even contact your doctor directly for you.

If you are pregnant or have recently had a baby, make sure you do receive your no cost breast pump. You don’t want to miss out on this amazing benefit.

Which Breast Pump Is Best For You?

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Which Breast Pump Is Best For You?

This is a sponsored post by the Breastfeeding Shop. 

Which Breast Pump Is Best For You?

If you didn’t already know, if you are pregnant or have had a baby, you can receive a $0 cost breast pump through TRICARE. The Breastfeeding Shop is a good place to get your breast pump. They have a form you can fill out and they make the process as easy as possible.

The Breastfeeding Shop also has an excellent variety of breast pumps to choose from. Since all moms are different, the best pump for you might be different than the best breast pump for your neighbor.

Here is a run-down of all the breast pumps the Breastfeeding Shop offers and a little about each one so that you can make the right decision on your pump.

Medela Pump in Style

This pump has an adjustable speed, single and double pumping, and comes with a tote bag. The pump weighs 4.2lbs, has a 2-phase expression technology, and the motor is compact and easy to carry.

Spectra S2

The Spectra S2 has an adjustable speed, single and double pumping, and a closed system. The pump also has dual voltage and is 4.1lbs. It is gentle and quiet and has a night light which makes this pump perfect for nighttime pumping sessions.

Ardo Calypso

This pump has adjustable speed, single and double pumping, and a closed system. It is also dual voltage, battery option, and 3.2lbs. The Ardo Calypso uses vacuum seal technology.

Ameda Purely Yours

This pump has an adjustable speed, single and double pumping, and a closed system. The pump is only 1lb which makes it very lightweight. There is also airlock protection and no cleaning of the tubing needed.

Hygeia Q

The Hygeia Q has an adjustable speed, single and double pumping, and a closed system. The pump is 2.4lbs, and you can independently control cycle rate and suction strength for your particular needs.

Spectra S9 Plus 9

This pump also has an adjustable speed, single and double pumping, and a closed system. This pump has a battery option, is 1lb, and very portable. This pump is ideal for travel although the suction isn’t as great as it would be on a stand alone pump.

Spectra S1

This Spectra pump has an adjustable speed, single and double pumping, and a closed system too. It also has dual voltage, battery option, 4.1lbs with a built in rechargeable battery. This pump is very quiet with a max suction of 300 mmHg.

Lansinoh Signature Pro

This pump has an adjustable speed, single and double pumping, and a closed system. There is a battery option, comes with a tote and is 2.3lbs. This pump also has Bluetooth technology.

Evenflo Advanced Deluxe 

This Evenflo pump has an adjustable speed, single and double pumping, and a closed system. There is also a battery option, a tote, and the pump is 6lbs. This pump has an advanced control for ultimate personalization with 32 independent speeds and suction settings.

Choosing the right breast pump can feel pretty overwhelming. Take a look at this list, visit the Breastfeeding Shop’s website, and talk to your friends about what they use to find the right one.

 

How You Can Get A Breast Pump Through TRICARE for $0

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How You Can Get A Breast Pump Through TRICARE for $0

This is a sponsored post by the Breastfeeding Shop. 

How You Can Get A Breast Pump Through TRICARE for $0

We had two of our three children after my husband joined the Military. With these two boys, we had TRICARE Prime which comes with some benefits. Since I have had my boys, TRICARE has added a fantastic benefit that everyone who can take advantage of should. You can receive a breast pump through TRICARE for $0.

“Wait? A $0 breast pump just because I had a baby?” 

Yes! Since 2014, TRICARE will allow any female who has either given birth to a baby or adopted one to receive a $0 breast pump. This will encourage more moms to breastfeed and enjoy the benefits of breast milk. With a pump, they can help increase their milk supply, or be able to continue breastfeeding even after they return to work.

This benefit is valid for any type of TRICARE. This means that as a National Guard spouse I would be able to get the $0 breast pump too if I ever had another baby.

TRICARE will also pay for certain breast pump accessories such as tubing, bottles, and storage bags. This will allow you to have everything you need to start using your breast pump.

How You Can Get A Breast Pump Through TRICARE for $0

“But wait, I can get this pump, but how do I do so? Do I have to fill out a form?”

The good news is you can head on over to the Breastfeeding Shop, and they will help you receive your $0 breast pump. This is what you need to do:

  1. Get your prescription from your doctor. This must be from a TRICARE authorized provider. Your prescription should show that you can get either a basic manual or standard electric pump. The Breastfeeding Shop can also contact your physician directly, but the process will be faster if you can get that prescription yourself.
  2. Pick out the right pump. At the Breastfeeding Shop, there are quite a few pumps you can choose from. Read the reviews, talk to friends, and decide on the right pump for you and your baby.
  3. Fill out the Insurance Form at the Breastfeeding Shop and submit. Once they confirm your insurance, they will ship you your breast pump and breast pump accessories.
  4. Receive your breast pump and accessories, learn how to use your pump, and get started with the benefits of using a breast pump with your baby.

“That sounds awesome, can I do this before I have my baby? Or do I have to wait until they are born?”

You can do this before your baby comes. That way, you can have everything ready to go when they arrive. Of course, if you have already had your baby, you can still use this benefit too.

Head on over to the Breastfeeding Shop to see what breast pumps they have to offer and to get started. They would be happy to help if you have any extra questions and will work hard to make sure you can get your $0 breast pump in a timely manner.

Have you received your TRICARE breast pump benefit yet?